At this point, I must admit that I did have a bit of the, "Why me?" question in the back of my mind. First, I missed seeing the kids in their camp production and then I missed our family vacation. I really couldn’t think of what I had done to deserve this misfortune. Little did I know what was yet to come!

I returned to work the following week and followed up by seeing a doctor. There was the possibility of a hernia, perhaps caused by all the vomiting, and I was also examined more extensively but it seemed that my problem was behind me.

I was having some intermittent stomach pain and returned for another follow up the following week, but again, nothing turned up. I went about my regular routine, exercising and putting in some pretty long hours at work when I realized that the stomach pain was not going away. The pain was not acute, but I knew it was there and not normal.

Upon returning to the doctor yet again, I asked if they could screen me for an ulcer. Maybe that was the cause of my pain. They performed a C.A.T. scan and instantaneously gave me the news. I had been walking around with a ruptured appendix and had to immediately be admitted to the hospital. The surgeon told me he would most likely have to open me up since doing a laparoscopic procedure is usually not an option once a rupture occurs. He also said there was a chance that he may have to take some of my colon and of course, the operation may in fact result in death. I was not thrilled to hear this news, but understood this disclaimer must be given before just about any surgery.

Luckily, I awoke from the surgery to learn that I was able to keep my entire colon…. A fact for which I was IMMEDIATELY GRATEFUL!!

I spent the next five days in the hospital, receiving flowers, balloons and goodies from family, friends and co-workers. It was such a wonderful feeling knowing that so many people were concerned about me.

I returned home to a giant banner that my kids had made me, proclaiming, "Welcome Home Daddy!" It was truly heart warming to say the very least.

As I continued my recovery at home and ultimately returned to work, I could not help researching my ailment online. I learned that I was one of a handful of cases whose body walled off the toxins into one particular part of the body. This allowed me to keep the poisons contained so that the successful surgery was possible.

There have been many others who were no where near as fortunate as I was. It didn’t take long for me to shift my thinking from, "Why me? Why did this horrible thing happen to me? What did I do to deserve this?" to one of, "Why me? Why was I one of the lucky ones to survive such a dangerous, life threatening illness and enjoy a full and complete recovery?" Honestly, I have still not returned to a level of 100%. However, as you can tell from my enthusiasm, there is not a doubt in my mind that I will make a full and complete recovery. This event has also given me a first hand way for me to communicate the power of gratitude to others. I am so grateful to be alive and have learned about the benefits of keeping such a thankful attitude.

Please give it a try. Don’t let the victim-hood, entitlement mind-set take over your life. Begin thinking, "Why Me?" when good things happen to you. If you get that promotion, raise or award" think to yourself, "Wow, why was I the lucky one?"

You should start feeling a sense of well being and happiness much sooner than you think!

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