Today I graduated. There was no cap and gown—no pomp and circumstance–just sheer joy and renewed hope. Today I became a graduate of the Cardiac Heart Failure Program at Duke University Medical Center.
When I signed up back in September, I saw this as my last hope. I was taking medication but didn’t feel I was getting any better. When my doctor suggested the program, I knew it was something I just had to do.
For the past three months, I went to the facility for cardiotherapy and nutrition assistance, faithfully, twice a week–24 sessions in all.
I’ll never forget how hard it was to walk a few short feet from my car to the gym without being out of breath for the first couple of weeks and how often I cried because I was so embarrassed to be the youngest patient there.
But as time went on, here’s what I learned:
Stay out of the pity pool: It’s too easy to jump into but hard to get out of. And some well meaning folks will keep you there if you let them.
The mind is powerful: In order to achieve it, you must first believe it. Getting healthy required a strong, positive attitude and a determined spirit and will.
You reap what you sow: Bad habits of any kind will eventually catch up to you.
Be a testimony: Use your trials and tribulations to be a testimony for someone else so that they may be encouraged.
Never, ever give up!
As a final requirment for graduation, I had to take a test and I’m happy to report I did a little over two miles in 39 minutes and had NO shortness of breath!
Yes, I will live the rest of my life with congestive heart failure but how I choose to live will be totally up to me.
December 30, 2009 at 2:37 am
Beverly you continue to amaze me. You are an inspiration for all of us women.
Marva
December 30, 2009 at 2:45 pm
I particularly like your comment about the power of the mind. When we believe we can overcome, we start walking in that dirrection. Congratulations on your progress.
January 2, 2010 at 7:31 am
Someone’s medical condition does not make my decision as to if I would do business with someone or not. I do business with folks who are honest, knowledgable, personable, etc. The ole phrase, “you do business with people you know” is true. With you sharing your health issues, you may be helping someone else. I know you to well, you are all about helping others. You are an inspiration to so many, so please do not change one thing about yourself. Congratulations on your cardiac graduation!!
January 7, 2010 at 4:37 am
I KNOW your heart, and I totally trust it, and don’t hesitate to do business with you. None of us have the promise to live another minute, so health issues aren’t a reason not to do business with anyone.
January 10, 2010 at 9:38 pm
You’re amazing, and this is yeoman work. Great; glad to see you did what you needed to do to improve your life. Great lessons also.