“I was wheeled into the operating room and this time the doctor was all suited up,” she recalled.
“He looked at me and he said, ‘Are you ready for battle?’ And I knew that it was time.”
When Anderson woke from surgery, she realized her battle was more spiritual than physical—a surprise.
Her new heartbeat felt unfamiliar, fearing her body might reject her new heart.
The expected euphoria was absent.
“I wanted to feel happiness because I could see everyone was so happy for me,” she explained.
“Instead, I felt fear, confusion—almost not knowing how to feel, almost not feeling at all.”
Returning home to a supportive church and community, Anderson still wrestled with her emotions.
It took months to recover, relying on prayer and inspiration from saints.
“Little by little, I felt Jesus and God helping me through prayers and support,” she said. “I started to feel that lifting. I began to feel joy.”
Approaching the first anniversary of her transplant, Anderson felt invigorated.
She planned a joyful gathering in a nearby park to personally thank supporters as COVID restrictions eased.
“I didn’t want to just send notes,” she emphasized.
“I wanted to feel them, to touch them, to let them know I was here.”
Today, at 74, married for 48 years and a grandmother of seven, Anderson remains active in her parish.
Connections and Continuity
She forged a friendship with her heart donor’s family, visiting them in San Diego.
They shared memories and remain in touch, enriching each other’s lives.
A Life of Purpose and Outreach
Focused on teaching her grandchildren faith through life’s challenges, Anderson shares her story to inspire hope and healing.
“My purpose is to reach out and share what God and Jesus did for me, what people did for me,” she affirmed.
Known for her happiness and dedication to bringing others to Christ, Anderson’s life is a testament to resilience and faith.
TDPel Media
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