I was so honored when my surgeon Dr. H called me to ask if I would be interested to be a guest speaker at one of our monthly support group meetings. I was a little hesitant at first, but I agreed and was glad I was given the opportunity and 4 weeks to prepare.
I decided to put together a small slide presentation to help me during my speech.
Usually we have a gathering of about 20-50 people that are mostly Pre-ops and some post-ops, but at this meeting, we had the biggest turn out yet. There must have been a good 100+ people at this meeting. Boy was I nervous! I am ok in front of small crowds, up to 30, but I have never given a speech in front of this many people!
I was glad to have my husband there for support as well as many post op friends which made it a bit easier.
I started out a bit cautious and nervous, but by the time I was on my second or third slide I felt great and was zooming through the presentation. I saw people nodding agreeing, laughing and even saw some tears in some of my audiences eyes. I had people taking pictures of my slides and even saw someone recording. (which I would have loved a copy, but I haven’t been able to get my hands on yet).
I was lucky enough to get one picture of me with a slide, but that was it.
I am glad, I was able to share my experience with this many and if I was able to touch a few and give them hope it was all worth my while. Now on to the fun stuff….
Here a great photo of myself and my surgeon that literally saved my life! I owe him a great deal of gratitude for giving me the opportunity to get healthy and continue on for many many more years to come.