Tomorrow, I will be 39 years old. I've had both family and friends ask me how does this make you feel? My answer is usually something like, "It's just a number?" The truth is, I feel better at 39, than I ever did at 29 or even 19!
Yes, I may be on the verge of the dreaded 40, but isn't it just a number? To me it is. I'm able to do more now at the ripe old age of 39 than I could even think to try at age 10. I love that I no longer worry about being put into a nursing home while raising my young kids. I LOVE that when I'm beyond exhausted, I still have the physical ability to put my three year old to bed, rather than he putting me to bed, like his sisters had to do when they were toddlers. I love that I can drive myself anywhere I want to go and walk nearly anywhere I want. Most of all, I love that my little boy will NEVER know a mother who can't take care of herself, much less her own little boy. And most of all, I love that I don't need or want anything for my birthday, because I truly feel like I have more in life than I deserve. And that includes all of your support! Thanks so much!!!
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Recently I was asked to participate in the Jump For Dystonia campaign by sky diving! For those of you who know me well, you know that I wouldn't have to think long about that one...NO! I am about as chicken as they come (I was proud of myself for going on a roller coaster and screamed, "I'm going to die" three times in less than two minutes). Yes, I'm all about trying new things, but I also know my strengths, weaknesses, fears, hopes and dreams. And jumping out of a plane isn't something I see myself doing in the near future or ever, for that matter. However, I knew that there had to be something out of my comfort zone that I I could do to promote awareness for Dystonia. My decision was to jump into the lake (I can't swim) all while promoting awareness for the Dystonia Community and hopefully physicians who have never heard of Dopa Responsive Dystonia (DRD). I share many links right here on my website under the "Resource" tab about Dopa Responsive Dystonia, but I think you should know that I never thought I'd become an advocate, simply because I had never heard of it!!! My entire childhood, I thought I had Spastic Diplegia, CP. After seeing dozens of doctors over the course of three decades, I still had never heard or read about Dystonia. It wasn't until that crazy "Good Friday" in April of 2010 that a neurologist told me, "I think you have Dopa Responsive Dystonia." In a matter of 48 hours, I went from being pushed in a wheelchair to standing independently! To say I am grateful for my new diagnosis and treatment, would be an understatement and not a day goes by where I don't give thanks to God for all that He has given me. Many people ask me, "Aren't you angry that you went so long misdiagnosed?" Honestly, I don't hold any resentment or anger about my medical situation. I feel so blessed for my new found mobility and know that there are others out there misdiagnosed just like me! That is why I do everything I can to educate others about Dystonia, particularly DRD. Click the image to watch my jump! And then take a photo of your jump (doesn't have to be into a lake) and share it with me here or on my Facebook page. Lets create awareness together! This past week was spent with family doing what I love most: chatting, eating and laughing. I'm really not sure if there is anything more important in life than family and friends. If I had to choose between my new found mobility and my wonderful support system, I'd immediately say "It's time to go get another mobility scooter." I guess that's why I feel like it's SO important for me to give thanks to God every night for all the special gifts he has given me. As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, we had a wonderful time with family. Yes, it's a lot of work for Steve and I, but I don't think we'd want it any other way. We love bringing a smile to kids faces by giving them a place to swim and fish as well as a tube to be pulled on behind the boat. Sure, I had to pack extra food and linens for the week, which is more work, but as my husband says, "It's a lot of work to have fun." And we plan on doing it again this weekend! In the meantime, I'll continue to give thanks and count my blessings each and every day. It's summer vacation. So for me, that means busy, busy, busy! In fact, I'm exhausted! I've put nearly 200 miles on my car in three days and I haven't even left the county! At one point yesterday, I was feeling...crabby. I was frustrated that my house was a mess and I was too busy running kids from one end of town to the other and then it hit me...Jean, appreciate the "little things in life."
I had to share this because even I find myself taking things for granted. Five years ago, I couldn't leave my house without the help of an adult. Now, here I am taking Winona to math class, basketball camp and friend's houses. Plus, Sharon, John and I have run so many errands (groceries, Target, Costco, oil change, etc). I am so tired, yet I'm so happy that I can still function! Life is a gift and it is so important to take time to appreciate ALL OF IT!!! Family and friends have always been an important part of my life. This weekend, I was able to literally stand up by my cousins side as she said her vows. This was the first wedding that I had been in since my correct diagnosis. And it was wonderful!!! Back in the day, when I would be asked to be a bridesmaid, I would happily say yes, but as the day came closer my nerves would begin to build. I wasn't nervous about the typical things will my dress fit? or what if I trip on my dress walking up the stairs? Instead, the thoughts that ran through my head were more like How am I going to keep from tripping as I walk down the isle? or Where will I go when I can no longer stand up front? and of course how bad will my tremors be? These internal thoughts kept me from being there for the bride and simply enjoying the day. This Saturday, I was able to walk down the isle with confidence and stand through the entire ceremony without worrying about anything!! I was able to focus my attention on the sermon and listen to the bride and groom share their special vows without wondering am I gong to fall? For me, this was an amazing gift!! I wish Jessie and Randy a lifetime of happiness and thank them from the bottom of my heart for including me in their very special day! |
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