I recalled yesterday about the most important phone call I have ever received in my life which happened years ago. The voice on the other end asked me if I could come to the hospital as soon as possible as there was a pair of lungs for me to be transplanted!

Today, I celebrate eight years with my “new pretty pink lungs” . That was the phrase I kept repeating over and over after my surgery during recovery. I still often say it aloud.

Tonight, someone had delivered Chinese food to our doorstep. We didn’t place an order for this meal and after confirming with the neighbors realized it was mistakenly placed on our porch. After an hour or so, I decided to bring it in. Since the fortune cookies were individually wrapped, I proceeded to open one of them. Not sure there could have been a more appropriate and “breath taking” message!!!

I am so grateful to my donor, Jacob.  I have been blessed with eight more years of glorious life with the people I love. To think what I have been able to do in the last eight years, I can’t believe it. I was given the greatest gift of all, the gift of life.

If you read this, please put your hand on your chest and take a DEEP BREATH in honor of Jacob and all the donors who have selflessly donated.