I turned 34 in April this year! I love celebrating my birthday each year and seeing more wrinkles and gray hair appear. I LOVE that I am building this beautiful life with my family. I just wish my body could keep up...
Being born with cystic fibrosis meant some challenges throughout my life. I never knew when CF would throw me a curve ball. I missed a lot of holidays in the hospital growing up and sometimes my body tells me to stop. The last few months have been more rough for my CF-related Arthritis. And today isn't any different, despite it being Father's Day!
I had wonderful plans to go home to see my Dad today, then come back home in time to make some dinner for my family when Andrew gets off work around 5 or 6pm tonight. I had a lot of great plans to celebrate my husband and Dad for Father's Day- They deserve it. But, I woke up with frozen/stiff joints and spots all over. I can barely move, let alone walk or drive today. So all those plans went out the window and today I will be stuck resting. I can deal with the pain, but being stuck... not so fun!
The flare ups have been more reoccurring lately and have been lasting longer. It makes me realize some of my body's limits physically. Andrew and I have been looking up some vacation ideas for 2020. And we had to have a talk about whether we want to rent an electric scooter everyday or should we just break down and buy one for our trips. Small zoos or day trips I tend to still be okay. But bigger zoos like Brookfield, St. Louis, or bigger amusements parks- I will need it. I dehydrate faster walking and I get worn out. By the next day my body feels rough, plus putting my body through too much physically tends to result in arthritis flare ups. These flare up are disabling and can ruin any day.
But, its the perfect example to explain how amazing my Dad and Husband have been. I remember when I would have these flare ups when I was a kid. Dad would carry me everywhere. Dad also worked two jobs most of life to provide (6am-11pm). He saved vacation days to spend them in the hospital with me. He always worked so hard, but honestly has NEVER complained once. Never said he was tired, never said anything negative. He taught me how to be tough and love life no matter what! I have his personality, humor, hard working ethic, and loyalty. I'm thankful he is my DAD. My Dad also has become a Grandparent (Bop-Bop) to all of the foster children we have had (4 kids in two years so far).
June 2017
Which brings me to Andew, my amazing husband. Who just partners with me in everything, no matter how difficult. He makes me realize I'm not alone and I'm so thankful we decided to Foster. He is an great Dad! I never thought I'd find someone as hard working as my dad or who would partner with me in all my medical issues- boy, I was wrong. Andrew, also worked two jobs (for 2 years) in order to provide. Now he is working full time as the head of the Meat & Seafood Dept at the local Grocery Store, then he is working on his Masters Degree (Seminary School). I'm so proud of everything he has accomplished (and by age 28). I'm thankful we met, fell in love, and are building a life together.
Life has been even more great, since my step back in Real Estate. Getting to enjoy every minute with my kiddo(s). Just wish I could get CF or my body to listen. LOL. And while it may be hard for me to admit I need help and it is hard to deal with, I'm thankful to have such a great support system. And for now, I will do what I can and enjoy my wonderful life & family <3
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to all the AMAZING DADS out there!!!
Strongest person I know!!!!!The stuff you go through day in and day out is crazy. I know I wouldn’t be able to face that every day
ReplyDeleteCan you sense or feel when one of these flare ups are going to occur. Or do they come on without warning. Will they eventually get worse or last longer. Besides rest in there any type of therapy that would help out. It is good that you have a strong support group there for you helping out. But I know that it would totally suck making plans to do something and then having to cancel. At least you have people around you who understand and are there for you. p.s on electric scooter I would buy one that way you can have the features you want. Renting is okay. But you don't know how well they have been maintained. Hope flare ups lessen or at least aren't as sever. Just remember whatever is going on always try to see the positive. because I believe that how you view things can effect how you feel and can aid in healing process. Looking forward to walk on 29th
ReplyDeleteThanks Carlos!! I think anyone could though, I mean.. if they had to. But i really appreciate the kind words. PS. why have we not hung out since we live in the same area now? We should fix this soon! I miss you guys!
ReplyDeleteNot much warning with them usually, until I start to feel the pain. It is a pain for making plans, usually i wont let it stop me (I just use a scooter, etc if needed). I am looking into cheap, portable electric scooters, so I can have on to take on trips. I'm hoping by keeping a journal Doc can figure out the causes, etc and help more. Great seeing you at the walk, you were a fundraiser superstar! Thanks for all you do Doug!
ReplyDelete