“John, we have a heart for you.”
Are there moments in life, which as they happen, we know we will recall for the rest of our lives? Moments that will change our lives? Perfect moments?
On September 25, 2017, Dr. Sylvestry came to my hospital room and said, “John, we have a heart for you.” I knew I would live. I knew the cost; a man had died that day. I had lived in that room for more than eight weeks, my life supported by machines. That was the moment I knew I was to receive the Gift of Life from a still unknown donor.
I had come from the precipice of death, coded multiple times, skinny, sick, in a wheelchair, and told I might need a walker the rest of my life. Now, I can walk three miles in 53 minutes. I take dancing lessons, and dance with my friends twice a week. I am back to work, having made seven trips to China with my new heart. I am planning a trip to Munich and Cologne in December, a wonderful place to be for the Christmas season. From Munich, I will take a train to Switzerland, across the Alps to Florence. I am grateful, and living a dream.
Can you imagine for a moment what it is like to be alive, not just alive, but living a full life, only because of the goodness and gracious Gift of Life from a stranger? I can. It isn’t really a matter of thinking of the Gift of Life every day. That does not describe it. The Gift of Life is who I am.
The heart I received on September 25, 2017 defines me. I am a heart transplant recipient. There is a long list of good people, not just a donor, who helped me live. There are those who visited, waited, encouraged, and sacrificed for me. They helped me stay alive, just one more day. One more day had to be how I lived. There was nothing beyond one more day. It was the key to survival. The ultimate act of a survivor is living in the moment. Now, I practice living that way. There is no meaningful future for me; there is only this moment.
I live a grateful life. Sometimes, life gets in the way, but never so much that my physical, mental or spiritual health is at risk. I have learned, have permitted, that a little help from my friends makes me whole.
My life has changed in many ways, and I like it. My plan was to be in the South Pacific, sitting on a beach, my sailboat, Ariadne, in a quiet anchorage. South Africa would be in the plan as I prepared to finish my circumnavigation. I didn’t complete that dream, but lived another; that of a survivor, a heart transplant recipient. I am a better man for this path. My life has been one of adventure, but my life has been made nearly whole by living a life that is a Gift.
When Life is a Gift, every day, every friend, every smile, is meaningful.
Thank you to everyone who helps me live this moment.
azuldelmar2kr 
I AM ALWAYS SO GRATEFUL, AFTER I HEAR YOUR STORY YOU ARE A MIRACLE
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Thank you, my friend
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Congratulations on 2 years. May there be many more.
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I have seen that firsthand I talk to you all the time you are an incredible man a really really good friend and I would love to be on that sailboat with you when you take off for South Africa just give me a call I’ll be there God bless you and keep you my friend. Long life wonderful friends and smile everyday
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This miracle…and your gratitude is a testament to the generosity of organ donors.
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This miracle…and your gratitude is a testament to the generosity of organ donors.
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I’m so happy to see you are living life so fully! What a gift! God is so good. I worked at Florida South when you were there having all your test run while you were waiting. I’m so glad I asked you about what you were writing and you wrote down the site information for me!! It’s been a joy to follow your new journey. God bless you!!
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How kind of you to remember me. Thank you for all you did for me.
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JOHN,
You’re wonderful!
I’m elated for you!
I’m proud of your perseverance.
Make it happen…captain!
LOUIS KRUK CIRQUE
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As evidenced by these comments and others I am privy to there are many of us who are also grateful for this ongoing story. Bless you, my friend. We are all blessed.
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Keep living your best life, my friend! – Chinwe
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John, you are a breath of fresh air and you and your story are a miracle. So glad to have the opportunity to know you and call you my friend. I’m wishing you much enjoyment and happiness. Thank you for making us think how blessed we are and to live in the moment.
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John, you are a breath of fresh air and you and your story are a miracle. So glad to have the opportunity to know you and call you my friend. I’m wishing you much enjoyment and happiness. Thank you for making us think how blessed we are and to live in the moment.
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It is great meeting and getting to know you. Your gift is our gift. God bless.
Steven & Bernice
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What an incredible journey life is when we embrace it.
Marilyn
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Hi Marilyn. I hope you are well.
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John, it’s very Serendipitous how I have met you .. TWICE. Call it what you would like but the higher power has a way of putting people in your path for reasons. This story of yours is very powerful! Many people receive a new chance on life, many do not learn to live in the moment and truly appreciate the value of life each and every day. You, my new friend are a gift for many as well as living a fulfilling life yourself. Love it.
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John, I am enjoying your writing. You live with gratitude sharing your gifts and experience, blessing us all.
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Wow! You document your living testament for us all to read. Thanks so much for sharing and KEEP DANCING!
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GOD has blessed you WITH A NEW HEART FULL OF GRATITUDE. I wish you continued good health 🙏 and may your life continue to be filled with infinite grace that is floating above you for those who are lucky enough to cross paths with you will feel It… such a gift for others to experience now. Thank you for sharing such your beautiful story with me.
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