it was never just a party

As you can all imagine, I am incredibly busy with my memoir, but I have to give a heartfelt thank you to everyone who juggled their schedules around so they could be a part of my book launch party in Andover, MN.  To say the evening was a whirlwind for me would be an understatement!  What a blessing to have a constant line of family and friends waiting to peek at the book that I have been working on for the past five years.  What a wonderful surprise to see the physical therapist who taught me how to roller skate, the English teacher who always had a gentle smile and classmate who helped dress me when my arms failed me one day after junior high swimming lessons.  

Later, when Steve and I were able to reflect on the evening, I kept saying, "I can't believe all those people came.  It's December.  The busiest month of the year!"  To which he replied, "This was more than a party to celebrate your book, Jean, it was a celebration of your mobility, something no one ever expected."  

He was right.  It had been over five years since my correct diagnosis, but we'd never formally celebrated it with friends and family. We never took the time as a group to reflect on how far I have come since taking that first miracle pill.  So, for everyone who came last night to celebrate with me, I thank you for all your love, support, strength and encouragement you gave me then, and that you still give me today.
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