The Life and Lungs of Kim

I have a cold!  A marvelously mundane, run-of-the-mill, COLD!  Never before (and probably never again) have I been this happy to have a sore throat, cough and runny nose.  See, I've spent these past three months worried about my super-suppressed immune system and what was going to happen once I contracted some virus (despite my masks and copious amounts of hand sanitizer): Would it settle into my new lungs and compromise them?  Would a mere ordinary virus render me incapacitated somehow?   Will a strong cough hurt my still-healing sternum? Turns out, none of the above.  I, being the mere mortal that I am, can get sick just like all y’all.  So bring on the tissue (and Sudafed!  For the first time in 7 years, I’m allowed to have regular cold medicines!  THESE ARE VICTORIES, PEOPLE.). I’ll be sniffing, snorting and hacking here at home with a big ol’ smile on my face. And in other update-news: I had clinic today at UW...

Tomorrow, I turn 41.  The past 12 months have been (pick a word, any word...) miraculous, challenging, heartening, triumphant..and way more.  Coming full circle, I'm taking the time to remember how awesome my 40th birthday was, surrounded by family and friends, and so fancy!  And I'm celebrating how lucky I am to be here a year later, having gone through so much.  I know I've said it before but I am incredibly grateful to hundreds of people -- my donor, all the medical professionals, my husband and mom, my family, my friends and even more folks who I don't know but are friends of you all and have been following this craziness and providing YOU with support and love. The slideshow shown at my party (still so wonderful, Deb!): http://nunesfamily.com/direct/KimsParty/Kims40thSlideshow_FromDeb.mp4 A slideshow of my party: http://nunesfamily.com/direct/KimsParty/KimsPartySlideshow_FromPhotographer.mp4 (If any problems opening those up, you...