In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer. ~Albert Camus
Sometimes those of us with chronic illness get so caught up in the can’ts. The shouldn’ts. The mustn’ts. I decided to focus this summer on the things I can do. From embracing the lives of loved ones lost to adventures in lands (not-so-)faraway. So we celebrated, joined, conquered, ventured, traveled, laughed, cried, and smiled. And we experienced life. It didn’t matter that I did most of it hooked up to at least 3-4 tubes at a time. It mattered that I did it.
Now that the summer comes to a close (thank you, labor day), I thought I’d go through the tradition of writing the back-to-school essay “What I did this summer.” Then I rethought. And decided I’d show you.
What I did this summer:
{And wished her Happy Birthday}
{At the 2011 UMDF Symposium in Chicago}
{With my Great Aunt Arden at the Sears Willis Tower}
{Lab safety is a must while tutoring}
{Sisters Day Out – Southwick Zoo}
{First time at Niagara Falls – Maid of the Mist}
{Seneca Falls, NY – With two of my most influential people – On the bridge from one of my favorite movies, It’s a Wonderful Life}
{For the first time since my license was revoked for seizure activity}
{TPN bag, enteral tubes, and all!}
{White Mountains in NH with my favorite in-laws}
{Haven’t attempted this since I was a gymnast – take that mito!}
{At the 2011 Mighty Matthew Benefit in Plattsburgh, NY}
{We love you, Princess Eithene!}
{So blessed to live in Boston, the Medical Mecca of the World!}
{With 4 adults, 2 kiddos, 2 dogs, and a partridge in a pear tree}
{Disappointing from the weather standpoint, but fun nonetheless}
{With a grand closing to a grand summer!}
And no one can say I didn’t do. Because I did. I really did.
Still Miles to Go 