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Rick Hunsicker says he feels "blessed."

For two North Texas men, the New Year is literally a celebration of new life.

Both received heart transplants on New Year's Eve.

It certainly has been a good start to the New Year for Rick Hunsicker.

A man who was once given a few months to live, now he rings in the New Year, with a new outlook on life.

"I feel blessed, fortunate and lucky and grateful," he said.

Just down the hall from him, Kenneth Carmen was also recovering.

He's still not able to talk but the tears in his eyes and the love in his new heart speaks volumes.

The 62-year-old was wearing out his artificial hearts. He woke up after surgery to sound of his doctor greeting him for the New Year.

Dr. Mack took part in both operations and even for a seasoned surgeon, this was special.

"That's pretty unusual to have two at the same time. I think in the 18-year history of this program, that's only happened twice before," he said.

Both men are coming along well and are expected to be released from the hospital within a week.

They have plenty of time to work on those New Year's resolutions, considering last year's turned out pretty well.

"When I went on to the list in February, I said: 'Well, I'll definitely have a heart by the end of the year,'" said Hunsicker.

For Hunsicker's sake, it's a prediction that came true, with a few hours to spare.