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Personal Reflection/Anecdote

can’t be happening to me. I’m an active person, and there is nothing wrong with me.” I spent the following
15 days in a wellness rehab facility, where I worked on regaining my strength. After 25 days, I finally
walked back into my house, although I was still on oxygen. My next few weeks were filled with physical
and occupational therapy and, eventually, 36 cardiac rehab sessions. At every session, I worked to find my
“new normal.”
On my first date night with Bill, we went to a nice little Italian bistro for dinner. It was his birthday.
I looked at him and said, “I forgot to get you a birthday present.” He looked at me and said, “You’re still
here. That’s my best birthday present ever.”

Afterword
Heart attack symptoms can be very confusing. Some of the symptoms are chest and arm pain, shortness
of breath, light-headedness, nausea, and vomiting. Above all, it’s important to tell someone right away
about the symptoms you are experiencing. It could save your life.
Recently, I sat in my new recliner (a belated birthday present) and contemplated what I had been
through. I realized that for the past few months I had not paid attention to the symptoms my body was
experiencing. Something had been drastically wrong, and I was too stubborn to admit it. I am one of the
fortunate people who is still here to live her “new normal.”

Jeanette Rhyan is currently serving as first vice president of Texas State Organization and as newsletter editor of Theta Chi
Chapter. She travels around the state presenting fun programs on various topics related to DKG. A retired physical education,
health, and journalism teacher, Rhyan has published three books, the latest titled Dear Mom and Dad. She has belonged to
DKG for 42 years. Following up on this article, Rhyan reports, “I’m walking more, bicycling outdoors when I can, and eating
healthier foods. I feel great.”
1stvptso@gmail.com

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