Introducing Ava

I really appreciate everyone following my story. You will notice I have some pretty important characters in this story. My daughter, Ava, is one of them. While her journey through my transplant is hers to share, I did want to introduce you all to her.

This morning I got a notification that an assignment had been graded for her 8th grade Language Arts class. So I clicked through and found this poem on the topic — Where I Am From. I am sharing it with you because it tells you so much about my beautiful, kind-hearted girl. So when you root for me, you will be rooting for her too.

I meet with the electrophysiologist Wednesday morning to discuss my upcoming ICD replacement surgery. I will update you later this week!

Where I am From by Ava

I am from watered-down juice and honey cheerios
From the light melody of a music box
I’m from the parades of joy and laughter and the sickly sweet candy
I’m from the waves crashing on the beach
and the soft powdery sand between my toes
I’m from the old tv buzzing with shows on cable
and the lego sets I would build with my mom
From the water splashing on my face as I cut through the freshwater on a tube

I’m from the woods and cabins at camp
and the repeated songs constantly playing on repeat
From the water splashing against my ankles
I’m from Kazoos playing annoying melodies
and the paths that rough feet follow every day with carts behind them

I’m from the light glow and buzz of my computer
The mini ice cubes from my fridge
and the smell of freshly made bread and ice cream
I’m from the taste of things that shouldn’t be eaten

I’m from the smell of fires and watching them ignite
From helping campers pack their bags
and sleeping in popp cabin in the fuzzy sleeping bags
and the constant rush of the showers.
I’m from the Caddies and UAs begging the adults for coffee and morning
kapers

I’m not just from Virginia
And I’m not just German and Norwegian
I’m from my mom who shaped me into who I am
I am from who I was and who I will be
For the struggles that I have and will go through
That has shaped me into who I am today