what became my happily ever after

Two years ago I was released from ICU at Shands (UF) Hospital. I had been rushed to the ER by my fiancé at the time and admitted a week prior for heart complications and pre-transplant evaluation “again!” After all the tests and being told it was time to start finding me a heart so I would not have to keep struggling and fighting we were then faced with huge decisions. January 10th 2010, on Dewon’s R&R from Iraq, after being discharged from the hospital we drove to Tallahassee Florida with his family following behind us. When we arrived to my parent’s house a Wedding was all ready for us. We had less than two hours to be ready and I remember thinking “how the heck did they do all of this” A few hours later after make-up, pictures, and kisses from my new husband I was married to the man of my dreams. It wasn’t the wedding we were planning but it was perfect. I had my family, his family and close friends and couldn't have been happier.

Later that week we were told we were dropped from the Shands list again! They told us that I had too many complications when it came to actually transplanting me. Between my high pressures in my heart and lungs I also had high percentage of antibodies in my blood from prior blood transfusions. My body had a 93% chance it would reject a new heart and Shands didn't want another death on their hands. They were not comfortable with the case so it was time to look into other hospitals.

Luckily for me in March of 2010 Cleveland Clinic took my case after another long week of pre- transplant evaluations. The doctors at the clinic were so open minded and were so positive about transplanting me and even thought a lung transplant would not be necessary.  Because of my condition I have to have a peds and an adult doctor to do the surgery and both were on board and ready to get me on the list. On March 29th 2010 I was placed on the transplant list with Cleveland Clinic. I remember being so nervous and when I opened the letter I was too scared to even read it. With my parents close we opened it and I was "accepted" and it was a huge weight lifted off all of our shoulders. Today I continue to wait, and I am in no hurry, God will know when it is the time and I know I will get through every obstacle because I have so much to share with people and a family that I can't leave to mourn me. So I continue to fight and thank Cleveland Clinic for taking my case and giving me hope again. And of course my family, husband and friends.

Letter to my husband:

Two years later we are both still alive, which my grandma says is the first step in a great marriage :) And I cannot thank God enough for sending me such an amazing man. Dewon I cannot imagine how hard it is to have to take care of me day in and day out. I don’t have the words to tell you how grateful I am that you are so patient, caring and loving. I know it is not easy to have to spend weeks in a hospital, pick your wife up off the ground and even have to hold me while I cry because I am scared to death and “just can’t do this anymore”. I never would have thought sitting on your desk in history class nine years ago and saying hi my name is Carmen would lead to the wonderful life we have today. I love you so very much and can’t imagine my life without you and our two crazy dogs. Happy 2nd Anniversary Baby! I ♥ you

Now to enjoy my anniversary. Till next time xoxo