After seeing smallfry's post of her wonderful friend, I just thought I would mention that I have a friend who is an amazing woman!
We worked together several years ago, and became close. She has an infectious smile and personality that makes her stand out. This was before I had my health issues, and I knew she had been diagnosed with Fibro. but was really doing well for years.
She went back to college at 49, got her certification back as a Respiratory Tech. and was working long hours in a hospital. She began having balance and hearing problems, and trouble seeing in her right eye. After MRIs and testing, we were all shocked to learn she has MS. There was a tumor near her ear that needed removed. She laughed that it was "just brain surgery". And people always said she needed her head examined, so now was their chance!
The tumor was removed, but her hearing is gone on her right side, and she still has right eye problems. Her balance is a bit better, and so she went back to work caring for respiratory patients. All with her big smile and love for everyone she meets.
If that wasn't enough, what else does she do? She went back to school! Got her bachelor's degree with a 3.9 grade average, a few dean's lists and a degree to teach other nurses. She hopes that she will be teaching a college class this fall. It will give her more rest time than working 12-hr. shifts at the hospital.
My point is that she is my inspiration. She has had a few rough days, but she recovers and goes forward. All with optimism. She doesn't worry about her future health; she takes it a day at a time.
I failed to mention that in her 30's, she raised her two children alone. Her husband had died. Her sister died, and so she also raised her 3 children at the same time. Now she has 7 grandchildren she loves dearly.
She is an unbelievable lady. Strong and couragous, warm and giving. And a person I am so honored to be friends with. I hope that her story gives someone here a bit of hope and inspiration. My hope is that I can adapt and persevere to anything I might deal with in the same gracious way that she does every day.
Meld
Your friend truly is an inspiration. You must be so proud of her. I bet she's proud of you and your achievements too.
Kathyx
Kathy,
She is amazing... I've only been her "cheerleader." She would call when she was in school and say "My brains are OooLD; I don't think I can stuff anything else into them." ;) And I would say " You can DO it!"
Dear Meld:
I am so very humbled by the triumphs over adversity that your sweet and incredible friend has gone thru. Sometimes there are special people who come into our lives to teach us the meaning of things. Today thanks to your post, I learned about steadfast courage of one such special person and that being graceful when facing very tough challenges is possible.
This has certainly put my own little bumps in the road and struggles back into perspective for me. Thank you so much for posting this.
Daisy
Dear Meld
What a truly remarkable friend you have.
When I you hear of other peoples suffering like this you have to ask yourself.
Why do some people have to suffer so much more than others?
She truly is to be admired to rise above all the suffering to do what she is doing truly show a very strong character.
What an inspiration.
Cheryl
Meld, Your friend is truly an inspiration to any who have heard her story and been close to her. What a great gal she is. I bet her kids think she is really great.
How come there are those who can do so much in the face of adversity and then others who want everything handed to them. Makes you wonder what is different in the way they are raised. When you see her tell her an old lady from MN says "You Go Girl". Irish ;D
smallfry,[/b
It does make me wonder on occasion why some people suffer more than others. Many times it seems that these are the strongest people we know. I don't doubt that adversity can teach us so much about life and ourselves.
irish,
I'll give her your message. :D She'll like that!
From what I know, her family didn't have a lot of money as she grew up, but they had a lot of faith and love. They really had a positive outlook on life and shared responsibilities as a team. Good life lessons, huh?
I'd tell her You Go Girl when she was recovering from her surgery; she'd tell me something like she was so proud she actually read 3 pages of her textbook or got a shower "all by herself". Her 4-year-old granddaughter was visiting one day when she was able to accomplish this, and she said her gdd told her mommy "Mamaw did it. She's a BIG girl!" :D ;D
Thanks for sharing these wonderful stories of friendship. I am very lucky to have some special ones too.
I also feel as though you all are my strong, inspirational, loving friends that help give me strength & courage everyday.
Thank you!
Fondly, Carie
Its good to have someone to inspire us,,, Good for you and her
Wow Melinda, your friend is an inspiration to me as well!
Patze
Thanks, all. ;) We all need some inspiration, don't we?
p.s. Didn't mean to type that last post in ALL bold letters.
Please try to have the best weekend you can, and enjoy even the small joys in life. ;) :)
What an inspiration! Thanks for sharing.