Althought this has been a Dystonia-related blog and my personal journey with all that comes along with that, you never know who you might reach. I have underestimated the power of social media and who this blog and my words might touch.
I have heard from people from a total of 6 different countries now who have stumbled across my blog. I don't know how it happens but it does and it's mind blowing.
I am a big believer in paying it forward, having compassion, and being a kind person in general. Life is too short to be a selfish asshole.
Personally, I am doing great. Dystonia is there but I'm living. It is SO EASY to get caught up in my own stuff. When I'm doing bad, it's easy to get caught up in how shitty I feel. When I'm doing good, it's easy to get caught up in how awesome life is and how truly blessed I am.
BUT...
just because I am thriving, not everyone out there is. This blog is not for me. The fact of the matter is, we are ALL terminal. None of us will make it out alive. My personal belief is that when that day comes, my bags are packed for paradise. I know not everyone holds this belief and that's okay-all I can do is speak my truth and that is what keeps me going. People ask how I deal, and there it is. Absolute faith.
But let's be honest. Life is hard enough for everyone..throw an incurable disorder in the mix, a painful disease, a deadly cancer, and life can just seem downright cruel.
Don't believe that lie. There is SO MUCH GOOD. In the midst of all the SHIT there is SO MUCH GOOD. Repeat that with me. There.Is.Good. People can be good and if there is something I can do to help restore someone's faith in humanity or even just a single kind being, I'm game. So let me tell you about Cameron and Heather...
Cameron and Heather are married. Heather was diagnosed with Mesothelioma 3 months after giving birth to her daughter. She was given 15 months to live. That was 8 years ago.
Heather had a life-saving surgery and had her left lung removed. Heather was lucky to live but others are not so fortunate. Much like Dystonia, there is a lack of education and awareness and Cameron has asked for my help in putting some information in my blog in hopes it will spread outward and onward. It is a preventable cancer and they are hoping to save lives by spreading awareness. Heather lived and instead of counting her lucky stars and moving on with her life, she and her hubby are choosing to make resources available in hopes of saving a life, which in my opinion makes them pretty damn cool.Here is a bit of education and information for ya'll:
The Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance has dedicated a significant amount of time in making mesothelioma.com the best resource for patients, families, and individuals wanting to learn more about the disease. The hope is that with a successful campaign, we can educate more people about this devastating disease and raise more awareness than ever!
Let me repeat that: mesothelioma.com
I have been absolutely stunned by how many people my blog has reached, who have found refuge and solace in the fact that we are not alone in this crazy disorder. Again...we are all terminal. Dystonia or no Dystonia, mesothelioma or not. If there is something you can do to make someone's journey a little better, a little smoother, filled with just a little more joy, just do it. It's really not that hard. Be a nice person. Get your head out of your ass and pay it forward. I love you all. Thank you thank you thank you for the support and emails and kind words. You are all angels.
If you love hard, don't apologize for your superpower.
"this is for you...
this is for the no becoming yes
for scars becoming breath
for saying i love you to people who will never say it to us
for scraping away the rust and remembering how to shine
for the dime you gave away when you didn't have a penny
for the many beautiful things we do
for every song we've ever sung
for refusing to believe in miracles
because miracles are the impossible coming true
and everything is possible"
-Andrea Gibson, "Say Yes"
You were singing in the dark
whispering your promise
even when I could not hear
I was held in your arms
carried for a thousand miles to show
not for a moment did you forsake me
Meredith Andrews
