A different kind of anniversary

I know this isn't a normal post of mine, but I've been thinking about it the past couple of days and wanted to write it down. This month marks my 10 year anniversary of being diagnosed with Crohn's disease. It feels like just yesterday when I was a little 19 year old college student up at Utah State finding out. I had never heard of it and I remember asking the doctor how to even spell it. I wish I could look back and say I was one of those people who faced the trial with poise and dignity, but I wasn't. I cried a lot, I was scared, and I was really mad. Something as big as my health being completely out of my control and in the hands of doctors and God even, was terrifying. That first year or so was really really hard. It was a lot of hospitals, tests, and medications.

But over time, it's gotten easier to deal with. My perspective on it has changed. I realized that not all bad things came from the disease; some really good things have in fact. I was too sick to go back to Utah State that fall of 2001, so I had to stay home and go to school. But I met and married my best friend because of that. I would have never met Jordan if I'd still been up in Logan. I learned that I am stronger than I think I am, and I have a high pain tolerance now:) I value when I am healthy much more than I ever would have known to before. And I have 2 beautiful babies. Growing up I always thought I'd have 4 kids, but I love my little family. I'm totally ok with not being able to have more. I can now give each one more focus and attention that I don't think I could have otherwise.

I still have my ups and downs, and I know this will be my lifelong trial, but I'm learning a lot along the way. Here's to 10 more years!!