Thank You

[coltsfan715]

I justed wanted to thank everyone here. I think you are all inspiring, but I especially wanted to thank those of you that are older than I am (soon to be 24) and living with CF and those over the average life exp.

I know some people may think everyone with CF is an inspiration not just older CF patients. I agree, but I met for the first time a woman with CF that was 57 a few weeks ago. I was brought to tears. I have watched my friends die over the years and I have been the only one left -from our circle- for many years now. I have struggled with things in the past and that ever closer creeping life expectancy number. I have surpassed every age limit put on me and almost feel like I have to keep going and living for my friends that didn't get the chance too. I have wondered when and if things would take a down turn and tried to keep it from happening. I have felt hopeless through some of this and really needed to meet this woman 2 weeks ago. I just didn't realize how much I needed that. I have sat on these boards and read stories and posts of those of you that are older than I am and pray I can be as great as you guys have been and are. You really are an inspiration to those younger than you I hope you realize that. I just wanted to thank you for giving me something to look forward too and making me realize that life doesn't end at the ave. life exp age. I knew it deep down, but needed to be reminded. I just broke down into tears when I met this wonderful lady 2 weeks ago. She had been diagnosed in her 40s and was in great health. I couldn't even explain why I was crying to her, but I think she understood. It is just hard sometimes, as I am sure most of you know, to keep a positive outlook all the time when everything that you hear and everyone's reaction to your disease seem to be so negative - it almost makes you feel like there is no hope .. even though there is always hope to be had.

I know that may be a little long winded, but I wanted to Thank you all because I know how much it helps me to see and read so many stories and comments from you all. It renews hope for me when I may be having a bum day.

I am not trying to slight anyone that is not older than I am because I admire everyone on this site in different ways and for different reasons, but yeah I think you can kind of see where I was going with this post <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">.

Have a great day,
Lindsey

 

[EnergyGal]

I remember when I was eighteen and met this lady who was 35 in the hospital. I felt at that time that I probably might make it to her age one day. It was a very encouraging feeling. If I did not have my first transplant I would have died at 36 or 37. There is always hope and I am glad that you remain so positive about life. Stay true to who you are.

 

[Debi]

My hope is that you and I will still be reading each other's posts on this forum when you are 54! I count my good fortune every day. Sometimes I've wondered if you younger forum members find us "oldsters" annoying and out of touch. I appreciate knowing that it helps to hear from those of us who have beat the odds.


Debi
54 w/cf

 

[HairGirl]

I too want to add my thanks with Lindsey. I appreciate everyone here and admire all with CF, and yes it is great to see (and read) from older CF'ers. I too really hope to be here chatting in my 50's and 80's!!<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[ladybug]

I also want to add my "thank you", although, am I considered an elder?!?! lol... OK, well, I haven't defied the odds yet, so wanted to thank those of you who have (and those who WILL!).... I feel blessed to have become a part of something bigger than myself. I find inspiration in the older CFers too. I smile when I read the ages after posts. It gives me hope. Such hope.

 

[Jem]

Speaking as an oldie I want to say that it is the younger ones that
inspire me.  When I read the strugges of those, especially who
are under 20, what they are going through, well, my heart goes out
to them and it renews my strenght and commitment to live as best I
can, not only for me but for them too. I realize that the younger
ones are looking to me because I could be their future. I want
them to know that it is possible to have a full happy life.
  I don't know if I am making sense but in a way I
consider all cfer's my brothers and sisters and we are in this
struggle together.<br>
<br>
<br>
From reading the various stories of those on this site we can see
how cf can affect each one differently and at different stages
along the way.  I have learned over the years not worry about
tomorrow but live in the present moment and enjoy the gift of
today.  Before you know it those "present moments"
turn into days which  turn into weeks and then turn into
years. And here I am turning 48 in less than 2 months.  With
one lung I am living a full life, not feeling shortchanged in
anyway.<br>
<br>
<br>
So "Thank you" to the young ones.  Keep fighting the
good fight and may  you find joy and peace in all the moments
of your life.<img src="i/expressions/heart.gif" border="0"><br>
<br>
<br>
<br>

 

[Giggles]

Lindsey:
That was such a nice comment!!! You always think good thoughts and do not get caught up in statistics and life expectancy. I never have and I just keep doing all that I can to make myself as healthy as possible so when I do get sick I can rebound!!!!!! Keep your chin up, live life to the fullest and take the best care of yourself that you can! Do all treatments and even do more if your not feeling well. Just keep fighting!!!! I always say , "bring it" cause I am a fighter and you can be one too!!!!!!


Jennifer 34 years old with Cf and CFRD


PS Yes I do get upset sometimes more so when I am not feeling well but I do not let it control me or last for more than a day!!!!!!

 

[thelizardqueen]

I too want to add my thanks. All of you "older" CFers are such an inspiration to me as well. Seeing all you old guys makes me fight twice as hard to reach that age. I look forward to hitting the 30 year mark, even the 40, or God willing the 50 year mark. Even the younger CFers are an inspiration to me, as I see how hard they fight as well to surpass age markers given to them.

 

[charl72]

I agree, I find this site amazing and an inspiration.<br>
<br>
Keep it going I say.<br>
<br>