I Didn’t Know I Was Dying...and How I Live(d)

By Kate Hutchinson

Who ever thought a trip to Alaska would save my life? But it did. I was compelled to set out on a journey not knowing where it would lead.

“...and How I Live(d)” has a double meaning: how I have chosen to live my life with a congenital heart disease and how I lived through five open-heart surgeries and congestive heart failure.

I decided to share my story because I feel my life is now worthy of sharing. I have faced the ultimate fear: death. Twice.

If you are skeptical about miracles, divine intervention or do not believe that everything happens for a reason, I invite you to read my story. Life is much more than what meets the eye.

I Didn’t Know I Was Dying...and How I Live(d) is the story of my spiritual journey through heartbreak, loving and being loved, physical and emotional pain, joy and happiness. I’m sharing the loss of both my parents, death of a soul mate, a toxic relationship and congestive heart failure in hopes of inspiring others to never wonder “what if” and live life with no regrets.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kate Hutchinson
• Release date: Sep 7, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310058103

Kate Hutchinson

Mention Mark Wahlberg or Depeche Mode and her ears perk up. A firm believer in living a life with no regrets, Kate Hutchinson has spent the last twenty years learning that miracles do happen, everything happens for a reason and we can create the life we’ve always dreamed of.As a young adult she desperately wanted to be able to call herself a United States Marine but as fate would have it, her congenital heart disease wouldn’t allow it. Instead, Kate served and supported the United States armed forces with 11 years of combined civilian service with the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. Determined, she has participated in numerous 5k races, mud runs, even walking sixty miles in three days supporting breast cancer in honor of her mother, regardless of her birth defect.Kate studied communications with an emphasis in public relations and a minor in business administration at California State University Fullerton. This Southern California girl, a first-time author with an inspiring story to tell, continues to strive each day to be the person she encourages others to be, a happier version herself.Kate is surrounded with the love of her family and friends where there is never a dull moment. Always on the go, she has spent the last decade shining a positive light on organizations and businesses with her talents in marketing, traveling the globe and living her life to the fullest.

Book preview

Who ever thought a trip to Alaska would save my life? But it did. I was compelled to set out on a journey not knowing where it would lead.

"...and How I Live(d)" has a double meaning: how I have chosen to live my life with a congenital heart disease and how I lived through five open-heart surgeries and congestive heart failure.

I decided to share my story because I feel my life is now worthy of sharing. I have faced the ultimate fear: death. Twice.

If you are skeptical about miracles, divine intervention or do not believe that everything happens for a reason, I invite you to read my story. Life is much more than what meets the eye.

I Didn’t Know I Was Dying…and How I Live(d) is the story of my spiritual journey through heartbreak, loving and being loved, physical and emotional pain, joy and happiness. I’m sharing the loss of both my parents, death of a soul mate, a toxic relationship and congestive heart failure in hopes of inspiring others to never wonder what if and live life with no regrets.

I Didn’t Know I Was Dying

and How I Live(d)

by Kate Hutchinson

I Didn’t Know I Was Dying…and How I Live(d)

by Kate Hutchinson

Cover Illustration by Olivia Oldenbuttel

Editor Author Carlene Love

Copyright 2015 Kate Hutchinson

Smashwords Edition

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Dedication

Acknowledgements

My Story

Food For Thought

Stay In Touch

About The Author

DEDICATION

To my sister: May you find peace. I love you.

November 2014, the night before my fifth open heart surgery

To my parents: I appreciate you more now than ever. I hope I make you proud.

Beverly Gertrude and Rodney Bernhardt Hutchinson, September 10, 1950

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Carlene, my friend, fellow Depeche Mode devotee, editor, hot mama romance author and confidant. I don’t know how I would have done this if it wasn’t for your patience, support, love, believing in me and holding my hand through this process and always. Thank you.

Lana, you proved that blood doesn’t define family. I am blessed to have you in my life. Without batting an eyelash, you offered me your love, support and your home during one of the most difficult times in my life. Thank you for knowing the ins and outs of the medical community and allowing me to have the option of living near some of the best doctors in the country so I could receive the best care. Thank you for your patience and lending your ear while I broke down and cried. Thank you for making me laugh and the memories we have shared for the past twenty-eight years. Here’s to at least twenty-eight more.

Aaron, I treasure the time we spent together in Alaska. You literally kept me alive with your kindness, your strength, your energy, your affection and your laughter. I’m forever grateful. Thank you.

Olivia, I am blessed to have met you. Thank you for taking this crazy journey with me and designing the cover artwork. I love your enthusiasm towards life. You aren’t afraid to take risks and live life. Your vibrancy, intelligence, soul and genuine love for humanity is a beautiful gift to the world. Never stop being you.

To all the new friendships I made in Alaska: Alden, Jen, Jake, Christy, Arielle, Ashley, Rod and John. Aside from the beauty of Alaska and wildlife, you are the best part of summer 2014.

Without the team of doctors and medical professionals at Swedish Medical Center and University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle, I would not be healthier than I’ve ever been. Dr. John Mignone, Dr. Eric Williams, Dr. Eric Krieger, Dr. Joshua Hermsen, Amanda, Casey and the many others on your team, thank you for being exactly what I needed when I needed it. Thank you for gifting me with another forty-plus years of life.

Ginger, your support, love and friendship all these years means more to me than you’ll ever know. Here’s to many more years to come.

Bernadette, how I miss the old times. The times when we found a sandwich in every beer, when we danced our butts off (literally) several times a week and when we took Greece by storm. I’m so happy you have the life you’ve always wanted. We may not talk like we used to but know, I think of you often. Miss ya girl!

Cindy, thank you for your unrelenting love, friendship and eagerness to jump in the car at a moments notice, no questions asked. I’m ready for you to win the lottery and sip fruity drinks with an umbrella by the pool.

Leslie, thank you for appreciating the craziness which is my life. You’ve talked me off the ledge more times than I can count. The check is in the mail.

Frap, it’s hard to believe we have remained friends