September 27th is a very important day for me.
First reason.
Nine years ago on 9/27, blood clots flooded both of my lungs. You only really need one blood clot to kill you so the fact that countless blood clots flooded my lungs and tore my pulmonary artery was not viewed as something that would have a positive outcome. In fact, it was the first time I had heard the term ‘grave prognosis’ spoken so many times. My family was called to come to the hospital, right away. My poor parents were in South Carolina at the time and drove through the middle of the night, not knowing if I’d still be here when they arrived.
I lived! Yay me!
(True story: the moment I was told I was critical I asked for paper and a pen so I could write out instructions for how the rest of Max’s life should go. Melvin was not mine yet).
Everyone I tell this story to says that day must have been the worst day of your life. Oh no – quite the contrary. It is BY FAR one of the best days of my life. I survived! I have pretty much been a joy seeker ever since that day.
Second, but most important reason.
September 27th is Jake’s birthday. In fact, at the exact moment I was being rushed into the emergency room, Jake was being born. As everyone thought I was having my last moments of this life, Jake’s googly-eyes were seeing for the first time.
The same day. The same year.
Jake being born, trumps anything that could ever happen on September 27th. Jake brings me infinite joy. Living is only part of the story, loving is the real gift. Jake being born saved me in a billion new ways. Jake opened my eyes and my heart to champion the unique and to face struggle with solutions. Jake increased the value of my life and my love, simply by existing. I don’t know who I should thank that he was born, but I’m forever in your debt. I’m forever grateful that his path and my path collided. He was born to be with Melvin and me and I know he felt true love from the day we met.
My heart carries you.
My soul celebrates you.
I miss you. I miss you so much.
I love you.
Happy 9th birthday, bug! You are one of the greatest gifts of this life of mine and I love you forever and ever.
You were mighty, and you were mine.
Here is my birthday post for him from last year, a reminder that time is never a guarantee.