Month: August 2005

Today had several encouraging moments. The first was waking up and not feeling tired, after a solid ten hours of sleep. The second, going to the track and practicing running with my friends Marty and Debra. I have cut off over a second on my 100m dash time already, and I think I could go faster, but I’ll have to work up to it. Third, I saw a job opening I am going to apply for…lastly, I am working on harder climbs in the gym now. I made it up a crimpy slab 5.10d (intermediate level)with three falls today. Even though I cannot climb them without falling, the harder climbs are fun and challenging because of the more complicated moves. Doing them is also building my finger strength back up again. Stacey, from Belmont

It was my housemate Dave’s birthday on Thursday, and I have been spending a lot of time with him this week. Thursday, I made chicken stir-fry with sweet rice wine (his favorite) and also organized a little birthday potluck for Friday with his best friends, Mark and Eva, at our house. Friday dinner was special…salmon marinated with lemon herb sauce, salad, rice, cous cous, sushi and birthday cheesecake. Afterwards, the three of them went climbing, but I went to bed as usual. Speaking of birthdays, today, Aug. 13th, is my niece Mia’s 1ST BIRTHDAY! Happy birthday, little one! Denise, give her a big hug and kiss for me! Stacey, from Belmont

One good thing that happened during the illness is that I have had the opportunity to spend some quality time with my friends lately. Their support is really helping me through this period of new beginning. Love is such a valuable thing. This week, I had long talks with Will and Robin as we met to exercise. They are helping me with physical rehab as well as just tackling life’s challenges. I really appreciate their help. Stacey, from Belmont

Will, thanks for meeting with me at the stadium. After talking with you, I was motivated to go to the track later and try some sprints. Much to my delight, I was able to run 100m in 20:57 seconds, not very fast but competitive enough to make it feel worthwhile to train for the Transplant Games in June 2006. My sister Denise was here visiting from Latvia (Eastern Europe) for the past three days. We had a great time talking, cooking, shopping, and taking nature walks together. On Wednesday, we had a leisurely breakfast, then had coffee with Aunt Lorraine. We took a walk along the lake, ate burritos and later went to the stadium and climbed the bleacher steps with Ana, Isa and Dave. Denise is in great shape. (She wasn’t even out of breath when she got to the top each time.) After the workout, we met Dave at home for a beef stir-fry dinner we prepared earlier in the afternoon. Thursday, our cousin Brenda took us to lunch at PF Changs, and then we all went shopping for shoes and the beginning of a business work wardrobe for me. We were surprisingly successful (shopping is not my strength, so they were my fashion guides.) After shopping, Brenda gave Denise an eye brow waxing, and then we went home and had dinner with Dave, and watched the Transplant Games video. Today, Friday, we went to the Sawyer Camp Trail and walked a mile along the reservoir. After the walk in the sun, I got sick for the first time since she arrived, but felt better after the air conditioner kicked in. Denise took me to lunch at Togo’s, and then we headed to the airport to drop her off. Dana, if you are reading this, I would like to wish you a very happy birthday today! We left a message for you earlier today, and Denise did receive your presents right before they left Latvia. Stacey, from Belmont

Well, I’ve got to push through tired days like today, and concentrate on the positive…gather the inner strength like my friend Lorma. Lorma is waiting for a heart double-lung, and is living on oxygen 24/7 right now. Even though her life is limited to a 50′ cord inside the house, Lorma still has a positive outlook. Since Lorma is new to the area, I took her and her mom on a little tour of downtown Mountain View today. Much to my surprise, the wheelchair fit nicely in my car, and we had a pleasant afternoon going about the shops. Lorna’s mom kindly treated us to lunch. Later, I went on a 20-minute walk into the hills behind my house, and cooked a eggplant-tofu dish. Dave and I enjoyed the dish over cooked wild rice that Miki had brought from Minnesota. It was a very healthy meal! Stacey, from Belmont

Saturday, Cindy and I climbed at the gym. I had been feeling tired but I went anyway. It is my job to climb and get stronger right now. I felt pleased to do a 5.10b which required a lot of balance with only one rest. I tried a 5.11a but it didn’t happen, so I struggled up another easier route. Earlier that day, I visited my friend David and took him to the library from the hometel apartments. David just had a double-lung transplant on July 7th, and he is doing really well! Congratulations, David! You have a strong and powerful spirit. Sunday, I had lunch with my cousin Brenda and Lorraine. It is always good to see them. After lunch, I went for a beautiful walk with my friends Jane and Miki. I have known Miki since high school and was thrilled to spend some time with her again! We talked about old times, and our 20th high school reunion that she just attended in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. We also got caught up with our current lives from the last few years. Yesterday, I went to the Heart-Lung Picnic at the home of Ted and Betty Tight. It is for transplant patients and their friends and families. So many people are dealing with life-threatening situations, and taking it with grace. I continue to learn a lot from their courage and faith, in God, themselves, and the loving relationships between family and friends that develops throughout the tranplant waiting process and recovery. In hard times, we are all striving to maintain a positive and hopeful outlook on life. For me, it is not always easy to do this; honestly, I miss my old body, full of strength and athletic energy. At 35, I was in the best shape of my life before the decline, and my career was starting to take off. But reality is that I have to adjust to my current reality whether I like it or not. Being there at the party reminded me to be grateful for what I do have… having gotten through the transplant and my first setback alive, and as my friend Isa reminded me, going back to climbing. Stacey, from Belmont