Somethin' about nothin'

It's always something monumental that forces most of us to stop and enjoy what's right in front of us...and to ponder how we ended up here, where we are right now, in the first place. Many of us have lived through a loved one being ill, and each experience is different. Why is it different? Because what we know and what we surround ourselves with is unique to the person living it, and only that person. Two people may have the same diagnosis, but how they react, their family situations, and their support groups are all different.

My family has had two people in the hospital in two days. In three weeks time five of us have been to the hospital. It forces me to think back several years ago when it was just my daughter and I against the world. We were facing it head on...and it was exciting and frightening at the same time. Both of us were young, and both of us have become who we are today as a result of our choices.

I can say that for the first time in my life, I have the absolute love, respect, and support from my partner. When I receive news that moves me to tears, good or bad, I know that I will not experience that alone. He is right beside me. To be able to say that I am not alone is a huge statement for me. There have been times where I absolutely needed someone. Anyone. I have hit bottom, and then climbed out alone, and had no one to share my victory with. I have made choices both good and bad in my life and all of those choices have made me into the person I am today. I am a mother, a companion, a lover, a fighter, a survivor, a navy brat, a daughter, a sister, an identical twin, an individual. I am me.