Surround yourself with GOOD!

I can’t believe March is over.  This past month flew!!  I felt like we hardly had a chance to come up for air.  Things at work are really picking up and my brain is on overload!  My apologies for not posting the last few weeks.

We actually got to go on our first vacation since everything had happened a week ago.  It really was so nice to get away and just completely check out.  We went to Marco Island, Florida…we had never been there and it really far exceeded our expectations. Huge thank you goes out to Trish and Eric Bakker who own CDI, the company my husband works for....and took away 300+ people to paradise… What a beautiful place!  I really am looking forward to going back one of these days. 

 

My early morning stroll on the beach....life is good!!!

While we were away we woke up one morning to the very sad news of a local channel 7 ABC news reporter Lisa Colagrossi that had died of a brain aneurysm.  This really hit home for both my husband and I.  It once again puts things in perspective and lets us know how blessed one is.  You start to again question why you were spared…why you were one of the lucky ones.  One thing I have realized this past year…is that whether you know the person or not….anyone who has had a brain aneurysm or I think any “survivor” of anything you feel an instant bond with that person that only those who have gone thru it or know someone that that has understands.  My heart breaks for her family, friends and colleagues.  All this happening during a vacation that I am beyond grateful to be on to begin with and had so many moments of “I can’t believe I am here”…it really hit us hard.  I appreciated all the messages I received when this happened of people simply just reaching out to me and thinking of me. 

Within days of getting back from vacation I am quickly trying to get myself back on schedule…I was at the gym swimming training for this triathlon that I know will be here before I know it. I am 11 weeks out! I am doing my thing and this older gentlemen who I have seen at the same time for the past few months proceeds to tell me how much faster I have gotten.  It was so nice to hear from someone that doesn’t know me one bit.  We started talking and I shared my story with him…after he lifted his jaw from the floor he proceeds to tell me that his daughter has had two brain aneurysms and she is paralyzed on her one side.  I am not only in shock that here I meet someone who’s been touched by a brain aneurysm but twice in one week I am once again reminded how lucky I really am.  Him telling me that his daughter is paralyzed on one side and here I am just getting done swimming a bunch of laps training for a triathlon. Blessed doesn’t even sum up how I feel.  Another sign for me not to be so hard on myself!

 

I truly believe that all people we meet are brought to us for one reason or another….there was a reason I met this man.  Somehow someway we were meant to meet.  He is a new friend of mine now and one I look forward to seeing whenever I swim.   We now share a bond. 

I also had the opportunity this past weekend to celebrate a friend’s birthday…this friend is like no other.  My friend Nicole…I did not know her at the time but she was my first responder on the scene when my incident occurred.  She was at the gym working out…saw me crash to the floor and called 911.  She stayed with me…she knew it was serious and because of her and the staff members at the Hackensack Fitness and Wellness Center….I truly believe they are the reason I am here today before any of my doctors / nurses got to me at the hospital.  I am forever grateful for Nicole and the others from the gym.  I was thrilled to be invited out for her birthday this past weekend. Again…another person I know is meant to be in my life.  

 I know that the people we meet are meant to be…whether by choice or by chance…each person has a purpose.  Today I celebrate someone who is incredibly special to me.  Back in 2008…I happen to be doing cartwheels on the beach.  Yes I know this is not normal behavior for a grown adult but it really felt great at the time until I pulled my hamstring! This landed me in physical therapy at Maven SportsMedicine.  Here is where I met Dr. Jerry Yoo.  Within seconds I knew I was in good hands.  For whatever reason or another I would have to make yearly visits to Maven.  Through the years Jerry not only was my physical therapist but he became a very good friend of mine and my husbands.  I have never met a more genuine person then him. While in the hospital my doctors had wanted me to be transferred to an inpatient rehab.  My husband felt the best place for me was to be home with the kids and my dogs.  After speaking to Jerry and figuring out a few logistics the decision was made that I would go home and my rehab would be done at Maven with Jerry.  I will never forget going there on the first day….I arrive to flowers and balloons.  I don’t know any other psychical therapist that treats their patient like this.  At that moment…I knew that everything was going to be alright.  It’s kind of how I always feel when I am around Jerry. I trust this man like no other.  I know he has my best interest at hand.  He has been the most supportive person this past year second to my husband.  He believes in me more than I believe in myself at times.  If Jerry says I can do it…I then believe that I can.  People are amazed on how strong I am and look...he is a large part of why I am doing as good as I am these days.  He is going to be doing the same triathlon in June as I am (I am sure he will finish a lot earlier than me!!! Haha!) He has been guiding me throughout this triathlon journey.  He has been coaching me every step and I feel so lucky that I have his guidance.  Physical Therapist / Friend / Mentor/ Tri Coach all wrapped into one!!!  Wishing him the happiest of birthdays! Thank you for all you do and thank you for all your support...you are truly the best!

Me and Dr.Jerry last year at therapy

 I hope everyone has a good network of people that they are surrounded by…people who lift you up.  People that believe in you and support you.  I know I have said it many of times…but I truly believe this has been key in my recovery.  Having people who believe in you really makes a difference. 

So true...surround yourself with good and good things will happen!

 My husband promises to return for those who are anxiously waiting his continuation!!!

 Let’s hope Spring gets here and stays!! Wishing you all a wonderful holiday weekend ! xo