To Do Post-Transplant

This wait is getting pretty depressing. It gets harder every day to remember how fortunate I am to be alive and to have a solution (transplantation) to my problem. It’s hard to be grateful that I only need a temporary handicap permit. It’s easier to compare myself to most people my age, who are doing normal things like spending the long weekend out of town with friends, dating and getting engaged, getting promotions, buying houses, having babies…or just dining out at restaurants without worrying about how much salt is in each dish.

So, instead of dwelling on what I can’t do right now, I’ll try focusing on the things I want to do in the future. This is a list of the top ten things I want to do post-transplant (in no particular order). Some of them are short-term (especially #1!) and some are years away, but they all have one thing in common – I can and will do all of them one day.

1. Eat a slice (or two) of very cheesy pizza. I know better than to do this frequently, but I think the occasional indulgence will be okay.
2. Go skiing somewhere cool – either out west or eventually in the French or Swiss Alps. I’ve only skied once in at least the last five years, but I love it!
3. Rent a kayak and paddle around. It’s great exercise and a lot of fun!
4. Visit all 50 states (airports don’t count). I’ve been to 34 already and have plans to visit my 35th (Maine) in September.
5. Run a 5k. I’ve hated running for a long time, but I think my tune might change.
6. Buy a house. I’m very much over smelling other people’s dinner and hearing other people’s music.
7. Get a dog. I’m taking this opportunity to show off my parents’ dogs below - they are the greatest!
8. Take tennis lessons.
9. Go back to France. I’ve vacationed there twice and lived there for six months, but I can’t get enough!
10. Compete in the bi-annual Transplant Games!