It's hard to believe that my life came to a screeching halt just 68 short days ago. Truth being told, the realization of my situation still hasn't fully sunk in, as I find myself stuck in a surreal world of shock, hearing the words of each test result as if they were meant for someone else, not me. Hello, my name is Bree, and I am a 41-year-old mother of three boys with two bonus girls who I love more than life itself. Of all the things I’ve set out to do in life, motherhood has been my life's purpose. Everything I do, every decision I make, is motivated with them in mind knowing my actions have a direct impact on their lives. Even battling this heart disease, I hope they’ll see that life sometimes isn’t fair, but fighting your way through it anyway — is the only option. Just 68 short days ago, I was living a happy, healthy, & active life. Each day I loved challenging my body & mind through Hot Yoga, Barre, & Pilates - it made me feel strong, energized, & rejuvenated. I enjoyed boxing and taking my doodles, Stevie & Dave, on walks or trips to BarK. My weekends were spent at the lake, while during the week, I poked around my flowerbeds, maintained a clean, some might say OCD home, ;-) and always tried to find better ways to manage it all with two rambunctious fur-children. My career was evolving, as I was days away from splitting my time between Dallas & OKC, allowing me to feel a sense of purpose professionally too. Life was good, until May 22nd after I was rear-ended headed to work. That day, an attending doctor placed a stethoscope to my heart & uttered the words that put fear into my soul: "Did you know you have a heart murmur?" Those words, have echoed in my mind ever since, haunting me as I wait out the biggest fight of my life. Now, just 68 days later, I find myself facing an open-heart surgery to repair or replace a torn mitral valve. And like I mentioned before, it still feels like a dream knowing I’m faced with celebrating my 42nd birthday in the ICU & recovery. But as the days progress yet my body rapidly declines, I’m reminded of my reality as I’ve learned to cope knowing it’s not smart to be left alone anymore. I’ve lost my sense of ‘time’ — likely due to lack of oxygen making it to my brain. When I take more than 5 steps, it completely wears me out and over the last 3+ weeks, I’ve resorted to texting my loved ones because catching my breath during a convo is too difficult. I do want to be careful in sounding overtly bitter or that I’m only complaining as I know God will not give me more than I can handle and there’s a reason and lesson on everything life throws at each of us. I know I’m strong and that the hardest part for me is nearly over with this upcoming surgery. But it’s during my journey towards recovery that I ask you to hold my loved ones up in prayer. This is where the ones I love & care for the most are asked to take time and resources away from their families & jobs to help me in my journey to recovery. Thank you for coming here to support those I love and cherish the most. While this has been a big hurdle, my whole family shares in the same shock & worry so your words of encouragement, love and support will be impactful for them and will also mean the world to me. ♥️