I seem to be inside another period of time in my life when I can never get everything done.  In fact, I should be showering right now, while Kiran is asleep.  I will never apologize for not keeping up on the blog like I “should” – like I want to, both for me and for those who do follow along with Kiran’s journey – because when I do not write frequently, it means two things: 1) I’m busy living the journey alongside Kiran and 2) I am not boiling over with the enormity or difficulty of it, therefore not needing to write frequently.

Kiran celebrated his second heartiversary on Friday.  I cannot believe it has been two years since his open heart surgery.  Whenever I think back, I still have absolutely no idea how I made it through that day – other than, did I really have an alternative?  We celebrated with Nothing Bundt cakes, and Kiran LOVED the frosting, opening his mouth eagerly for bite after bite.  I now know where his birthday cake will be coming from….

My facebook sentiments on Friday:

Kiran Aaron Valji, you are my heart. Two years ago, you taught me lessons about strength and love. I think back to surgery day, and I have no idea how I got through it. You were away from me for about 15 hours total that day, and every minute was a rollercoaster ride.

You have come so far. The surgery has helped your heart function tremendously, and I am still wrapping my head around not seeing your cardiologist for an entire year.

I am so thankful for your story and our journey together. You are writing your life, and I get to walk beside you.

Kiran decided to show us all just how far he’s come at therapy on Friday morning.  His physical therapist brought a walker and tried it with Kiran for the first time.  He did a great job, holding on far better than any of us anticipated and taking steps (with great support and nudging along).  We were all so proud of him!  The following day, on his third attempt practicing with me at home, he took several steps in a row with no prompting and kept his hands on the bars where he was supposed to the entire time!  I was lucky enough to catch it on video, so it will forever be documented in the best possible way.

We celebrate so joyously, with the knowledge we still have a long ways to go.  My new mantra (and hashtag, when I remember to use it) has truly become “It’s a long road ahead but we journey together.”  I should really figure out how to say “It’s always been a long road, but look how far we’ve traveled already!”….without it becoming too long a mantra.  Maybe I should take up poetry writing again.

I am coming face-to-face, as I have many times in the past three years, with who my people are…and along with that, who they aren’t.  It is a difficult lesson, and I struggle with giving people too many chances.  Chances to be involved with Kiran, chances to care, chances to simply show up and be with us at various points on the journey.  I am so, so, SO lucky and thankful for all of the people who do – and I am often surprised.

Family isn’t really blood after all.  It’s why I coined the term Friendamily.  So thank you, to Kiran and my friendamily, for celebrating Friday with us, in person and online, and for sharing in our joy as we watch him progress, literally, one baby step at a time.

It’s a long road ahead, but we journey together.