My journey began in July of 2013 at the world’s largest Airshow in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Airventure. Over 10,000 aircraft and over 500,000 people attend this event yearly. It is a spectacular experience where I have made life long friends, and wonderful memories. I was volunteering at the Activities Center for EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) when I was troubled by acute neck pain and an elevated heart rate of 150 bpm. At first I thought nothing of it except when I made an attempt to walk to the First Aid Building. I felt like an elderly cardiac patient and was forced to rest or sit to catch my breath every several feet. I subsequently was taken by golf cart to the appropriate medical facility on the airport grounds.
Jump ahead one week …show more content…
Over 40 lymph nodes and various other structures were removed from my neck in an attempt to remove any residual tumor. Going in for my second surgery I knew what to expect. The cold, depressing air of the hospital, and the stink of rubbing alcohol and cleaning fluid made me fearful. Before walking into the hospital I seriously considered just running away. I was tired and still in pain, but I was willing to run, to make a mad dash. Instead of running from the problem I simply had to trust that my surgeons could help me. Upon returning home I did two things. One, I made chocolate chip cookies, two, drove my mom crazy when without thinking, I participated in a game of kickball the Tuesday I went back to …show more content…
This experience taught me to appreciate the little things that most take for granted. Sure a rehearsal might be long or a conductor might be too demanding, but I still love the fact that I get to share music almost every day. Kiera was like this too. She had a passion and till the last moment she did not let her illness get in the way of it. I was honored when she asked that I play with her at Christmas time at her church or even do the stress inducing spring evaluation piece of “Young and Beautiful” by Lana Del Rey with her, and Geneva the harpist. In one of those quick rehearsals after school I still remember her asking me if I wanted to do music as a career. At the time, I was still interested in the field of science, and when I told her my thoughts she was shocked that all my talent would be put to waste. As my senior year approached I realized she was right, and now once and I while when I am practicing, or a song by Lana Del Rey comes on the radio I remember the girl that helped me realize my true dream of making a joyful
Jump ahead one week …show more content…
Over 40 lymph nodes and various other structures were removed from my neck in an attempt to remove any residual tumor. Going in for my second surgery I knew what to expect. The cold, depressing air of the hospital, and the stink of rubbing alcohol and cleaning fluid made me fearful. Before walking into the hospital I seriously considered just running away. I was tired and still in pain, but I was willing to run, to make a mad dash. Instead of running from the problem I simply had to trust that my surgeons could help me. Upon returning home I did two things. One, I made chocolate chip cookies, two, drove my mom crazy when without thinking, I participated in a game of kickball the Tuesday I went back to …show more content…
This experience taught me to appreciate the little things that most take for granted. Sure a rehearsal might be long or a conductor might be too demanding, but I still love the fact that I get to share music almost every day. Kiera was like this too. She had a passion and till the last moment she did not let her illness get in the way of it. I was honored when she asked that I play with her at Christmas time at her church or even do the stress inducing spring evaluation piece of “Young and Beautiful” by Lana Del Rey with her, and Geneva the harpist. In one of those quick rehearsals after school I still remember her asking me if I wanted to do music as a career. At the time, I was still interested in the field of science, and when I told her my thoughts she was shocked that all my talent would be put to waste. As my senior year approached I realized she was right, and now once and I while when I am practicing, or a song by Lana Del Rey comes on the radio I remember the girl that helped me realize my true dream of making a joyful