Today, I celebrate one year with my new lungs. It is hard to believe a whole year has passed since my transplant. 365 days ago at this exact time, I was lying on an operating room table with one diseased, worn out lung. My other lung had been removed from my chest and replaced with a new, healthy lung. Within a few hours, the second new lung would be transplanted and with it would come an entire new lease on life.
I am so grateful to my donor who selflessly gave the gift of life to someone they never met. I am blessed to have the love of my life encouraging me and supporting me though this journey. Wow, has it ever been an amazing adventure so far. That comment also pertains to all of you, my family and friends who have been by my side.
I want to thank everyone following this blog and my journey through life. Your words of encouragement have helped me in a way you will never know. Thank you for your continued support. Thank you for your comments, text messages, emails, etc.
A year has passed and I am now running up stairs, carrying groceries, dancing, hula hooping, riding a bike, golfing, entertaining at our house, walking our dog, exercising, and enjoying life. This is all possible because of the generous donation of a very special individual that I think of every day. I continue to put my hand on my chest, take a deep breath, and thank my donor daily for the greatest gift of all -the gift of life.
My gratitude towards my donor for this second chance at life is immeasurable. Could you please do something for me today. Please take a moment to think about my donor and their family today. As I am celebrating a milestone, there is a family that is grieving. Thank you.
Each day is a gift. Cherish it. I do!
Nikki's New Lungs 
Congratulations Nikki. Wishing you many healthy years ahead. Praise God from whom ALL Blessings flow! GM.
LikeLike
Congrats Nik! It’s been so great seeing you out enjoying life : ) What a blessing and an answer to prayer! My heart also goes out to the donor family during this time. Hope to see you guys soon.
LikeLike
You’re one amazing lady Nikki. Congrats and thank you for inspiring me today. Your donor and donor family have my prayers!
LikeLike
Congrats on one year, Nikki. You are an inspiration!
LikeLike
I share Gregory Mansourian’s sentiments exactly! God bless you sweet Nikki.
Ellen
LikeLike
I am so happy that this day is here. Enjoy your gift!
LikeLike
Consider it done! My heart is happy that you are out doing the things you couldn’t do before your transplant; thank GOD and your donor for blessing you with your new lungs and your new lease on life!! God bless you; love you to the moon and back, Nikki darling!!!
LikeLike
Beautiful Nicki, your comments are an inspiration to all who read them. You have been amazing thru the sickness to your new lease of life – and you always find time to think of others. You are a truely beautiful person.
LikeLike
Happy anniversary and special thanks to your donor and family, our hearts and prayers are with them as we celebrate your gift of life. It truly is amazing all that has happened in this last year,especially to be able to see the strong, happy and healthy you and for you to be able to accomplish all that you do!! You are a very special person and so happy to have you in our family!! Love you always!!
LikeLike
Congratulations!! I think about and pray for you and your donor’s family quite often. I really enjoy your blog! God bless you and keep living life to the fullest!!
LikeLike
Wow sure doesn’t seem that long ago! Very well written post Nikki. Isn’t that the truth we think of our beloved Donors all the time. You forgot to mention speaking on behalf of Lifesource on the wonders of Donation and transplant. May there be many more years of this crazy world we call “The Finished Product”.
LikeLike
Prayers sent to your donor’s family. Your story is so inspiring, and I enjoy reading all your fabulous updates, and praying for you when things don’t quite go as planned. (I grew up in EG, and found your story through Char!)
LikeLike
Congratulations on your victorious first year!! You should write an article for a magazine! Great publicity for the cause and SO INSPIRING!!!!!! Both you and Travis are exceptional writers as well!
LikeLike