Thankful -- For what I have in life and the countless support I receive from others.
Grateful -- For my GP Family, my real family/friends and that I am here today in this GP Fight.
Hopeful -- For a GP cure and the ability to help somebody in need.
I was so bitter, cold, violent (at times), every other word out of my mouth was a curse word and I seemed to dislike everything and everybody. Granted I was a teenager. This was not how my parents raised me and I know they were at their whits end with me too. But during my Senior year, something just clicked and I put myself on a new path. I do think it was more about the mentors I had than the new people I started to hang out with.
I carried this 'new me' up until I started to become ill. Then with doctors not understanding (in my mind they didn't care and believe what I was telling them) I became angry again. Not physically (my Marine husband would take me down in an instant - lol). About 3 years later I was diagnosed with Gastroparesis and that too made me angry. Knowing MANY years prior, we could have had a handle on this and could have helped ease my suffering. My GI Dr gave me nothing for info, so I did research on my own. That too made me very mad. No cure, no treatment, no cause, no help, etc. I felt all alone and as I was going die because my stomach does not process food well!
Then one day sitting crying at home I realized 'I CAN CONTROL THIS'! I have the power to change my thinking and feel better. Only I understand my body and am smart enough to find the help I need! I can't leave it up to this uncaring, unfriendly quack of a GI Dr! I picked myself up by my boot straps and got my s*it together! One step at a time and I am still moving forward.
I turned that anger into a burning desire to help find a cure and spread awareness. I joined up with a great non-profit for gastroparesis, attended a few webinars, chatted with others like me and started Melissa's GP Fight on Facebook. It felt so very good to help and be part of a world that was 'like me'! Okay, it still feels great to be part of this world and know that I am not alone. More importantly that maybe what I have gone through, I can help others find their path.
My thoughts and prayers are with the families in Moore, OK after the tragic tornado. Since my husband grew up in that general area, he fully understands the loss it can bring. In the next year or two we may be moving to that area, so that is heavy on my mind too, tonight!
