The Reason

In those days Caesar Agustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.  (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)   And everyone went to t heir own town to register.   So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.   He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.   While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

 

 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,  “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”  So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.   When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,  and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.  But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.  The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

Annaliah

My dearest Annaliah,

How I wish you were here.  On this day six years ago, you were expected to arrive.  We thought that this day (or one close to it) would go down as the day our lives were permanently altered for the better.  We thought we'd have a child - you - and that we'd have someone we were responsible for for the rest of our lives.  We had visions of holding you and dreams of sticky fingered hugs and slobbery kisses and heart warming giggles.  We had faith and hope and expectation.

Today, we don't have you.  We don't have any children living with us on earth.  We don't know what it is to get up at night with a crying baby or to struggle with a car seat or to have to put a child's needs above our own.  We don't know sticky fingers or slobbery kisses or giggles or smiles or cries of delight.  Your voice doesn't fill our home and your body doesn't fill our arms.

We are without you.

And it hurts.  It hurts to be without you.  It hurts to be "just us."  It hurts to not know parenthood.  I remember when you were on the way.  One day in particular stands out.  Your daddy and I were driving around, thinking about looking for a different apartment - one that would be better suited to life with a child.  We had a CD playing, from your Grandma Arlene.  The sound of children singing filled the car, and I smiled as I looked at your daddy.  We were both truly happy.

I miss that feeling.  The feeling of unquenchable joy mixed with anticipation and a hint of fear.  I miss knowing that regardless of what went wrong or right, in just a few short months we would have a child of our own.  I miss the way it felt like everything was going to be just fine.  Because since you've left, we've known a lot of heartache.  We've cried a lot and spent a lot of sleepless nights.  We've held hands as doctors deliver yet another negative report and we've scraped and scrambled to make ends meet so we could have just one more chance at parenthood.  We've weathered a lot of storms, sweet child, without you.

But this is temporary.  We will not spend eternity without you - we will spend it with you.  The day is coming when we will get where we are going.  And on that day, we will see you face to face.  We hold onto that hope and that dream, and it gives us light when everything around us looks dark and grim. 

You make heaven feel real.  You keep eternity on our minds and in our hearts.  Child of mine, even though I am without you, I am grateful for you.  You have changed me, and your daddy too.  We aren't the same and we never will be.  Even without you, we are with you. 

We love you.

Mommy

The Better Men

It isn't easy, life.  We struggle and fight for so much, and sometimes it seems worthwhile.  Sometimes it doesn't. 

I'm here to say, fight on. 

This life we lead, the freedom we enjoy, it wasn't cheap.  It didn't come easy... it didn't even come hard.  It came at the highest cost possible - human lives.  Sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, husbands and wives and lovers and friends.   Heroes, all.

I stand free because of them, and for that, I am truly thankful. 

Are you?

In My Dreams

During the day, I miss her.  My Gramma, that is.  I miss her every day.  I miss her when something is beautiful, I miss her when things get ugly.  I miss her when I smile and when I cry, and when I do well and when I fail.  When I feel like I am soaring high and when the weight of the world is crushing me, I miss her.

Growing up, she was part of every day.  Most of what I did, she was there and she was in the middle of.  I never really learned to let go of that.  The last time Derek and I drove away from their home, I said to remember and treasure that image, as it wouldn't last.  I had the idea that something was about to change, but I didn't really know at all.

I never would have guessed she was to be taken so abruptly from this world.  To think that a driver's carelessness would be the thing responsible for such a staggering loss... I just wouldn't have done it.  That's what happens to other people, not to me.  Not to her.  But despite being willing to give up everything to go back and change it somehow, with chilling finality, she was killed that day.

She's not dead though - not spiritually.  I know she lives and is rejoicing and dancing in heaven.  But until I join her there, she's gone from my world.  She can't tell me who to love or what to do or how to be, no matter how desperately I wish for her wisdom. 

But at night when I dream, I don't know that.  When I dream, she is alive and present.  Usually, in the dreams, I know she is dead and I know she can't be there... and yet, there she is.  She laughs and smiles and speaks, and we all act like it's perfectly natural for her to be doing those things.  I wish dream-hugs lasted after waking.  I wish I could retain that sense of wholeness and safety after sleep stops for the day.  Some mornings, I let myself sleep through my alarm just so I can have a little longer with her.

But in my dreams is just that... in my dreams.

The reality of it all is, the pain is real.  The alone is real.  The sadness and the lingering sense of shock and disbelief and the empty feelings... they are all real.  Even more real, though, is the fact that this isn't going to last forever.  I'll see her again, and it will be a forever reunion.  It's going to be the end of the pain, the end of the nightmares, the end of the loneliness.  THAT is the reality I try my hardest to focus on.

And in my dreams... in my dreams, I let myself have a reminder that this situation isn't exactly as it appears.

Without You

Dear Doctor F. and Nurses T., M., and D.:

I am writing to inform you that I intend to progress forward mostly without you.  My leg has no visible ulcerations and there is in fact no need for a dressing on it.  I am without fever, my white count is within acceptable limits, and I don't feel "punky."

So while I understand that this may be temporary and that setbacks are a very real possibility, perhaps even probability, for now... adios.

Thank you for the time and energy you've poured into me in the last five months (yes, five MONTHS of biweekly appointments, at a minimum; several of those months were three or more appointments weekly, and there was a large chunk of time where they were daily necessities).  I won't forget about it or you.

It's just that now, it's time to get back to the business of living.

Newness

It's weird how seldom I actually try NEW things.  Not just things I haven't done lately, or things I've considered and rejected previously, but entirely NEW things.

As  most of you probably know, I am not the "theater type" of person.  I lack the patience and desire.  OR at least, I used to.  This past weekend, a friend invited me to attend three plays with her, put on by  American Players Theater.  I knew I would like spending time with her, but I wasn't so sure about the plays.  Turns out, I had a lot of fun and actually really enjoyed watching the plays.  Unlike my suspicions, it was better than TV in person, which is what I expected it to be. 

So here's to new things.

NICIAW - Depression, PTSD, Arthritis, Ligament Damage

Ruth writes:

1. The illness I live with is: Depression, PTSD, arthritis and serious ankle ligament damage/foot bone spur from an old injury.

2. I was diagnosed with it in the year: 1995 onward's, various things diagnosed over the years. Injury happened in 1990, or 1991, can't quite remember.

3. But I had symptoms since: With the depression, looking back I realize I've suffered for as long as I can remember.

4. The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is: Not being able to hold down a job.

5. Most people assume: There is nothing wrong as none are immediately visible, although I use crutches a lot more these days.

6. The hardest part about mornings are: Getting up and getting motivated, especially if I'm in a lot of physical pain, it does have a knock on affect.

7. My favorite medical TV show is: n/a.

8. A gadget I couldn’t live without is: My computer, linked to the internet, as they provides me with a way of connecting with people. Also, reading and music, so my Kindle and iPod.

9. The hardest part about nights are: Dealing with the insomnia, nightmares and pain control.

10. Each day I take __ pills & vitamins. (No comments, please) - Two types of anti depressants, pain killers, one of two types depending on the level of pain. Sometime I also require sleeping tablets.

11. Regarding alternative treatments I: Have found Reiki useful in helping me relax.

12. If I had to choose between an invisible illness or visible I would choose: visible!

13. Regarding working and career: I had to give up work back in 1995, and again in 2006. I really miss it, and wish I could do more.

14. People would be surprised to know: How much physical and emotional pain I am in every day as I have got used to hiding it very well.

15. The hardest thing to accept about my new reality has been: Not being able to work.

16. Something I never thought I could do with my illness that I did was: Have to courage to try and spread awareness by doing things like filling in this form.

17. The commercials about my illness: Can't say I've really seen any.

18. Something I really miss doing since I was diagnosed is: Riding horses.

19. It was really hard to have to give up: Work and riding horses, and I had worked with animals professionally ..

20. A new hobby I have taken up since my diagnosis is: None.

21. If I could have one day of feeling normal again I would: Treasure every moment.

22. My illness has taught me: To be patient with myself.

23. Want to know a secret? One thing people say that gets under my skin is: 'It doesn't look/seem that bad.' Or a Doctor that once said. 'It could have been worse.' ... I think the only thing that is worse than being subjected to child abuse would have been if they had killed me!

24. But I love it when people: Say something spontaneously that make me realize I'm not 'lazy' and that I am justified in feeling like I do. Especially when it comes from somebody I have a huge amount of respect for. Happened last year, and whenever I need to remind myself that I am allowed to feel like this I remember what they said. was a very affirming moment.

25. My favorite motto, scripture, quote that gets me through tough times is: A quote from the After Silence store. 'You thought you'd destroy me, but you only made me stronger.'

26. When someone is diagnosed I’d like to tell them: It does get easier to live with what you are going through, it takes time, be kind to yourself in the meantime.

27. Something that has surprised me about living with an illness is: How much people can wrongly assume what you are capable of.

28. The nicest thing someone did for me when I wasn’t feeling well was: Provided me with a safe haven.

29. I’m involved with Invisible Illness Week because: It's time the barriers of ignorance were pulled down, and the only way to do that is to debunk the myths by speaking up about our experiences so people don't have the grounds to assume.

30. The fact that you read this list makes me feel: Hopeful that slowly people are recognizing that illness covers more than they perhaps realized before

NICIAW - Eczema, Asthma, Allergies

Kay writes:

1. The illness I live with is
Its chronic allergies really. I'm atopic with eczema, asthma and hayfever with allergies to soap, most cosmetic products, fragrances, colourants, dust, fur/feather bearing animals and even pineapple and kiwi fruits. Lately I seem to have added water to the list.
2. I was diagnosed with it in the year 1985

3. But I had symptoms since:
All my life.

4. The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is:
Not using any soaps, perfumes or shampoos. I can only use detergents suitable for sensitive skins without added fragrances or fabric softeners.I also have a skin maintenance regime and need to walk with creams every where I go to keep my skin constantly hydrated so its less likely to break down. I also have a supply of a variety of gloves to use for household chores. I keep clothes that are worn close to the skin restricted to natural fabrics as is possible. This isn't easy when it comes to shopping for bras
5. Most people assume:
That because I don't use soap my hygiene must be bad. They also assume that the allergies can be ignored so they expect me to be volunteering to do the washing up when I visit them when they have not provided any protective wear for me. Its even worse when something needs cleaning up and they try to give me a soapy cloth to wipe things up. I can't touch that with my bare hands and not suffer for it.

6. The hardest part about mornings are:
If its a good day then there's the bath and body creamings to go through. On a bad skin day I'd see what damage I'd done whilst sleeping to my inflamed skin. I can sometimes scratch in my sleep which leads to bleeding. I've even put on cotton gloves as scratch mitts when things were really bad. A bad skin day can mean I also begin with unwrapping clingfilm bandages that covered the worse affected areas over night. I also have to hope that this latest bath doesn't leave me coming out stinging in pain from head to foot due to the latest reaction I'm having with water.

7. My favorite medical TV show is:
Don't really have one

8. A gadget I couldn’t live without is:
A washing machine. With all those creams I go through a lot of bed linen quickly. they do rub off on the sheets. I tried using the laundrette when my washing machine was broken and I was waiting to get a replacement. It was a nightmare

9. The hardest part about nights are:
On a good night its just creaming up and hoping its enough to keep most itching at bay. On a bad night itching may keep me awake. A bad skin day could mean putting on extra cream and doing the clingfilm bandage wrap over the worse affected area.
10. Each day I take __ pills & vitamins. (No comments, please)
Its just the one extra strong antihistamine. Its all about the creams and bath oils for me. Thankfully I haven't had to use an inhaler for a while.

11. Regarding alternative treatments I:
There's nothing available currently within my means or access.

12. If I had to choose between an invisible illness or visible I would choose; A broken arm since it would heal and improve. People also wouldn't ignore it if it restricts/changes the way you do things.

13. Regarding working and career:
It does make it difficult for me to do certain jobs. I have tried and can only manage up to a certain limit.

14. People would be surprised to know:
That I adore animals especially the furry ones though I should stay away from them. My immune system isn't low.

15. The hardest thing to accept about my new reality has been:
Its not going to go away.

16. Something I never thought I could do with my illness that I did was:
I haven't really explored that as yet.

17. The commercials about my illness:
The nearest I've ever seen is when they have the annual hayfever treatments ads there's nothing on skin stuff.

18. Something I really miss doing since I was diagnosed is:
This would be a bit after diagnosis, I miss having a pet I could pet
19. It was really hard to have to give up:
That'd be the furry pet again.

20. A new hobby I have taken up since my diagnosis is:
Hmmm that would be swimming and taking long walks. Swimming did help my lungs regarding the asthma. Though I may have to stop the swimming over the water thing now.

21. If I could have one day of feeling normal again I would:
Have a bubble fight and be okay hugging someone who wore lots of perfume and body spray.

22. My illness has taught me:
There's more than one way of doing things

23. Want to know a secret? One thing people say that gets under my skin is:
Take more vitamins to boost your immune system. I am not malnourished and my immune system is not low its over active.

24. But I love it when people:
Don't spray around lots of air fresheners

25. My favorite motto, scripture, quote that gets me through tough times is:
I'll have to work on that one

26. When someone is diagnosed I’d like to tell them:
Start up a creaming regime and your good hygiene can still be maintained.

27. Something that has surprised me about living with an illness is:
It doesn't define me as a person.

28. The nicest thing someone did for me when I wasn’t feeling well was:
Washed my dishes.
29. I’m involved with Invisible Illness Week because:
Jen asked.

30. The fact that you read this list makes me feel:
OK

NICIAW - ADHD, Depression, Anxiety

Chantel writes:

My name is Chantel and I was diagnosed with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) in 2000 when I was 9 years old. I showed signs of having it at a much earlier age but it is sometimes hard to differentiate between normal childhood inattentiveness and hyperactivity versus true ADHD. I also struggle with depression and anxiety as these play hand-in-hand at times with the ADHD.

It had always been hard for me to follow even the simplest of instructions; not because I wasn’t smart or didn’t know how but because my brain couldn’t slow down enough to even hear the whole set of instructions. I would only get bits and pieces of information at a time because my attention would wander off and on, thus getting me into trouble. I could NOT pay attention if my life depended on it. While all the other kids were outside at recess I was inside doing homework or sitting in time out because I also was always getting into trouble. I would blurt out answers or talk when I wasn’t supposed to. It made the other kids not like me. I was different. I got made fun of a lot. I didn’t like being the weird and annoying kid. I tried so hard to pay attention but my mind just wouldn’t let me. I couldn’t help it. Simple basic math homework of 15 question multiplication problems proved to take me hours and I would stay up bawling all night long because I thought I had to be the stupidest kid in the world. I had no self-worth or friends to speak of and the teachers were terrible to me. That all changed!

I got on medicine when I was 9 and it made such a difference! My C’s and D’s turned into almost all A’s and occasional B’s. Of course it took a lot of different medication changes to find my niche but I am so thankful! I also used behavioral therapy to help train my impulsiveness due to the ADHD.

I still have problems with ADHD in adult life though as it will be a life long struggle I am afraid. My grades did improve and I found out how smart I really was and that I was NOT stupid, but still I struggle with the social aspect of it now. I still am perceived as the “weird” one and frankly I don’t have too many friends and I think that is one of the worst parts of this: loneliness and rejection.

It really bothers me when people tell me to just “stop acting like that” and that I use it as a crutch because I do NOT. I don’t like having this. If I had to choose between a visible or invisible illness I would choose visible because at least I would be believed and get the support and validation that I need to keep going through the day when I become discouraged. Support makes such a difference. I read my Bible when I become discouraged. Philippians 4:13 is one of my favorite verses (among many) that helps me in life.

I chose to be involved in Invisible Illness Week because I wish to bring awareness to these types of illnesses. Just because a person has no physical indication that they are ill does not mean that they aren’t. I hope that the stigma associated with mental health illnesses and other illnesses that cannot be seen with the eyes one day lifts and is recognized and validated. I want it to be that we will no longer be seen as the “weird” or “crazy” ones because our illnesses cannot be seen; we will be seen for what we are: human beings deserving of support and understanding. Blessings to all of you

NICIAW - Fibromyalgia, Meniere's Disease

Izebell writes:

1. The illness I live with is:
PTSD, Fibromyalgia, Meniere's Disease, Tinnitus, Joint Hypermobility, Carpal Tunnel, Arm/hand nerve impingement, DDNOS, chondromalacia

2. I was diagnosed with it in the year:
Meniere's, tinnitus - 1995
Fibromyalgia - 2000
PTSD - 2005, 2006, 2011 (different docs)
the rest 2012
Chondromalacia - 1979

3. But I had symptoms since:
Fibro - Not sure
PTSD - 1970
Meniere's/tinnitus - 1995
Joint stuff - 1974
Carpal tunnel/nerve issues - 2006
DDNOS - 1976 (not really sure)
Chondromalacia - 1973

4. The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is:
Giving up the things I enjoy doing and making sure I have a few days of rest built in after a busy day.

5. Most people assume:
That I am either just fine or complain a lot

6. The hardest part about mornings are:
Waking still feeling exhausted

7. My favorite medical TV show is:
Untold Stories of the ER

8. A gadget I couldn’t live without is:
My braces

9. The hardest part about nights are:
Not sleeping and being too exhausted to interact with My Beloved. There's nothing left for him.

10. Each day I take __ pills & vitamins. (No comments, please)
8 RX and 6 vitamins

11. Regarding alternative treatments I:
I have tried herbs, chiropractic, massage therapy, acupuncture, diet

12. If I had to choose between an invisible illness or visible I would choose:
Visible as people can then see something wrong and are more willing to help out

13. Regarding working and career:
I am probably going to have to stop working soon as my hands can't do it any more. Because of the fibro, it takes about 2-3 times longer for me to heal from surgery and I am having my right hand/arm fixed later this year.

14. People would be surprised to know:
How many illnesses I have.

15. The hardest thing to accept about my new reality has been:
The loss of social interaction due to the inability to participate in my favorite hobby

16. Something I never thought I could do with my illness that I did was:
Go on almost all rides at Disneyland - Tower of Terror is the best! (the virtual reality ones are out, however)

17. The commercials about my illness:
Don't exist

18. Something I really miss doing since I was diagnosed is:
Bowling but my body just can't do it any more

19. It was really hard to have to give up:
Quilting as it kept me sane and brought me joy.

20. A new hobby I have taken up since my diagnosis is:
Haven't found it yet as most involve my hands

21. If I could have one day of feeling normal again I would:
Hike a local mountain - 4 miles up and I did it once

22. My illness has taught me:
That God is in control and my strength and support come from Him. All others will fail me.

23. Want to know a secret? One thing people say that gets under my skin is:
You just need to exercise

24. But I love it when people:
Say "You don't look it!" when I tell them my age. I also like hearing "I understand".

25. My favorite motto, scripture, quote that gets me through tough times is:
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." Phil. 4:13 My life verse

26. When someone is diagnosed I’d like to tell them:
It can get better and you won't always feel like this.

27. Something that has surprised me about living with an illness is:
That pain is just a part of life and it's usually in the background except right now.

28. The nicest thing someone did for me when I wasn’t feeling well was:
Bring us meals

29. I’m involved with Invisible Illness Week because:
Millions of people suffer and the public needs to be educated so they will stop saying stupid stuff.

30. The fact that you read this list makes me feel:
Validated

NICIAW - Pain

An unnamed reader writes:

I've had pain for years but due to being uninsured + in the United States ("greatest medical system in the world," I laughed when I found out people called it that) I've never been diagnosed with anything. I know that I have bone spurs in my feet. I hope I don't have arthritis, because my whole career is based on my ability to move, and if I lose my career I have nothing.

My best theory is that my cartilage was so worn down by the schedule I had to follow when I was trafficked that the bones began to grind together. I worked 20-22 hours a day every day for years. Every time I used to take a step the bones would grind. I just got used to it. There are no gadgets that help this, however I find it is very important to stay warm enough and I have rice bags that I heat up and use to soothe the joints. I'd say my greatest gadget is my pain tolerance, which is very very high.

I would not choose a visible illness over this. If I had a visible illness, I'd never be hired, and the amount of sympathy from other people would not be great enough to cover the loss. People would see my illness before they saw my accomplishments, I think, and things like that really annoy me.

If I could change one thing, I'd make the United States have a universal free health care system. I'll pay more taxes, certainly would be lower than the $200/month I would pay for private insurance if I had money like that.

I Remember - Do You?

American Airlines Flight 11

Anna Allison-David Angell-Lynn Angell-Seima Aoyama-Barbara Arestegui-Myra Aronson-Christine Barbuto-Carolyn Beug-Kelly Booms-Carol Bouchard-Robin Kaplan-Neilie Casey-Jeffrey Collman-Jeffrey Coombs-Tara Creamer-Thelma Cuccinello-Patrick Currivan-Brian Dale-David Dimeglio-Donald Ditullio-Alberto Dominguez-Paige Farley-Hackel-Alexander Filipov-Carol Flyzik-Paul Friedman-Karleton Fyfe-Peter Gay-Linda George -Edmund Glazer-Lisa Gordenstein-Andrew Green-Peter Hashem-Robert Hayes-Edward Hennessy-John Hofer-Cora Holland-John Humber--Waleed Iskandar-John Jenkins-Charles Jones-Barbara Keating-David Kovalcin-Judith Larocque-Natalie Lasden-Daniel Lee-Daniel Lewin-Sara Low-Susan Mackay-Karen Martin-Thomas McGuinness-Christopher Mello-Jeffrey Mladenik-Carlos Montoya-Antonio Valdes-Laura Morabito-Mildred Naiman-Laurie Neira-Renee Newell-Kathleen Nicosia-Jacqueline Norton-Robert Norton-John Ogonowski-Betty Ong-Jane Orth-Thomas Pecorelli-Berinthia Perkins-Sonia Puopolo-David Retik-Jean Roger-Philip Rosenzweig-Richard Ross-Jessica Sachs-Rahma Salie-Heather Smith-Dianne Snyder-Douglas Stone-Xavier Suarez-Madeline Sweeney-Michael Theodoridis-James Trentini-Mary Trentini-Pendyala Vamsikrishna-Mary Wahlstrom-Kenneth Waldie-John Wenckus-Candace Williams-Christopher Zarba

United Airlines Flight 175

Alona Abraham-Garnet Bailey-Mark Bavis-Graham Berkeley-Touri Bolourchi-Klaus Bothe-Daniel Brandhorst-David Brandhorst-John Cahill-Christoffer Carstanjen-John Corcoran-Dorothy de Araujo-Ana Debarrera-Robert Fangman-Lisa Frost-Ronald Gamboa-Lynn Goodchild-Peter Goodrich-Douglas Gowell-Francis Grogan-Carl Hammond-Christine Hanson-Peter Hanson-Susan Hanson-Gerald Hardacre-Eric Hartono-James Hayden-Herbert Homer-Michael Horrocks-Robert Jalbert-Amy Jarret-Ralph Kershaw-Heinrich Kimmig-Amy King-Brian Kinney-Kathryn LaBorie-Robert Leblanc-Maclovio Lopez-Marianne Macfarlane-Alfred Marchand-Louis Mariani-Juliana McCourt-Ruth McCourt-Wolfgang Menzel-Shawn Nassaney-Marie Pappalardo-Patrick Quigley-Frederick Rimmele-James Roux-Jesus Sanchez-Victor Saracini-Mary Shearer-Robert Shearer-Jane Simpkin-Brian Sweeney-Michael Tarrou-Alicia Titus-Timothy Ward-William Weems

Pentagon

Craig Amundson-Melissa Barnes-Max Beilke-Kris Bishundat-Carrie Blagburn-Canfield Boone-Donna Bowen-Allen Boyle-Christopher Burford-Daniel Caballero-Jose Calderon-Olmedo-Angelene Carter-Sharon Carver-John Chada-Rosa Chapa-Julian Cooper-Eric Cranford-Ada Davis-Gerald DeConto-Jerry Dickerson-Johnnie Doctor-Robert Dolan-William Donovan-Patrick Dunn-Edward Earhart-Robert Elseth-Jamie Fallon-Amelia Fields-Gerald Fisher-Matthew Flocco-Sandra Foster-Lawrence Getzfred-Cortez Ghee-Brenda Gibson-Ronald Golinski-Diane Hale-McKinzy-Carolyn Halmon-Sheila Hein-Ronald Hemenway-Wallace Hogan-Jimmie Holley-Angela Houtz-Brady Howell-Peggie Hurt-Stephen Hyland-Robert Hymel-Lacey Ivory-Dennis Johnson-Judith Jones-Brenda Kegler-Michael Lamana-David Laychak-Samantha Lightbourn-Allen-Stephen Long-James Lynch-Terence Lynch-Nehamon Lyons-Shelley Marshall-Teresa Martin-Ada Mason-Acker-Dean Mattson-Timothy Maude-Robert Maxwell-Molly McKenzie-Patricia Mickley-Ronald Milam-Gerard Moran-Odessa Morris-Brian Moss-Teddington Moy-Patrick Murphy-Khang Nguyen-Michael Noetn-Ruben Ornedo-Diana Padro-Jonas Panik-Clifford Patterson-Darin Pontell-Scott Powell-Jack Punches-Joseph Pycior-Deborah Ramsaur-Rhonda Rasmussen-Marsha Ratchford-Martha Reszke-Cecelia Richard-Edward Rowenhorst-Judy Rowlett-Robert Russell-William Ruth-Charles Sabin-Marjorie Salamone-David Scales-Robert Schlegel-Janice Scott-Michael Selves-Marian Serva-Dan Shanower-Antionette Sherman-Diane Simmons-Cheryle Sincock-Gregg Smallwood-Gary Smith-Patricia Statz-Edna Stephens-Larry Strickland-Kip Taylor-Sandra Taylor-Karl Teepe-Tamara Thurman-Otis Tolbert-Willie Troy-Ronald Vauk-Karen Wagner-Meta Waller-Chin Sun Wells-Maudlyn White-Sandra White-Ernest Willcher-David Williams-Dwayne Williams-Marvin Woods-Kevin Yokum-Donald Young-Edmond Young-Lisa Young

American Airlines Flight 77

Paul Ambrose-Yeneneh Betru-Mary Booth-Bernard Brown-Charles Burlingame-Suzanne Calley-William Caswell-David Charlebois-Sarah Clark-Asia Cottom-James Debeuneure-Rodney Dickens-Eddie Dillard-Charles Droz-Barbara Edwards-Charles Falkenberg-Dana Falkenberg-Zoe Falkenberg-Joseph Ferguson-Darlene Flagg-Wilson Flagg-Richard Gabriel-Ian Gray-Stanley Hall-Michele Heidenberger-Bryan Jack-Steven Jacoby-Ann Judge-Chandler Keller-Yvonne Kennedy-Norma Khan-Karen Kincaid-Dong Lee-Jennifer Lewis-Kenneth Lewis-Renee May-Dora Menchaca-Christopher Newton-Barbara Olson-Ruben Ornedo-Robert Penninger-Robert Ploger-Zandra Ploger-Lisa Raines-Todd Reuben-John Sammartino-George Simmons-Donald Simmons-Mari-Rae Sopper-Robert Speisman-Norma Steuerle-Hilda Taylor-Leonard Taylor-Sandra Teague-Leslie Whittington- John Yamnicky-Vicki Yancey-Shuyin Yang-Yuguag Zheng

United Airlines Flight 93

Christian Adams-Lorraine Bay-Todd Beamer-Alan Beaven--Mark Bingham-Deora Bodley-Sandra Bradshaw-Marion Britton-Thomas Burnett-William Cashman-Georgine Corrigan-Patricia Cushing-Jason Dahl-Joseph Deluca-Patrick Driscoll-Edward Felt-Jane Folger-Colleen Fraser-Andrew Garcia-Jeremy Glick-Lauren Grandcolas-Wanda Green-Donald Greene-Linda Gronlund-Richard Guadagno-Leroy Homer-Toshiya Kuge-CeeCee Lyles-Hilda Marcin-Waleska Martinez-Nicole Miller-Louis Nacke-Donald Peterson-Jean Peterson-Mark Rothenberg-Christine Snyder-John Talignani-Elizabeth Wainio-Deborah Welsh-Kristin White

World Trade Center Towers

Gordon Aamoth-Edelmiro Abad-Maria Abad-Andrew Abate-Vincent Abate-Laurence Abel-William Abrahamson-Richard Aceto-Jesus Rescand-Heinrich Ackermann-Paul Acquaviva-Donald Adams-Patrick Adams-Shannon Adams-Stephen Adams-Ignatius Adanga-Christy Addamo-Terence Adderley-Sophia Addo-Lee Adler-Daniel Afflitto-Emmanuel Afuakwah-Alok Agarwal-Mukul Agarwala-Joseph Agnello-David Agnes-Brian Ahearn-Jeremiah Ahern-Joanne Ahladiotis-Shabbir Ahmed-Terrance Aiken-Godwin Ajala-Gertrude Alagero-Andrew Alameno-Margaret Alario-Gary Albero-Jon Albert-Peter Alderman-Jacquelyn Aldridge-David Alger-Sarah Ali-Escarcega-Ernest Alikakos-Edward Allegretto-Eric Allen-Joseph Allen-Richard D. Allen-Richard L. 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NICIAW - Bipolar II and PTSD

Emily writes:

1. The illness I live with is: Bipolar II and PTSD

2. I was diagnosed with it in the year: 2002 (and PTSD again dx in 2006 after knee injury)

3. But I had symptoms since: 1985ish

4. The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is: Unsure of how to respond to this

5. Most people assume: I'm normal, until they see it on paper, then assume I'm insane and should be locked away

6. The hardest part about mornings are: Waking up

7. My favorite medical TV show is: (used to be) ER

8. A gadget I couldn’t live without is: vibrator (yep--no men in this girl's life! ha ha) and Android phone

9. The hardest part about nights are: shutting off my mind to go to sleep

10. Each day I take __ pills & vitamins. (No comments, please) 4 RX and 2 OTC

11. Regarding alternative treatments I: have VERY recently started to do chiropractic and massage therapy (big hurdle letting people touch me!!)

12. If I had to choose between an invisible illness or visible I would choose: Visible: The general public seems to be okay with broken limbs, but not broken hearts or minds.

13. Regarding working and career: I get through

14. People would be surprised to know: They know pretty much all of it -- I have AMAZING coworkers and a great support system Monday-Friday!

15. The hardest thing to accept about my new reality has been: It's not new, been dealing for quite a while

16. Something I never thought I could do with my illness that I did was: go into public without panic attacks

17. The commercials about my illness: ARE there commercials!?

18. Something I really miss doing since I was diagnosed is: n/a

19. It was really hard to have to give up: NOT trusting people (I'm working on it!)

20. A new hobby I have taken up since my diagnosis is: being more social... not so much a "hobby" per say, but trying to get out and do more things in general

21. If I could have one day of feeling normal again I would: Pee my pants with excitement

22. My illness has taught me: how to be stronger and that I am more of a fighter than I ever thought I was

23. Want to know a secret? One thing people say that gets under my skin is: oh there are too many to list!

24. But I love it when people: Go out of their way to help others, big or small

25. My favorite motto, scripture, quote that gets me through tough times is: “I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they're right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.” ~Marilyn Monroe

26. When someone is diagnosed I’d like to tell them: Never been in that position

27. Something that has surprised me about living with an illness is: how close-minded SO many people are

28. The nicest thing someone did for me when I wasn’t feeling well was: my sister got me groceries so I didn't have to go out and deal with the world

29. I'm involved with Invisible Illness Week because: Jenn asked me to be

30. The fact that you read this list makes me feel: a little less alone

NICIAW - Pyoderma Gangrenosum

Jay wrote:

1. The illness I live with is:
Pyoderma Gangrenosum - you can't see it under the dressings I wear

2. I was diagnosed with it in the year:
2012

3. But I had symptoms since:
2010

4. The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is:
Having periods of extreme inactivity in order to let lesions heal

5. Most people assume:
That the wounds are self inflicted, and/or that they hurt only as much as they look like they hurt.  They don't know the agony.  They also assume that traditional wound care is the best approach, when it really is not.

6. The hardest part about mornings are:
When a new lesion is forming and it has adhered to the dressing overnight, while the pain relievers have all worn off, and I have to not only unstick it but redress it before I can do simple things like walk around the house to prepare for my day.

7. My favorite medical TV show is:
I'm a House fan - I like dark humor.

8. A gadget I couldn’t live without is:
It's a toss up between Vaseline gauze and Duoderm - without either, I've got nothing I can use to put dressings on my wounds.

9. The hardest part about nights are:
The pain seems to creep in even more at night, probably for lack of distraction.  Laying awake from pain while so tired that tears are flowing gets old, fast.

10. Each day I take __ pills & vitamins. (No comments, please)
2 pain meds, and 5 other prescriptions

11. Regarding alternative treatments I:
Have only found alternative methods of advancing my condition; at this point, having found a system that works as well as medically expected, I am not interested in other options to try.  I am allergic to most dressings as well as many substances one might ingest. 

12. If I had to choose between an invisible illness or visible I would choose:
Invisible.  I prefer not to be the center of attention.

13. Regarding working and career:
The various things I have fought in the last several years have killed my career.  I work as a Martial Arts instructor part time, and the P.G. makes that occasionally nightmarish painful.

14. People would be surprised to know:
That I complain less and use less pain medication than is expected of someone in my condition.

15. The hardest thing to accept about my new reality has been:
That I can't just fix it, that I can't prevent it, and I can't really do anything about it once it flares up.

16. Something I never thought I could do with my illness that I did was:
Keep my leg - doctors were talking about amputation prior to diagnosis.

17. The commercials about my illness:
Don't exist.  It's a gruesome, painful illness but is thankfully pretty rare.

18. Something I really miss doing since I was diagnosed is:
Taking a long, hot bath.  I haven't had the chance since due to the constant lesions on my legs.

19. It was really hard to have to give up:
The long hot baths that I used to enjoy every night.

20. A new hobby I have taken up since my diagnosis is:
Wood working in earnest.

21. If I could have one day of feeling normal again I would:
Remember that hot bath idea?

22. My illness has taught me:
That people are quick to judge and slow to show empathy when they can't understand or explain something that is going on.

23. Want to know a secret? One thing people say that gets under my skin is:
"That looks absolutely disgusting."  Also, when they say "that doesn't look bad at all."

24. But I love it when people:
Just treat me like the regular person I am.

25. My favorite motto, scripture, quote that gets me through tough times is:
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

26. When someone is diagnosed I’d like to tell them:
If a dressing seems not to be working - do something else.  And don't let anybody perform a debridement on your wound, it will only make things worse.

27. Something that has surprised me about living with an illness is:
How little support is actually available for someone in my situation.

28. The nicest thing someone did for me when I wasn’t feeling well was:
Went and refilled my pain medicine prescription, then came back and made me dinner to eat with the pills.

29. I’m involved with Invisible Illness Week because:
It's important to raise awareness even of less common illnesses.

30. The fact that you read this list makes me feel:
Like I had a chance to be heard.

It Makes Me Ache For Heaven

A lot of the time, I'm really genuinely grateful for my earthly life.  I like it.  It's beautiful.  Some times, my attitude isn't so good.  Always, I know that my life is a gift - as is every life. 

And some lives.... some lives have touched me in a way that makes me ache for heaven.  In a way that changes my decisions because I think, "No, I have to make it.  I have to see this person again."  I know my motivation for following God is supposed to not just be about what I'll get out of it, but if I am being genuinely honest... sometimes, it is.  Sometimes all I have left is what I know will happen when I get where I'm going.

And seeing Jim... means more to me than I'd have ever imagined it would.  It's a big, important deal.  Just having the hope of seeing him again, is enough to change my actions sometimes.  He's not the only person I miss... but today, he is the one I miss the most. 

It's been a year.  It feels like forever has passed and it feels as fresh as if it was yesterday.

Tonight I pause to remember not one of the Better Men, but one of the Best Men.

NICIAW - Year Two!

I am reposting this because I've received several entries already, but I don't want folks to forget - there are still two weeks left. Thank you all so much.  Even if you already submitted something last year, feel free to do so again this year.  You deserve to be heard.

Please visit This Link to learn more about National Invisible Chronic Illness Week.

Thousands, millions even, of people suffer with invisible illness. As months, weeks, and years go by, we learn to stay silent, to quit complaining, to "toughen up." We learn to not ask for support or help. We get tired of being a burden. Sometimes, we find ourselves dreading the next person who says "But you look just fine." This year, from September 10th - 16th, I will be publishing as many stories as are submitted to me. You can follow this checklist, or you can write it in any other format you choose. But try to view it as an opportunity to show the world what it is like to be you. It's important to me this year, to give my readers a voice. You can email me at kyukidojen@hotmail.com and I will gladly post on your behalf. Please include what you want me to call you in the post dedicated to you, and as well as you can, answer the following questions. It is time to see just how NOT alone we really are.

1. The illness I live with is:

2. I was diagnosed with it in the year:

3. But I had symptoms since:

4. The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is:

5. Most people assume:

6. The hardest part about mornings are:

7. My favorite medical TV show is:

8. A gadget I couldn’t live without is:

9. The hardest part about nights are:

10. Each day I take __ pills & vitamins. (No comments, please)

11. Regarding alternative treatments I:

12. If I had to choose between an invisible illness or visible I would choose:

13. Regarding working and career:

14. People would be surprised to know:

15. The hardest thing to accept about my new reality has been:

16. Something I never thought I could do with my illness that I did was:

17. The commercials about my illness:

18. Something I really miss doing since I was diagnosed is:

19. It was really hard to have to give up:

20. A new hobby I have taken up since my diagnosis is:

21. If I could have one day of feeling normal again I would:

22. My illness has taught me:

23. Want to know a secret? One thing people say that gets under my skin is:

24. But I love it when people:

25. My favorite motto, scripture, quote that gets me through tough times is:

26. When someone is diagnosed I’d like to tell them:

27. Something that has surprised me about living with an illness is:

28. The nicest thing someone did for me when I wasn’t feeling well was:

29. I’m involved with Invisible Illness Week because:

30. The fact that you read this list makes me feel:

I am NOT sorry...

So, I hear it all the time.  "I'm sorry, but..." "... I disagree."  "... I don't want to."  Blah blah blah.  I'm sorry but... it is a phrase I have come to truly loathe.

It isn't used as a positive phrase the majority of the time (i.e., I am sorry to have to say this, but your test result came back badly.").  It's just used as an excuse to say things we would not dare say without some sort of get-out-of-jail-free card. 

"I'm sorry but your hair looks really bad."

"I'm sorry, but that's what I want and so that's what I will do."

But the one usage that gets me going... that torques me off and makes me want to scream is this... "I'm sorry, but that's just what I believe."

We need to stand up for our beliefs, not hide behind insincere apologies for them.  I believe in God, Creator God who created all that is and was and will ever be.  I believe His son came to earth in human form, while somehow retaining his God-hood (is that a word?)  I believe he lived a truly sinless life, and was crucified one day when he was about 33 years old.  He didn't stay dead though - three days later He rose and ascended and is seated at the right hand of God the father.  I believe that that sacrifice is what earns me a place in heaven.  I have given my heart and soul to Him,and I believe it is all real.

And I'm not sorry.  I'm not sorry I believe it, not sorry I said it.  I'm not sorry if it offends you and I'm not sorry if you disagree. 

It's Supposed To Hurt

I burned my finger recently.  Was putting in a baking sheet with supper on top, and the front of my finger hit the oven rack.  I heard it go "psssttt" before I felt my hand jerking back (luckily, without the baking sheet full of food).  It's a tiny burn - from my fingernail down to the knuckle, just under half an inch.  And it's just on one finger.

And you know what?  It hurts.  It's distracting.  It makes me feel generally uncomfortable, even though it's just a tiny injury.

That's how our conscience should be.  When we blurt out a bad word, it should sting like this.  It should distract us and bother us.  When we fudge the truth just a little, it should burn.

But our consciences are like my dad's hands.

He is a mechanic (a gifted one, at that), and does a lot of welding and other things that burn his hands.  He doesn't even feel them anymore.  He can have big, angry blisters and not have even noticed they were there until I ask what they are from.  Sometimes, even after he thinks about it, he can't remember. 

We get that way.  We get so used to our little transgressions that we fail to feel the sting. 

The problem with that isn't the absence of pain.  The problem is, when our conscience hurts, we turn to God.  We pray, we repent, we resolve to change for the better.  When that happens, the result is good.  But when we get so accustomed to the little pains, we don't bother turning to him - because we aren't even really aware that anything is wrong at all.

Psalm 139:23-24
God, examine me and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any bad thing in me.  Lead me on the road to everlasting life.

We have hope though.  No matter how seared our consciences are, God can still search us and show us what we need to see.  The question is, are you (and am I) brave enough to do that?

Your Walk Talks

Growing up, I had an outstanding youth group leader, Mr. Jay.  He had this way about him... we played games and went hiking and had adventures, and we also would sit in the study at the church and discuss the really deep issues in life.  He took a group of kids who would never have been a group by choice, and knitted us together into something beautiful.

One of the things he used to say was this:

"Your walk talks, and your talk talks, but your walk talks louder than your talk talks."

In other words... yeah, what you say matters.  It gets through to people.  But not to nearly the degree that what you DO gets through.

I was laying on the couch this afternoon thinking, and that's what kept coming back to mind.  I know for me personally, my walk and my talk don't always line up.  I send mixed messages, even though I'd rather not. 

What areas of your life do you need to examine and sort out?  What things do you need to answer once and for all, so that your walk and your talk are saying the same thing?  Just one little phrase that stuck in my head (and I'd bet lots of other teenagers heard him say it and let it stick in their heads too), that gets to me every time I let it.

Prayer Request

My daddy cut his finger today, really badly.  He cut almost entirely through his extensor tendon.  He's waiting now to see the doctor for titches and surgical evaluation - not sure yet if he'll be able to just get stitched up or if he's going to need surgery to repair thing.

**update**

Dad's home from the clinic with plenty of stitches in.  He's not in a splint or cast right now; enough of the tendon is intact to not need that.  He's nervous about possible infection or lingering pain, so if you could pry specifically about that, I'd appreciate it a lot.

***update again***

Dad's finger is feeling plenty stiff but otherwise is okay.  He's not liking having to be careful not to muck up the sutures, but that's just expected and par for the course.  He is healing well.  Thank you for praying everyone.

Exercise Regimens, Cancer and You

For the first time, I have chosen to allow a guest post.  What he says, I agree with very much.  I think his message is important and unlike other requests I've had for guest posting, I feel that this one is worth passing on to my readers.

Exercise Regimens, Cancer and You

Guest Post by David Haas

Cancer can bring your life to a screeching halt, but you’ll find that as you go through treatment and as each day comes closer to normal, you still need to move forward. One way to normalize each day after a cancer diagnosis is through exercise. The National Cancer Institute states that exercise has an enormous positive benefit on both cancer treatment and cancer risk reduction. However, if you have never exercised before it can be hard to get into it.

If you are worried about getting started with exercise, remember that you do not have to do it alone. You will find that there are likely family members and friends who are wiling to help you, but if you want good concrete information, take it to a gym and talk to a professional trainer. At the very least, the gym will help you learn how to use all the different equipment. A lack of knowledge in this area is very common with adults, and when you are nervous about using the equipment for the first time, remember that everyone had to start from somewhere!

Remember that you do not need to stick with one exercise if you find that it is boring, dull or painful. As a matter of fact, the old saying of “no pain, no gain” is completely wrong. Good exercise leaves you feeling sore and pleasantly tired. Exercise taken too far leads to pain and fatigue. If you are pushing your body too hard, you’ll find that you won’t be able to exercise the next day. This is something that can make a huge difference in how well you do in the future, so remember to take it easy, especially if you are nervous about getting started.

Once you have started, stay started! Anyone can do a few strenuous exercises over the space of a few days, but it takes a great deal more effort to keep at it for a regular stretch of time. Make a schedule and stick to it. Remember that just by exercising three or four times a week, you can make a huge difference in your physique and well-being.

Whether you are dealing with breast cancer, testicular cancer or mesothelioma, you’ll find that exercise can improve your general health and rate for success. At the very least, exercise can improve your mood. Exercise releases endorphins into your body, and it allows you to clear out the stress that you may be experiencing. Take a few moments to consider what your options are and what kind of exercise is most likely to suit you.

Exercise can be fun. Don’t let a lack of experience and depression stop you. Consider the link between cancer and fitness and use what you know to spur you forward.