Strive to inspire

Today was one of those days....

I threw myself a pity party, yes. I have been really sick with bronchitis since I've gotten out of the hospital and it just has gotten so bad. I began to think after some time "why me?" I try not to ask myself that question, because there isn't a clear answer. I could ask that about my UC and about my surgery and about everything I've been through and ask "why me why me why me!?" UC is not something that I would ever want, but in a way I'm glad I got it. When I have days like today, where I get frustrated and cry about little things, it makes it so much easier to take a step back and realize what's important in life. My UC has made me love and enjoy the little things in life. The smallest things make my day everyday and it's all thanks to my UC. 

I also wanted to post about the two people who helped me through the surgery process without even knowing it. The first person I recently thanked was the amazing Nurse I had before my surgery. I just had recently sent her a thank you message on FB for believing in me and showing me that the colectomy surgery isn't a scary thing. I also finally just got the courage to reach out to a fellow IBDer who inspired me to get the surgery as well. When I was laying in the hospital crying about maybe getting the surgery, I decided to look up blogs about it and what people said. I came across a girl named Brooke's blog and it automatically reminded me of myself. The thing was.... She was so positive and inspirational about UC and IBD and her ostomy. This past weekend I sent Brooke an email, a girl I have never met, a thank you letter for being so inspirational. when I was writing it, I couldn't help it but tears were pouring down my face. I know when she opened that email up, she must have felt a feeling that I hope I will feel some day. 

I want to share my story and my life with people so one day, when someone is debating what to do about getting surgery, they will come across my blog and be inspired as well. That's why I was given UC, to inspire people and to reach out to my fellow IBDers.

I will be applying to the Camp Oasis next summer to be a volunteer staff member for kids who suffer from colitis and Crohn's. Nothing would make me happier than to share moments with people who have the same daily struggles as I do. 

I just want to make a difference. I want to inspire. And I will.

--JKL