Today I learned that some close friends were sharing my story with a lot of their friends (no problem with me, more awareness the better!), but the way the verbiage they were using to tell people bothered me. They had been telling people that I had my colon removed because the doctors just “couldn’t save it”. That doesn’t bother me so much, I’m not embarrassed of Coltrane, he’s my friend.  What did bother me was that they were also telling people that I was “struggling with the adjustment”.  WRONG.  While some days are means for frustration, I’ve been able to find something good in pretty much every day since he came into my life. In fact, since he’s entered my life I’ve been able to appreciate the little things even more than I did before.  Being able to shake the ketchup bottle, being able to walk to the store, being able to put socks on – I’ve had a lot of little accomplishments in the last few months!  Healing from major surgery isn’t easy for anyone.  Accepting the loss of a major organ isn’t easy. Learning on the fast-track about how to care for your ostomy isn’t easy. And, although sometimes it tests my strength, at the end of the day I’m grateful for the lessons I’ve learned because of this experience. 

Coltrane is the reason I had the opportunity to celebrate the holidays this year.  Not only did I get to be alive, I had the energy to be goofy and laugh and eat yummy food with my family.  Nothing gets better than that!

This post was originally written in December 2013.