It’s a pretty big day around here today. Actually today, August 8th and yesterday, August 7th are pretty damn big days in my life.

On August 7th, Marc and I celebrated our 15-year wedding anniversary. Wow! We were together for 10 years before we got married. 25 years! Amazing.

And today, August 8th is my 3-year stomaversary. Three years ago on August 8, 2016 I had my colon removed and was gifted Reset (my stoma) by a very smart surgeon and talented surgical team.

To say that August 8th wouldn’t have happened without August 7th is putting it mildly. I would not be here right now writing this if it wasn’t for Marc. This man has put his life on hold countless times to take care of me and to support me in chasing my goals. I’m truly overwhelmed when I think of the sacrifices he’s made for me.

It can’t be easy to love someone with a chronic  illness. I’m the lucky one – I don’t know what it’s like to see my favourite person crying, hurting, and truly wanting to give up. Sadly, Marc has gone through this.

The best thing about August 8, 2016 was that this all stopped. Yes, there were some blips and low points, particularly in late 2018 and early 2019, but I do believe that we’ve turned a corner now.

I feel good. I feel great. Life is good. There are still a few bumps and niggles, but together, Marc and I can get through anything. How lucky are we to have one another?

So, three years with a stoma. Three years living with a pouch attached to my abdomen, Three years living with my small intestines sticking out of my stomach. Kind of rad really.

As my dear friend Blanche said to me on Tuesday after a 72 km bike ride, “Three years? And look at you – you have a whole new life!”

It’s true I really do. I no longer feel any limitations. Okay, truth – I haven’t taken a bath since my surgery nor have I gone swimming. But this is the year – I’m going to do both – you make sure to hold me accountable!

This morning I played hooky from work and went out to my favourite place for a fun 2 hour cruise on my mountain bike. It’s so hard for me to describe how free I feel riding at Larose Forest.

This morning was extra special – there was no one else there. I rode for a solid 90 minutes before I saw another person. It was just me, the birds, chipmunks, and the trees. Doesn’t get much better.

Something about being in nature truly helps settle me. I feel less rushed. I feel zero pressure to ride hard, fast, or whatever. I’m just there on my bike – totally free.

I took these on my favourite trail – trail #6. There is a point on this trail where the MTB track meanders through huge trees. It always feels super calm when I get to this part of the trail. It’s hard for me to explain, but I feel so at peace on this section of the trail.

Three years!!! I feel like I’m just getting started. I hope Marc is ready for whatever happens next – ha ha!