2014 has come and gone and it's now time to celebrate the new year. This past year has involved a pretty decent amount of ups and downs. There are so many things I will never forget, and some moments I hope I do.
2014 started off rough, being in the hospital more than I was out for the first 4 months. I was recovering from spinal surgery, preparing, then recovering from stomach surgery. I experienced many new diagnoses, failed treatments/medications, surgeries, ICUs, admissions, ER trips, new specialists, testing, and so much more. But each of these trials, strengthened me, made me stand a little taller, and played a huge role in who I am. I'm stronger now because of everything I survived, this past year alone.
But I will always be thankful for 2014 because of the many positive things it did bring to me. I am an aunt to my amazing little niece, Sophie Blair. She made every struggle I stumbled through, every mountain I had to climb, and the storms that I faced, worth it. For the first time in a long time, she makes me light up the room with my love for her alone. She shines through any darkness I can't see through and I promise I'll always continue to fight for her.
2014 brought another person into my life. My best friend. (When you struggle with chronic illnesses, you often lose many/most of your friends because of it.) However, being ill brought my best friend into my life. Sure, I lost almost every other one of my friends, but that's when she walked in, and I will gladly take somebody like her over the ones that will walk out, any day. On June 28th, 2014. I met her, in person, for the very first time. Since then, our friendship has continued to grow, providing the strength and love I need when the going gets rough. She is my reminder that even in this fight, there is always something good. We fight our battles together and having her by my side, makes it all worth it.
Also in 2014 (June 1st) I walked across stage and eagerly received my high school diploma I worked so hard for. Even during the midst of all my health issues, I did it! I graduated on time, with my class, and trotted on that stage! A big milestone I thought would be affected because of being ill, but by a miracle, I did it! Onto bigger and greater things!
I threw together a short video of a gist of what my life looked like in 2014-
2014 started off rough, being in the hospital more than I was out for the first 4 months. I was recovering from spinal surgery, preparing, then recovering from stomach surgery. I experienced many new diagnoses, failed treatments/medications, surgeries, ICUs, admissions, ER trips, new specialists, testing, and so much more. But each of these trials, strengthened me, made me stand a little taller, and played a huge role in who I am. I'm stronger now because of everything I survived, this past year alone.
But I will always be thankful for 2014 because of the many positive things it did bring to me. I am an aunt to my amazing little niece, Sophie Blair. She made every struggle I stumbled through, every mountain I had to climb, and the storms that I faced, worth it. For the first time in a long time, she makes me light up the room with my love for her alone. She shines through any darkness I can't see through and I promise I'll always continue to fight for her.
2014 brought another person into my life. My best friend. (When you struggle with chronic illnesses, you often lose many/most of your friends because of it.) However, being ill brought my best friend into my life. Sure, I lost almost every other one of my friends, but that's when she walked in, and I will gladly take somebody like her over the ones that will walk out, any day. On June 28th, 2014. I met her, in person, for the very first time. Since then, our friendship has continued to grow, providing the strength and love I need when the going gets rough. She is my reminder that even in this fight, there is always something good. We fight our battles together and having her by my side, makes it all worth it.
Also in 2014 (June 1st) I walked across stage and eagerly received my high school diploma I worked so hard for. Even during the midst of all my health issues, I did it! I graduated on time, with my class, and trotted on that stage! A big milestone I thought would be affected because of being ill, but by a miracle, I did it! Onto bigger and greater things!
I threw together a short video of a gist of what my life looked like in 2014-