419

The above number will always be engraved in my mind and heart. It is such a biiter-sweet number to me. The other day I was at the hospital at neuro-rehab. While I was waiting for one of my therapists' a lady came over to the front desk and she was speaking to the clerk as she turned around to leave she noticed me sitting in the waiting area. She quickly came over and said, "Hi Heidi so do you know who I am?" I quickly recognized that she was one of ICU nurses who cared for me each night I was in the hospital. I stood up and we embraced. She then asked me if I had time to take a walk with her up to the Critcal Care Unit so a couple of other nurses who also cared for me could see me and could say hi. I agreed so we walked over and went up on the elevator. While we were on the elevator the nurse explained to me that it is important to them to see their previous patients that they have taken care of because often their patients die or are taken to a residential home and they never get to see them again. She said therefore we never know their ending to their story. As we stepped off the elevator I noticed the sign that said, "Welcome to Critcal Care. All vistors must be 12 years or older and check in at the nurse's desk." Tears started to stream down my face as I realized that just a short few months ago I was on this floor fighting for my life. We walked past my old room 419 and thankfully it was vacant; however, it brought back a flood of memories. This was the room I was told that I could die and also the room that I was told that I would live but have an extensive recovery. This is the room where my story began. We reached the nurse's desk where I was embraced by two other nurses who cared for me so well. What an incredible moment it was for me to share with them the rest of my story. Each of them had huge smiles on their faces and told me how much my visit meant to them and how thankful they were to see me walking, talking, and living my new life that I have been given. We embraced again and then Katie the nurse who brought me up to CCU walked with me back down to rehab. It was a bitter-sweet moment in my recovery journey, but also a part of my healing. Not only did I recall the sad and hard moments of this journey, but I also realized the incredible moments as well as the miracles that have happened to me in the past 100 days. How blessed I am to have the opportunity to share another Holiday season with my beautiful family and friends. I cannot wait to make more beatiful memories with Kirk, Zachary, and Isabella this coming year! My life is my greatest gift this year! A special thank you to all of the CCU Nurses, who cared for me. There are not enough words to express my feelings, but you all are my special angels. Merry Christmas!!!!