A big couple days around these parts for me and Marc.

On August 7th we celebrated our 21-year wedding anniversary. Wow—21 years. I can remember that day like it was yesterday (this is impressive since I often forget the code to unlock my front door).

Here’s some blast from the past photos of our big day at the Lone Star Ranch:

And today is another big day for us—it’s my 9-year stomaversary.

It’s funny, I’m so used to living life with a stoma and ileostomy that I forget that this isn’t normal. That most of you aren’t like me. It’s interesting how the brain and body adjusts to a new normal so quickly.

There are days when I hate this body and what I have to live with. But then I remember the days and years before the surgeries. I was barely living.

My stoma and ileostomy have not cured my ulcerative colitis—but they’ve made life a heck of a lot better. There is still consistent pain and the long-term effects of malnutrition, heavy doses of medications, and depression are a constant reminder that ulcerative colitis and its extra-intestinal effects will always be with me.

This is not a bad thing. It’s a gift. (I’ve written and said this before.)

Perspective. When you know how bad it can get and what you can survive—only then do you really appreciate what you have today.

And in case you’re wondering what a person with a pouch (bag), small intestines sticking out of their abdomen, no colon and rectum, and a barbie butt looks like—here’s a few photos:

See—I kinda look like you!