Three Weeks Later: Cardiac Rehab, Comebacks & My New Grandpa Squad

It’s officially been three weeks since my heart decided to throw a surprise plot twist into my life—and I’m still here, still healing, and still trying to figure out what this “new normal” is supposed to look like.

The short version?

I’m doing good. Still tired, still adjusting, but making slow, steady progress. And yes—despite the exhaustion, I even started easing back into work this week. (Big shoutout to caffeine, comfy shoes, and coworkers who don’t judge the “just surviving” energy I’m bringing to the table.)

But the real MVP of this recovery season?

Cardiac rehab.

Not just because it’s helping me get stronger—but because it introduced me to some of the most unexpectedly delightful people. My new friends are all old enough to be my grandparents, and honestly? I might like it that way. We cheer each other on, trade tips about blood pressure, and throw around phrases like “remember to breathe through it” and “don’t forget your nitro.” It’s giving Golden Girls meets gym class, and I’m kind of obsessed.

I never expected to find so much connection in a place filled with beeping monitors and exercise bikes, but here we are. There’s something comforting about healing alongside people who’ve seen some stuff—and still show up every day with a smile and a blood pressure cuff.

Healing hasn’t been linear. Some days I feel strong. Other days I’m just proud I remembered to take my meds and show up on time. But I’m learning to give myself grace in the in-between. To rest when I need to. To move when I can. And to find joy in the weird, slow magic of starting over.

So that’s where I’m at: rebuilding, reconnecting, and relearning how to be a slightly slower, but still sparkly version of me.

Thanks for cheering me on from afar. Every comment, text, prayer, and meme has mattered more than you know. I may be healing—but I’m not doing it alone. And that makes all the difference.

xo,

Jonesy