Today I “graduated” from Cardiopulmonary Rehab at the rehab center in Kenosha Memorial Hospital.  My photo was taken and a diploma was presented to me.  Make no mistake about it, I am very proud of this accomplishment. I met all of the targets the staff laid out for me, I worked hard, and I’ve come a long way from where I was when I began on April14th, just a week after bypass surgery.

I have an appointment with my regular doctor on Monday, and I’m eager to find out where all of my cholesterol numbers are at.  I know that my weight is down almost twenty pounds.

I recognize these accomplishments for what they really are: milestones passed on the road to recovery.  I’ll know I’ve gotten to where I want to go when my changed habits become permanent routine. I know I’m not there yet, and that is why I signed up for another six months of membership at the Kenosha facility.  I’ll have access to the same equipment and personnel that I’ve been working with.  I start “phase two,” the prevention program, on Friday.  No rest for the wicked.

I’d like to thank all the therapists at the rehab center, particularly Cheryl, who mapped my progress and made sure I understood the whys behind the whats I was asked to do.  I’ve become embarrassingly bad with names and I apologize for not remembering all of yours, but I am so grateful to all of the therapists for your kindness, your patience, and your dedication. Your work is so important, it shapes and changes lives for the better.  Know that it has had a profound effect on me, and that you are one of the best parts of this second chance I’m so grateful for having been given.