Life Reflections
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Meet Terri

I was born with an aortic bicuspid heart valve, and a regular active heart murmur. From a young age, I learned to navigate the complexities that come with these heart conditions, becoming resilient in the face of health challenges. I’ve been through the trials and triumphs of Navy family life, adapting to frequent moves and the unique lifestyle that comes with it, as well as the transitions of post-Navy life, where I found my footing in civilian life and embraced new opportunities. Motherhood added another layer to my journey, bringing joy, challenges, and invaluable lessons along the way. In 2024, I went through an open heart procedure to replace my aortic valve with a mechanical On-X prosthetic valve, a significant milestone that has shaped my perspective on health and longevity. I have much to reflect on and share from the past 50 years and the next 50 years to come.

A hospital bedside table arranged for quiet recovery: a clear glass of water with condensation beads, a small stack of neatly folded white towels, a digital blood pressure monitor with its cuff coiled, and a slim, closed journal with a simple heart icon embossed on the cover. In the background, slightly out of focus, a cardiac monitor screen glows softly with stable green waveforms. The scene is lit by gentle, early-morning natural light filtering through partially drawn blinds, casting soft parallel shadows. Shot at eye level with a shallow depth of field, the composition uses the rule of thirds to draw the eye to the journal, creating a mood of resilience, healing, and introspective post-surgery life in a clean, photographic style.

My Story And Purpose

I was born with a congenital bicuspid aortic valve. This is my space to share my story, my journey, and bring you some encouragement. Cardiovascular disease is more common in younger people than we realize. I am here to let you know you are not alone.

Read journey
A quiet home recovery corner featuring a neatly made armchair with a soft, charcoal-grey throw blanket folded over the arm and a plush, deep-red heart-shaped cushion resting in the seat. Beside it, a small round side table holds a pill organizer, a digital heart rate monitor, and a glass of clear water on a cork coaster. In the background, a tall bookshelf displays a few medical reference books and a small framed diagram of the cardiovascular system. Warm late-afternoon sunlight streams through sheer curtains, creating a cozy glow and gentle shadows. Captured from a slightly low angle with a moderate depth of field, the photographic composition feels calm, safe, and supportive of post-surgery reflection at home.
A minimalist workstation featuring a slim, silver laptop open to a clean line graph showing heart rate trends, beside a neatly stacked notebook and a red fountain pen. A small, realistic 3D heart model sits to one side, its arteries and veins clearly defined in muted blues and reds. The desk is a pale oak surface against a soft grey wall, with a single potted snake plant adding subtle greenery. Warm, indirect afternoon light filters from the left, creating delicate shadows and a calm, reflective atmosphere. Captured from a slightly elevated angle with balanced composition and sharp focus, in a photographic realism style that conveys thoughtful, professional reflection on cardiovascular health.
A detailed close-up of a deep red anatomical heart model made from smooth, slightly glossy silicone, resting on a clean white medical tray. Around it lie neatly arranged stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs, and ECG printouts with crisp black waveforms. Soft, diffused daylight from a nearby window illuminates the scene, creating gentle reflections on metal surfaces and subtle shadows beneath the instruments. Shot at eye level with a shallow depth of field so the heart model is in razor-sharp focus while the background fades into a soft blur. The mood is professional, calm, and informative, with a photographic realism style that feels like a modern cardiology clinic workspace.
A detailed close-up of a spiral-bound recovery journal open to a blank page headed “Today’s Reflections,” with a subtle watermark of an anatomical heart in soft grey. A fine-tip black pen rests diagonally across the page. Around the journal are neatly arranged items: a compact home ECG device, a pair of reading glasses folded carefully, and a small digital timer. The surface is a light birch desk with a faint wood grain. Cool, diffused morning light from a nearby window softly illuminates the scene, highlighting the crisp edges of the paper. Shot from a slightly elevated angle with shallow depth of field, the photographic style emphasizes clarity, order, and a contemplative, professional approach to living with cardiovascular disease.