Happy 1st of October! I’ve always loved the beginning of a new month it feels like a small reset, a fresh page. But the 1st of October will always carry a much deeper meaning for us. On this day in 2014, life gave us the most extraordinary new beginning, my husband’s heart transplant. Today marks 11 years since that gift. Eleven years. Even now, I can hardly believe I get to write those words, because back then we didn’t dare imagine this far into the future. Yet here we are, and along the way, the lessons we’ve gathered have never left me.
Here are just a few things I’ve learned in 11 years since Craig’s heart transplant.
Life is a miracle. Eleven years ago, I was scared to hope. Now, I look forward with gratitude.
A second chance at life is never wasted. Every day since the transplant has been a gift, and we try our best not to take a single one for granted.
The smallest, quietest moments matter the most. It’s not about grand adventures, it’s about cups of tea on the sofa, laughing at something silly, and just being together.
Bravery comes in many forms. I’ve seen it in hospital corridors, in waiting rooms, in my husband’s determination, and in our children’s resilience.
Grief and gratitude can exist together. We never forget that our joy came from another family’s devastation, and we carry that knowledge close to our hearts.
The body is fragile, but the human spirit is strong. We’ve been tested, but we’ve never broken.
Hope is a powerful medicine. Even on the hardest days, it has pulled us through.
We are not alone. Doctors, nurses, friends, family and even strangers online. Their kindness has lifted us more times than I can count.
It’s okay to admit fear. Living with a transplant means the unknown is always there, but so is courage.
Children watch, listen and learn. Ours have grown up knowing what true strength looks like.
Love changes everything. It won’t cure illness, but it softens every blow and makes the good moments shine brighter.
This anniversary isn’t just a date on the calendar. It’s a reminder of everything we’ve come through, everything we’ve gained, and everything we still have to look forward to.
Sending love and hugs!! 11 years is such an amazing milestone and something to celebrate! Here’s to many more years of good health for Craig. xxx
Thanks, matey. xxx
What a journey you have been on. Lovely to hear the very positive outcome
Thanks, Siobhan. We are very grateful.
11 years is a great milestone.
Thanks, Ritchie. It really is!
This is such a beautiful blog post, Jayne. Thanks for sharing the wisdom and lessons of the last 11 years; it really helps to put things into perspective. Wishing Craig the best of health for the next 11 x
This is beautiful, you have been through so much and learned so much along the way. Here’s to the next 11 years and many more. And much love to the donor family who were kind enough to let you have the heart. I’m a donor, nothing much works but I know my heart is in good condition x
What a lovely milestone to celebrate! This post is very touching. I wish your husband many more years of continued health.
What a special day! As you know, we have that common bond of understanding how fragile life can be and what a gift each new day is. I found myself nodding as I read each of your eleven reasons for celebrating this milestone! You captured things perfectly! Thanks so much for sharing your list with us… you made my day! Wishing you, your husband and your family many more anniversaries of celebrating together!
Great milestone – my aunty is celebrating 15 years post heart transplant – she still says everyday is a learning day and she never takes anything for granted