30 Months Post Heart Transplant

August 22nd, 2011

That marked 30 months with my new heart. I guess it's not so new now. I guess it's considered a cougar now! (heh heh). So much has happened in these last 30 months. There have been ups and downs, good times and hospital stays, fundraisers and chillin' with friends. But I'm thankful for all of it.

Having been diagnosed with Lupus at 16 and having a heart transplant at 19 puts me in a league of my own. I hate being compared to other people. I think the way I treat people, handle friendships, relationships and the way I see life is different than anyone you've ever known. Never put me in the same category. The way I carry myself and deal with life day-to-day is a reflection of the struggle I've been through and the life changing experience I went through in my teenage years. I will continue to love and try to inspire those around me for another 30+ months.

Don't be afraid to live and let love in.


Take Care & Much Love
David The Recipient

The Fresh Prince is BACK!

BIG WILLIE IS COMING BACK TO RAP!!!

So excited! In honour of the exciting news, I'm post the lyrics and song of my favorite Will Smith/Fresh Prince song:

Chasing Forever -> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wM3TNNr4JU 

Chasing Forever

Forever (forever)

Chasing forever

Early morning wake up

Gently with the caress on your hand

And that Kimono that I bought you on my trip to Japan

Sunshine peeking through the Venetian blinds

Four years and like wine you got finer with time

I got a question if the prada dressing and the Gucci

All got goes and the freeze on the Lucci

I mean real bad girl I'm talking rougher than rough

Do you think it'd be enough if we just had us

Don't answer quick think about it cause I'm asking for real

Gold diggers goin' to hear this song drivin and crash at the wheel

Forever is a long time so far we getting along fine (forever)

No car I ever drove no ice I ever saw

No music I ever made ain't nothing I wanted more

We could deal with whatever together

Sunshine or that other weather when we chasing forever

I wanna stay with you forever

I wanna spend all my life with only you

I wanna stay let's stay together

Chasing forever with only you

Chasing forever, a buckwil' endeavour it seems

Are we pursuing something real or just chasing a dream

I'm casing the scene (come on)

'fore I die I plan

To see us holding eternity in the palm of our hands

Now as a man, there's certain things I'm lacking for sure

But I'm committed to growing and coming at you mature

In the future I know it ain't gonna be all good

But when we feeling the hurt if we willing to work

The eight ball will never turn to see us behind

Though I ain't no knight and my armour don't shine

My mom said the lynch pin of love is trust

An taught me monogamy is a monoga-must

Plus for you dinner by candlelight

Now don't commit before you sure you understand me right

It's a race to a strange place most see never

It's a chase we gotta make together forever (forever)

I wanna stay with you forever

I wanna spend all my life with only you

I wanna stay let's stay together

Chasing forever with only you

Now you would think after all my heartbreaks I'd be cruel

Hiding behind my ego evil but no

Much the contrary I'm very much certain

You searching for joy it's on the other side of hurting

Finally found a person worthy of all

Instead of pushing me down you wanna cushion my fall

Your eyes could make the sun rise all the birds sing

Seal it with a kiss bind it with a ring

More carrots than even bugs could eat in a week

And the ribbon in the sky close your eyes don't peek

I'll tell you what I see in the future

A hacienda so cute with five little kids calling you mom and calling me dad

Having more good times than JJ had

Judging by the look in your eyes you see it

Let no man sever welcome to forever

I wanna stay with you forever

I wanna spend all my life with only you

I wanna stay let's stay together

Chasing forever with only you

-repeat-

The Orlando Chronicles

DAY 8

Bad start to the day. My iritis flared up BAD when I woke up? (Remember reading the bit on my lupus in the bio? Well with lupus comes iritis. It inflames your iris and makes you sensitive to light, like you some sort of vampire, as well as sensitive to yellow, like I'm a Green Lantern or something. I'm thinking the constant exposure to the sun and some stress on the trip contributed to it coming back. Here's a link if you wanna find out more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iritis)

I was dealing with that all day, but didn't have much time to think about that, cause we had to get our flying on. The Disney Magical Express came to pick us up from the Polynesian at 12:15pm eastern and took us to the Orlando International Airport. I think we've all agreed that we will be back as soon as possible. First time we've had a REAL fam vacation and we loved every minute of it (well, minus the iritis . . .). At the airport, we dealt with some rude attendants, but I'm starting to see that happens a lot at different airports.

The first flight was from Orlando to Denver. That was more than 3 hours. On that flight, they played the movie Thor and the Madonna episode of Glee. I tried to get some sleep to maybe calm my iritis, but that wasn't happening. The second flight was another 3+ hour one, from Denver to Edmonton. That one had no movie or anything and my iPod and laptop both died on the flight, so I sat there doing nothing haha. GOOD TIMES.

Writing this form the home PC, and it's nice to be back home. Got things I gotta take care of, people to see, DOD shirts to sell, and work to be done. Like I said in the last entry, I hope to be back as soon as possible. This trip was life changing, in a way. May not have fully explained it in these daily blog summaries, but this wasn't just a trip. It was a symbol of victory. A victory I claimed over two years ago after I received my heart transplant. I'm thankful I was able to stick around to see this trip and have been given another chance at life. No matter who you are or what you've been through, you can't let life or your past control who you are or what you do today. Live to the fullest. Love to the fullest. Be all you can be. Cliche? Maybe. True? Definitely.

Take Care & Much Love
David The Recipient

The Orlando Chronicles

DAY 7

Today was more a day for the ladies. When we woke up, I wasn't feeling too well, so Sarah and Mom went to one of the outlets here in Orlando. Afterwards, they went to Florida Mall and got a whole lot of stuff. Bags and bags full of lady clothing. Glad they could do that while I recovered in the room!

By the afternoon I was feeling a bit better, so we were going to go visit Animal Kingdom! . . . turns out they close at 7pm. Instead we went and took a bus to Disney's Hollywood Studios. GOOD TIMES. We went on the Rock n' Rollercoaster ride! Mom and Sarah hate rollercoasters, by the way. Afterwards we checked out the Toy Story Ride in the PIXAR section of the park. I was paired up with a bubbly girl named Claire, she was iight.  Mom was all about getting pictures by the big statues and such so we did that as well.

It was close to 10pm, so we took a cab to Give Kids The World so that we could get dinner and thank everyone for their kindness and hospitality whenever we came around. I will miss these people, though I barely know them. The way they treat the people and families and kids that walk through their doors is like no other. They have a project where you donate $200 and you can have your name and your family's name paved into the grounds. We'll be doing that when we get home.

I forgot my camera in the cab, so it's a good thing mom got the guys number before we left. We called him and he brought us back to the Polynesian Resort. We finished packing and leave Orlando at 3. It's been a blast, and I think it's safe to say that I will be back in the future. Last full day in Orlando, but definitely not my last time here. The next blog entry will probably be in Edmonton. Until then!

Take Care & Much Love
David The Recipient

The Orlando Chronicles

DAY 6

WE GOT BUSY TODAY! I made good on two promises;

1. We went to Epcot, and
2. I met Princess Jasmine

But one thing at a time! Mom wanted pictures of everything so I was busy being her personal photographer for the day. We were up at 7:30 getting ready and then took the Monorail (train that runs through the parks above our resort) to the Transit Centre. We then hopped onto another Monorail that took us to Epcot! All I can say is WOW.

When you arrive at Epcot, there is this big golf ball looking structure that just pops out at you. It's actually a ride called Spaceship Earth. We skipped past the line cause of the pass I have. We walked a round for a bit until we found the Character spot, and we were able to get pictures with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and  Pluto! I think Daffy took a liking to Sarah. A guy named Joseph helped us out and suggested some attractions we should see.

First one was a ride called Soarin'. IT WAS AWESOME. You actually think you're flying, it was unreal. You have to experience it. After, Sarah wanted to check out an environmental show starring Simba, Timone and Pumba. It was actually really insightful and educational. The second attraction Joseph suggested was an old-school show called Captain EO. It stars the Late Michael Jackson. It was a pretty cool 4D experience. Made me miss him even more.

Next was The Seas with Nemo and Friends, where we went on a ride with the same name. Kinda like a mini version of the movie, but a ride. Up next was the World Showcase, but by the time we got there, we only were in the mood for one country. There was a Morocco Pavilion where PRINCESS JASMINE and Aladdin were signing autographs and taking pictures. So guess where we went?

We lined up to meet the royal couple, and when it was my turn, I introduced myself and talked to Aladdin and Jasmine about snow and Canadian attire. We took some pictures and then I asked Aladdin if I could get a picture with just Jasmine.

And I got it. VACATION MADE.

After all that excitement, we headed to an outlet near the Polynesian and I got some Adidas swag. While typing up this blog, housekeeping came by and delivered toilet tissue. Weird. Maybe it's their way of saying it's time for bed. Talk to you tomorrow!

Take Care & Much Love
David The Recipient

The Orlando Chronicles

DAY 5

Today was another lazy day. Cue Bruno Mars. MY BAD. Dad left this morning and Momma came. She's used to first class when she flies, so this is an adjustment for her. We showed her a bit of the hotel and went to Give Kids The World. We recorded a couple videos of the place so she can send it to everyone in Ghana. Later, she told me about my cousin Kofi who passed 20 years ago. He was supposed to come to this very village, but passed away a month before they were to arrive. Hearing all that makes this trip more real and more meaningful. We didn't go to Epcot or the Outlets today. We were so close, I'm starting to sound like a broken record, I know. TOMORROW FOR SURE. Heat and rain are still crazy and Edmonton-like. Starting to miss people back home. Tons of stuff on my mind. Skyped with Samantha tonight, so that was good. Until tomorrow!

Take Care & Much Love
David The Recipient

Leave You Never

Did this over the Digital Girl Remix Instrumental. Here's the instrumental -> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tcyDs0wkuU

I knew what I got myself into from the start

BSB, we’re Playing Games with our Hearts

You’re always on my mind so it’s hard when we apart

You’ve coloured up my world like a room full of art

I can’t eat when you’re running through my mind

This situation’s tough and it’s getting hard to find

A compromise where we both get what we want

I’m trying to fight my feelings while I act nonchalant

I’m the type of person that’ll love you unconditional

Treat you with respect; Momma raised me up tradional,

And if I’m right, you were raised the same way

I’ve been hoping one day I could put you on display

We share something real, not even artificial

We act like a couple so let’s make it official

I know you’re scared, but I’ll leave you never

This honeymoon we’re on is gonna last forever

The Orlando Chronicles

DAY 4

Today was kinda like Father's day, in the sense that we did everything Dad wanted to do. It's his last day here in Orlando. He leaves at 10am to go back to Edmonton. At that same time, Mom will be on a plane on her way over!

Speaking of planes, we drifted away from Disney today and went on a plane tour . . . of Disney. LOL what I mean is that we weren't on the grounds, but in the sky!! It was Dad's idea. I swear, he was like a kid in a candy store. I had no idea he liked planes this much. We were late to it though, no fault of ours. It seems like these taxi drivers will take you on, but have absolutely NO IDEA where they are going. I'm actually starting to think that they're hustling us cause we're tourists. Not cool. We did end up going back to Give Kids The World just for some lunch.

Back to the planes though. The people at Mauiva Tours were extremely nice. If there is time, I'd love to go back. They said I could fly the plane while up there, because that's what they do for all the wish kids. I gave that privilage to Dad instead, because he was actually so excited about this whole thing. I do what I do.

We got back to the hotel and the heat was starting to get to all of us, so we all accidently fell asleep haha. Because of that, we missed out going to Epcot. When we woke up, it was raining hard and there was a risk of thunderstorms. The weather here is like it is in Edmonton, I swear. Instead we ate at a fancy buffet in the resort called Ohana. Ohana means family, so the staff there all refer to the customers as Cousin. It was dope. The food kept coming, I'll have to do some crunches after this entry. I ate like it was my last meal. Might hit the pool tomorrow and the arcade after we see Pops off. Talk to you all tomorrow!

Take Care & Much Love
David The Recipient

P.S. Only 3 days left. The hunt for Princess Jasmine just got real.

So True.

The Orlando Chronicles

DAY 3

It was an emotional start to the day. Today is in fact Dejanelle's birthday as well as Miracle Treat Day in Edmonton and all across Canada. I wore my Dunk On Disease t-shirt today in her memory. After breakfast, we came back to the hotel cause I wasn't feeling too hot. Must be the humidity of Orlando. I'm finding out that the cheese here in America is triggering my lactose intolerenceness. NOT COOL. We stayed in the resort for the most part today. Unfortunately, we couldn't go to GKTW and meet the Disney Characters. I wanted to see Jasmine SO BAD. When we went to Magic Kingdom, a ton of stuff. There was a parade, and I was hoping to see the Arabian Princess, but when the Aladdin float passed us, THERE WAS NO JASMINE. Imma have to have a talk with Mickey. We did a lot more rides today, like the People Mover, the Buzz Light-year ride (I'll get the correct names tomorrow), the Peter Pan ride, Speedracers and more. We checked out the Hall of Presidents. Learned a lot. It was so hot today, we spent close to 30 bucks on waters and ice cream. I was damp with sweat. HOT. Sarah got a tan. Legit. BLACK PEOPLE TURN DARKER IN THE SUN!!! Found out there are TONS of candy stores here in DW. Seriously, there should be dentist offices here as well. Deja was on my mind all day though, like she always is. My friends and fam sent me pics and texts about two Dairy Queen locations in the city reppin DOD. Truly humbled by it, I'll have to get my Thank-Yous on when I return to Edmonton. When we returned to the Polynesian, Sarah and I checked out the Arcade they have here. I need to step up my car racing. We're doing a plane ride tomorrow and Epcot. If there is time, we'll hit up an outlet store. Can't wait! Until next time.

Take Care & Much Love
David The Recipient

My Little Angel

Happy Birthday, Miss Dejanelle Huntley. I miss you and think about you everyday. Love you, and hope you're having a great time with The Big Guy. Much Love to you, Mommy Shonnelle and Granny, Forever and Always <3

The Orlando Chronicles

DAY 2

I hate early mornings. But we in ORLANDO so it's all worth it! We were up early so we could get a shuttle to Universal's Island of Adventure! We missed our first cab, so hopped in another one. Wish we didn't, dude was a rude version of Dave Chappelle. With a nasty mustache. On the way to Give Kids The World, we passed a TGIF Fridays and a Waffle house. I promise, I will eat at the Waffle House before we leave. There's this black radio station, Star 94.5 (Star94) I believe. I'm surprised with the things they can get away with here in the States! (shoutout to my RTA homies). Orlando weather is kinda like Edmonton weather, minus the snow and it's always muggy/humid. It's nice being inside rather than out.

BUT I'M GETTING OFF TOPIC. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was UNREAL. Children's Wish Foundation paid for wands for the both of us, and we were able to get front of the line access to almost EVERYWHERE we went. (THANK YOU JUDI!) Dad even went on some rides, I was shocked and pleased. You haven't lived until you've tried Butterbeer. Imma head down and get more before we leave on Tuesday! We were able to see ALL of Island of Adventure, I was surprised when I checked the map and saw that we in fact saw everything. SO MUCH WALKING THOUGH. We were all exhausted when we got back to the room. Need to try the Hulk roller coaster still. Won some prizes today too! I'll probably donate all the stuffed animals I get once I'm home. We'll be meeting with the Disney Characters in the morning and probably doing the Magical Kingdom park. Still have to explore the Polynesian Resort too. David needs to hit the pool! Until tomorrow!

Take Care & Much Love
David The Recipient

The Orlando Chronicles

DAY 1

So. Much. Travelling. All worth it though, Houston was cool. Did you know that they sell suits IN THE AIRPORT? Imma get one on the way back haha!!! Ate at a place called Papasitos. Too good. Loving the new camera Children's Wish gave too. It's so awesome, better than my grey cam with the cracked screen. Give Kids The World is amazing, they go out of their way to make everyone feel special. Mad respect. Wizarding World of Harry Potter in the morning. CAN'T WAIT. Sarah is gonna lose it. Blog more tomorrow!

Take Care & Much Love
David The Recipient

A Quote A Friend Posted On Her Status

‎"We all want things and the harder they are the more we want them but if its not ours right away it shouldn't discourage us it should encourage us"


So true.

Five Star Lady

I did this over Mariah's It's Like That Instrumental.

Here it is if you wanna sing/rap along -> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Rb6PwsGsqI (start at 0:22)

Stevie Wonder, yeah I got that Jungle Fever

Life is like a movie, you the star, I just feature

See me on the bleachers I be going insane

Ballin’ errday, bring the Heat like Dwayne

Bring the Sun like Steve, no I ain’t talkin’ Urkel

Supporting all my causes, can you say Pink & Purple?

Five Star Lady, leave a mint on her pillow

We starting to connect so together we can still grow

The only woman that I see, man she’s flawless

Can’t figure why she would wanna deal with all this

But I’m just thankful that I have her in my life

If we had to do this over you can bet I’d do it twice

I met this Stunner in July, call it Summer Love

We chat at night and she texts me when the sun comes up

Maybe one day we’ll get married, start a fam while we bringing up

Light skinned babies, call em Reese Peanut Butter Cups

Bed Time! . . . or not.

Yeah, I'm still up. No one should be surprised. It's only 1am here in YEG, so this is actually early for me haha. If you're a friend on Facebook, you may know about my 400+ notes, over 300 of them being poems/freestyles/lyrics/whatever you wanna call em. Most of them are done at night. It's where I get most of my inspiration and motivation to write. Right now there is this PYT that's inspiring my writing, but that's another blog post. I'm also listening to Chris Brown's new mixtape, Boy In Detention. Even though he's rapping, so far so good! I'll post my rhyming here when I'm done. Did I mention that if I ever decide to record, I will go by The Recipient? I think it's only fitting. =)

Take Care & Much Love
David The Recipient

Dunk On Disease Foundation - Home

Dunk On Disease Foundation - Home

Bloggy McBloggerson

This is my first blog post. Dunno what I wanna use this for yet. But I'll figure it out. Soon enough. =)