I can't believe it's been almost a year since my heart transplant. I've never felt so alive, blessed, and humbled. I am spoiled rotten. I have a beautiful wife and a beautiful life. Where has the time gone?Photo: Enjoying an outdoor Peter Breinholt concert
On September 9th, the anniversary of my transplant, I will do two things. First, I will thank God for all he has blessed me wit. Second, I will thank God for the life of my donor. His challenging circumstances lead to an early death and ironically preserved my own life and a few others. I think about this young man every day and with every heart beat I realize I'm on borrowed time. Somewhere beyond this world I hope he knows how deeply indebted I am to him.
As part of the anniversary celebration, I'm looking forward to getting out and seeing many of you on a book tour that my publisher is planning for September through October. I'm still a little amazed someone would want to publish my story, but I'm grateful to my dad for pushing me to do it. Whether I see you or not, I'm hoping "Before My Heart Stops" will help you or someone you know going through a tough time.
Before I sign out I want to share a lyric with you I love written by Carolyn Pearson. She wrote, "Life is for living, for laughing and giving, whether you're happy or not."
Paul, you're one of the most down to earth people I have ever known! I'm hoping that the "Spoiled Rotten!" book tour is coming my way! :)
ReplyDeleteSteve
Adventures of a Funky Heart!
http://tricuspid.wordpress.com
So happy for you! Would love to meet you - hope are able to make it to Phoenix!
ReplyDeleteMichelle
www.withallmyhearts.blogspot.com
I think it is wonderful that someone published your incredible story Paul. You have so much to offer to the world with yorru amazing story!
ReplyDeleteStef
http://www.whenlifehandsyouabrokneheart.blogspotcom
Are you coming anywhere near Cleveland or Columbus?? A friend and I have followed your blog for a long time and would love to stop by! Comment on http://starkeyhollow.blogspot.com/ please?
ReplyDeleteI think we both realize that we ALL are here on borrowed time and what we do with it is so important. You are such a great example of that! You music makes life seem even much more poignant...beautiful!!
I truly hope you might becoming near us in Georgia! My son (with his own Tricuspid Atresia) will certainly look up to you some day and I can't wait to add your book to our shelves!
ReplyDeleteKathy Wimberly
www.lilwim.blogspot.com
I am Anne Earls daughter Niki. I have met you a few times but mostly Lynette. I have followed your blog for the last few years. I have been so inspired. In April we had our own challenge come our way, my one year old was diagnosed with cancer. I draw strength from you and your trials. We spend much of our time at Primary's and we listen to your music all the time. Thank you for your inspiring words. It helps me keep the correct perspective. Check out our blog Critterscancer.blogspot.com. Thank you again.
ReplyDeleteJust got your book in the mail on Saturday and I'm really enjoying it!!! Thanks for all you do to help us along this journey...you're a blessing to so many! If you come up to Washington on your book tour, we'll be there!
ReplyDeleteHeart hugs,
Katie (Maddie's mom)
http://allredbabygirl.blogspot.com
I have been a follower of your blog since we found out my little baby girl Paige had a heart defect. We are actually in the hospital right now in AZ with her second heart surgery. I want you and your sweet wife to know you are very inspiring to me. I love to play the piano and your music is so beautiful. It is very inspiring and touching it makes me cry. I appreciate your inspiration and for your dad for pushing you to publish a book as stated in your last comment on your blog. I look forward to getting a copy as soon as I get out of the hospital and your piano music. Thank you for sharing your life with me.
ReplyDeleteI love your blog and am grateful for your book coming out. My sister in law is waiting for a heart and is on the transplant list and is very depressed. As soon as my husband gets a job I am going to buy myself and her a copy of your book. i think it would really lift her spirits as you have done with mine through these tough and humbling times.
ReplyDeleteYou blog is very powerful and very much an awakening , I look forward to reading more.
ReplyDeleteYou have been blessed by the hand that created us all. How awesome is that. God Bless your donor also.
Paul, you're such an inspiration to many! What a perspective, when you say you're 'spoiled rotten' because you are alive! I love it! Thanks for sharing your life's experiences with so many so we can see a different perspective as well! It was great seeing you guys! We just adore You and Lynette, and Eden too!! :)
ReplyDeletenew follower...and am sooooooooooo amazed! keep up the good work!! now...off to share you with my world.
ReplyDeleteI am 26 year old guy.
ReplyDeletecan we chat ??????
My heart transplant done last year in India.