FIGHTING FOR MY LIFE

This is Kathy's senior picture.
When my daughters saw it,
 they said me she was a lot prettier
 than I was.  I couldn't agree more.

The title may sound a little dramatic, but that is what I have often done, fought to preserve my life.  A life in which I could contribute to others and my surroundings.  Today I was reminded why I have fought that fight.

I have had the dearest friend since I was ten years old.  Today I found out that she died suddenly a few weeks ago.  She will always be remembered and treasured as a person of great generosity in every way; by her friends, several generations of her family and all who knew her.

She was also very heavy and was frustrated by the restrictions that caused her, especially after a couple of accidents that left her knees in bad shape, further restricting her activities.

So now I am recommitted to continue to fight for my life. I want to take back the health I have been blessed with and rebuild it, reclaim my place in making a difference in my own small way, in my own small world.  Be prepared to reach out and be of service to others, be a kinder and more understanding person.  Build a stronger determination to make right choices, to set a better example.

I am hoping to have the strength to ignore the sore muscles, the pinched nerves, aching joints and knots in my back, from "stem to stern" and have the patience to work slowly and carefully to reach my goals.  I hope I have the courage to become more like Kathy.