Happy Anniversary

From flower to seed to new life

As you may know, November marks the 3-year anniversary of Kathi's "Diagnosis Day".  We heard from another IH'er this morning that today is her 12-year Diagnosis Day anniversary.  I left her a comment wishing her a happy anniversary and sending her love and hope today.  Does that sound strange?  People celebrating (announcing, marking) the day that they found out they have a rare, incurable brain disease that will bring them constant, often excruciating pain for the rest of their lives?  I don't think so, myself.

I look at IH anniversaries as a chance to look back at all that has happened in the past year and say, "You did it!  You made it through another year and you are still strong!  You are still you!"  Break out the cake and pour the sparkling cider!  Toss the confetti!  You are here and you are beautiful!  That's a great reason to celebrate!  

IH changes your life.  I don't think I'm being overly dramatic when I say that IH ends your former life and births you a new one.  I've seen what it does.  I saw the life my Kathi led three years ago and I see how IH has taken that life away from her.  But I also see how it has given her something else in its place.  Kathi may not be able to run around amusement parks with abandon like she used to, but she is able to look into people's hearts and have compassion for them in a way far deeper than she was able to before.  She may not be able to dance around and sing like a rock star as often as she used to, but when she does sing, her songs are soulful and moving and filled with understanding.  She may not get to hang out with her friends in noisy malls or go to concerts with all the lights and crowds much anymore, but her gatherings with friends these days are more intimate events in small groups where they can really get to know each other and enjoy each other's company.

Such drastic change is hard, but it's not always empty of blessing.  For whatever IH has taken away, my girl has received something even better in its place.  Sure, she misses the old days.  So do I, for her.  But the new days bring their own delights, their own lessons, and their own joys, too.  IH can be a cruel disease, but it can also bring gifts that might not have been received otherwise.  

Celebrate an IH Diagnosis Day anniversary?  Yes!  This year and every year.  To our Facebook friend, Vickie -- HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!  You did it! You made it through another year and you are still strong!  You are still you!  Congratulations on 12 years.  We are united with you in love and hope.  Have a  great day!

How about all of you?  How has IH changed your life?  What blessings have you received in place of the things that you've had to let go?

~ Pia