I would like to clarify that, while you may wreak havoc on my body, and maybe even confuse my mind -- you cannot have my heart or my soul. You cannot have my faith, my hope, or my love. Even with all the challenges that you throw my way … the anxiety … fear ... frustration … there are good things that you have given me … things I never could have experienced had you not come to possess my body.

You have given me a strengthened spiritual life and increased inner strength … new and renewed friendships with strong, close, true friends … a new found appreciation for every precious moment I am given …a gift that is sometimes lost on the "healthy" … growth in character, perseverance, and hope … you have inspired me to want to help others … given me more compassion for others who are suffering … a better knowledge of my own body & health … a reason to eat more nutritiously and take care of myself…and reasons to rest when I need it.

You see, my lifelong companion … you will not find me an agreeable host. I will fight you, I will not give up. On bad days … I will take care of myself. On the good days … I will take advantage of every precious moment. You have thrown some obstacles in my life's journey, but I will go over them, around them or through them, no matter what it takes. In fact, while I am overcoming them, I will stop for a moment to reflect upon the mountain I am climbing, plant a few seeds and experience the moment … then continue on .. I will learn and grow from this encounter and help others who are struggling.

You cannot beat me … you will not bring me down … unless I allow you to … and thanks to you … I am stronger and wiser than that … so my friend it will never happen … I will be as miserable to you … as you are to me … I will be more stubborn than you … I will be more resilient than you … I am a winner … for this I thank you