Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Another Day To Celebrate

Today marks the anniversary of this bit of nonsense back in 2007.


I was near death from heart failure. It is unusual for a woman in her late forties to suffer from this, but unusual is a common way to describe me.
I've recovered nicely.
In fact, I convinced my doctor to let me cut down on beta blockers last spring.
This is good for a variety of reasons including, but not restricted to, I can now get reasonably riled when some entitled driver bristling with self-esteem parks in front of my driveway. I haven't had to have anyone towed yet, but I am looking forward to it.
We like to celebrate Dec. 14.
Regrettably, Mike has been called away to work and will be leaving tonight. The celebration will have to be held some other day. 
This does not matter.
The important thing is the reminder that life can get away from you when you're not looking. It's best to stop and look around and enjoy what you've got.
Oh, and embrace life for what it has to offer. If it scares you, do it.
Mike took this pic of me last January in Egypt with a scorpion on my hat. Once you've given death a right good ass-kicking fear plays much less of a role in life.

19 comments:

David Cranmer said...

So glad you shared this post and that you're around to share it with us. Inspirational words to boot! You're the best, Leah.

Leah J. Utas said...

Aww, David. Thanks so much.

Tabor said...

Boy is THIS the truth!

Leah J. Utas said...

Tabor, thanks for the support.

Crabby McSlacker said...

Really, that was in 2007??? Scared the pants off me and it hardly feels like a year or two has gone by.

SO glad it's all behind you now! But yep, good lesson about embracing life. Though I think I'd skip the scorpion and embrace a big fat slice of pie instead!

Leah J. Utas said...

Ron, it is my pleasure to share. Thanks, and you're welcome.

Crabby, the time sure has flown. Certainly celebrate in your own way, and pie is a good way to do it.

the Bag Lady said...

I'm with Crabby - can't believe it was that long ago! Time sure does fly, and I'm glad you've been around to see it flying!
Happy heart day!

Chris said...

Good stuff. Glad you're still ticking and kicking!

Leah J. Utas said...

Bag Lady, thanks. It's been a blast.

Chris, thanks so much.

Frank Baron said...

Couldn't agree more, Leah. I've brushed shoulders a time or three with Brother Reaper and it alters one's perspective forever.

NOW I understand why I've felt a kindredship with you. Though death is no longer the bugaboo it is for many, I'm grateful we've both been granted more time to get to know and appreciate the planet a little better.

Leah J. Utas said...

Frank, it surely does.
Me, too. and as one death-defying ex-reporter another, it's good to know you.

messymimi said...

The world is a better place with you, and i'm glad we've "met".

Reb said...

Hard to believe it was that long ago. I am glad you kicked ass and are still around to tell us about it.

Red said...

Great to hear that you have made a terrific recovery. You can say kick ass or whatever you like but it's really that we accept our own end and then we do not fear the end.

Leah J. Utas said...

You are so kind, Messymimi. I, too, am glad we've met.

Reb, thanks. How fast goes the time.


Thanks, Red. You've made a good point.

Hilary said...

I can't believe it's been four years. That's four years of improved health and it sounds to me like you're getting better all the time. So glad to know you and have you around.

Leah J. Utas said...

I am, Hilary. Thanks.

Dawn said...

I LOVE this post. It stands in my top 3 favorites!!
You are so right, and I love that you stated, "If it scares you, do it."!
You bet I for surely will.

A great "death ass-kicking" photo:)
(And please do a post when you get that someone towed. That would be a fun read:)

Leah J. Utas said...

Dawn, thanks so much. It's good to stretch yourself and meeting fear face on is a great way to do it.
Y'know, I think the scorpion looks rather cute from this angle.