Operation Deep Breathe: Grandma had "balls"... so to speak....

I have Grandma's Balls on in this picture

Next week will be a grueling marathon of tests, at Houston Methodist, to get me prepared and approved for the double lung transplant that we are hoping and praying will extend my life by many, many years....

As I am readying for this week, I always find comfort when I wear a certain pair of earrings. My grandmother, Helen...whom I am named after, always had a pair of little, gold balls dangling from her ears for as long as I can remember. When I was old enough to realize that those earrings gave her a kind of signature, we always referred to them as "GrandMa's Balls". When she passed away, I was happily given an identical, new pair by my cousin Caroline. She said, "Grandma had balls and so do you!" Caroline also has a pair as do all the women in the family. We all feel they symbolize the "ballsy" strength and resiliency that Grandma always portrayed whether that was the truth at the time or not. In our eyes, she was strong and capable, hard-working, loving, raised three girls by herself, and was also a bit quirky and fun!

A fond memory of my childhood with her was when she put me on her lap while we were on one of our back road trips during a berry-picking adventure. She told me I could drive if I wanted to. Of course I could not reach the gas pedal or the brake, but she let me take over the wheel and drive as if I was in control of the car. It was empowering and fun. She did not go slow, either! She told me not to let me parents know that I DROVE that day! She always did things like that, to make me feel special! I was told by a very close friend, who knows me well and knew her, that I was very much like my grandmother... that made me smile! I always looked up to her.

I think she would be proud of the woman I am today and as courageous as this journey will be for us all, I will not go it alone. I will channel her "balls" at all times...wearing them with courage, pride and confidence.. as well as the "Grace" I will need to endure it all with integrity (Grace was my paternal grandmother's name)! I know they are both looking over me.