Happy Heartiversary

On Sunday, December 14th we celebrated Annika's heartiversary. While I'd like to say that the first year post-transplant flew by, in some ways it feels like it lasted forever. Was there ever a life where we didn't think about hearts and meds and hydration and lab draws All The Time?  Feels like eons.

For months, we'd talked about wanting to do a service project on Annika's heartiversary to commemorate her donor. As we planned, nothing seemed significant enough to honor a gift so profound. In the end, we opted for something super simple instead. The day was already extremely busy as it coincided with Brooklyn's homecoming celebration following her 18-month mission to Spain. We decided to set up a table and paint rocks as a way to remember Annie's donor and celebrate their interconnected lives.

We gathered the rocks during walks through the foothills near our home.

This project worked out far better than I expected. The rock painting brought people together into a comfortable space where they could color and chat and simply enjoy one another's company. For me, organ donation is all about cherishing the small moments and holding those you love close. Whether you are on the giving or receiving end of a transplant, both life and time are precious.

Plus, rock painting is just fun!  There's something liberating about engaging in something creative. Some of us (myself included), haven't really painted since we were children. 

A rock is such a small canvas that it doesn't feel overwhelming. When the canvas is plucked off the ground, it removes the pressure of having to create something impressive. But even more, I love the connection with nature. It fits Annika's woodsy personality perfectly, plus it's pretty poignant on a meta-level as well. Created from the dust of the earth, each one of us will return to our Mother Earth as well.

Best of all, the results are just so cute and cheerful! Especially the gnomes and Snoopy.

Oh, and you can't forget the guinea pig.

Happy heartiversary, Annie! You are so loved.

To her donor and herdonor's family, thank you as well. As always, words fail to express all this second chance means. We love you and hold you close to our hearts, not just this day, but always.