I passed another milestone last weekend. What was probably just another cold winter weekend to most people marked one more year of life that I almost didn't have. Nine years ago right now, I was in the hospital, in intensive care, beginning my recovery from a near-fatal bout with bacterial meningitis (Neisseria meningitidis).
You'd think after this long, I would kind of forget when this all happened and that the dates would pass without me noticing. But anyone who's ever had a brush with death can tell you that you remember these things. And what I recall is not the illness so much as all the big and little things I would have missed had I not survived.
And I'm grateful. And I know that I'm blessed.
Yay me. :-)
________________
*This picture was taken just two days before I became ill with meningitis. Romie carries it in his wallet.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Nine Years and Counting
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"Bejeweled"
22 comments:
Whew...and we're also grateful, because we're blessed with your blog, and more importantly, your friendship. It really does mean that we need to seize each day, doesn't it?
Congratulations! We are all very glad that you survived and live to tell the tale! The garden blogosphere wouldn't be the same without you...
Katie at GardenPunks
Kylee, You won't forget. Perhaps you finding yourself more appreciative of people, situations, opportunities, and blessings. :-)
What a miracle that you survived that nasty bacterial meningitis. Of course one can't forget such a horrible experience.
No doubt you've come out of it a stronger person who appreciates the important moments in life.
Plus, the creator is smart. After all he created the first garden and he knows a good gardener when he sees one.
By the way, a very nice photo of you.
How terrifying. Thank goodness you pulled through. I'm glad you're here.
Well, that's a marvellous story, Kylee...nothing short of a miracle. It must have made you focus on what was important in your life and how every moment is to be savoured and treasured, even on days which most people might regard as dull or dreary or boring or ordinary. Escaping death must have made you wear rose-tinted glasses for a long time.
I'm so glad to be able to follow your blog and look at all those beautiful photos you take. i also enjoy reading about your eight kitties and their adventures as well as your creative skills with plants :)
Yay you indeed. Whew, glad you survived Kylee, what would we garden bloggers do without you?
In 1999 I had a brush with death too and you are right you do remember these things. And I've learned to appreciate life more.
I love you MoM!
We're grateful too!!
Jodi ~ Yes, we do need to seize the day! I've always tried to grab an opportunity when it's presented to me (I got that quality from my mom) but it's also never far from my mind that the days I'm living are bonus days, but I guess it's that way for everyone, isn't it? We just never know when life here on earth will end for us, do we?
Katie ~ Aww, Katie, that's so nice of you to say that!
Shady Gardener ~ Yes, I do, but in all honesty, I also do like most everyone else - I get complacent about things. Perhaps that's what is good about anniversaries like this. They make you appreciate things all over again!
Carolyn Gail ~ Thanks, Carolyn! Now I never thought of that! Of course he knew I would become a gardener! I like that thought. :-)
Pam ~ Thank you. I'm glad, too! :-)
A Wildlife Gardener ~ It absolutely IS a miracle. That's what one of the nurses had said to me. When she would walk into the room, she'd say, "How's our little miracle doing today?"
I'm glad you're enjoying my blog!
Yolanda Elizabet ~ Wow. Can we find any more things that we have in common??? Kindred spirits, to be sure! I'm glad you're here, too!
Kara ~ I love you, too, Baby Girl!
Everyone This whole blogging experience has proven to be one more blessing in my life. Thank you all for taking the time to read what I write here and to comment. I enjoy the comments so much and that I've gotten to "know" so many wonderful people through blogging.
Life is good! Carpe diem!
So many lives would have remained untouched had you not recovered. The world is a better place for you! Don't forget to celebrate the day with some special, once a year, treat! Love your lists!
I think it sometimes takes an experience like this...a wake-up call, if you will, to truly appreciate how truly precious the simple act of living is. Being grateful for abundance takes on a whole new meaning. The dimension of colors, sounds, tastes, and all senses becomes deeper and richer. Oh, if only that alarm would sound in us all, we'd all be feel more blessed. And blissed. I'm thankful for your existence here, Kylee, in a time and place where I'm fortunate to have come to know you. :) Namaste'
Kylee, I'm so glad that God spared your life, and I'm so glad that our paths have crossed through our little garden blog community. Your blog has brought me so much joy. My husband travels often to Ohio, one day, I'd love to meet you in person.
Congratulations on the milestone! That is an awful disease and you always hear about its devastating effects. I'm glad you were able to pull through. An experience like that would make you appreciate everything a lot more.
kylee,
We are all blessed that God decided that he wasn't done with you yet here on earth. He knew there would be many more lives that you would touch here before he could take you home with HIM. Thank you Jesus!
Hugs,
Brenda
Kylee, I discovered your beautiful gardening blog last week, and have added it to my list of Gardening-related links at Macromoments. Your story is a beautiful one, and points to the importance of every moment. (Wish I'd known about it back when I was gathering stories for When God Steps In: Stories of Everyday Grace. It would have fit perfectly.
Looking forward to exploring past posts and learning from your gardening experience. I noticed in your profile that you also love macro photography--another love of mine!
Yay you!! My life wouldn't be near as interesting without you being apart of it. I love you!
It's all just a giggle away.
I am sure after an experience like that, you would count every day from then on as a special gift.
We're certainly glad you beat it too.
YAY You!!!! :)
Congratulations on your survival. Definitely a moment in your life you will not forget. I hope you never have to battle for your life again.
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