My Second Heart Journey

Heal and Grow

yesterday, Jeri and I had the privilege of attending the first gathering of a new group called Heal and Grow Nashville.

The group’s message says it perfectly:

Welcome to Heal and Grow Nashville. We are a safe, supportive community for transplant recipients, caregivers, and families. Our mission is to heal together, grow stronger, and support one another with compassion and respect. Join us at our first gathering on July 19th, from 3:00 to 6:00 PM at the Drury Plaza Hotel in Nashville.

And that’s exactly what it was.

We listened to heart transplant recipients share their stories. We heard from caregivers and family members who’ve traveled this strange and often exhausting road right beside us. Every story was different, yet somehow familiar. Different hospitals. Different complications. Different scars. But many of the same fears, victories, medications, and moments when you realize just how lucky you are to still be sitting in the room.

There’s something healing about talking with people who truly understand. You don’t have to explain why a good lab result can make your whole week, why a medication alarm controls your life, or why transplant recipients can discuss biopsies and bowel movements in the same conversation without even blinking. We’re a special bunch.

The caregivers understand each other, too. They know what it’s like to watch, wait, worry, keep track of medications, and pretend they aren’t exhausted. Jeri has been beside me through every part of my journey. She may not have the scar down her chest, but she carries scars of her own. Caregivers don’t always receive the recognition they deserve, and groups like this give them a place to be heard.

This is what every transplant community needs. A place where recipients, caregivers, and families can come together without judgment. A place to laugh, share, ask questions, and occasionally complain about prednisone, tacrolimus tremors, and the fact that our immune systems apparently didn’t get the memo that we have things to do.

I want to thank Markeisha for starting this important group. Creating a community like this takes heart, time, and courage. Love you, girl, and count me in for anything you need. What you’ve started matters more than you may realize.

If you’re a transplant recipient, caregiver, or family member near the Nashville area, I encourage you to join us at the next gathering. You don’t have to have the perfect story or all the answers. Just come as you are.

We’ve all been through enough on our own. Sometimes healing means sitting in a room with people who understand without needing an explanation. Sometimes growing means realizing you’re not alone.

That’s what Heal and Grow is about.

And yes, it truly was a healing experience.

Frederick M. Hueston author of MY Heart Journey book series(7/20/26)