Journal Entry 15: A Week of Celebrations

Aug. 24–30, 2009

Monday the school year began for my nieces, Nicole and Natalie. I picked them both up around noon this week and enjoyed lunch every day with them. Next week they both have full day schedules.

Thursday, my friend Carolyn Wardell had a gathering of Business and Technology Instructors (retired) at her beautiful home. We enjoyed a delicious BBQ cooked meal. A son of one of the instructors (Ed) did all the cooking for everyone! At one time, I worked with these instructors at Southwestern College. They have all known me from the beginning of my heart issues. During my transplant they were rooting for me as usual. It was great to see them and be able to let them see a "well" Debbie for the first time in 30 years!

I can't thank them enough for all the love and support they've given me throughout the years. I feel so blessed to have worked with this very caring group of professionals. From the bottom of my heart ... THANK YOU for loving me and always being there for me! It was a fun get together and I hope we can do it again! I'm so grateful that Carolyn had this reunion.

Friday morning I met with the "Friday morning Breakfast Club" at the Family House Restaurant. The "Breakfast Club" keeps getting bigger and bigger! Most of them are retired staff from Southwestern College and the "Energizer Bunny" group. We all love Karen, our waitress. She knows us well and gets our orders out in record time! The service is outstanding and we all look forward to our weekly get together. Several from the "Breakfast Club/Energizer Bunny group" will be walking with me on Sept. 19 at the San Diego Heart Walk.

Saturday, our friends Chris and Todd's son got married. It was a fun wedding and Larry and I enjoyed meeting their family and friends.

Sunday, we went with our friends to a Humphrey's concert. Susan was a blue's singer/guitarist. We enjoyed the concert and the cool breeze we felt from being near the beach.

It's definitely been a week of celebrating with many of my very special friends! Follow more of Debbie's heart transplant journey.

For More Information
 To learn more about the heart transplant program at Sharp Memorial Hospital, please contact the program directly by calling 858-939-3831, Monday through Friday, 7 am to 3:30 pm.

To learn more or to find a cardiologist affiliated with Sharp, please call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-824-4277) or go to Find a Doctor.