I applaud you, Becca. Just because you have an illness doesn't mean you're an invalid. I'm proud of you for taking a stand and saying I won't take it -- even if it is to your mother -- but you're also saying it to everyone. I have a metal rod in my right leg and I can't run. I know my limits but I can do whatever I set my mind too -- and I hear you conveying this in powerfully. I think you have a great attitude and philosophy! Bravo! Bravo!

and a very good person you are, becca! your courage is something i could take a lesson from. i have my problems, too, but they are nothing compared to what you have had to face in your life. i have arthritis and use crutches, but despite being in pain, i try not to let it get me down (although i DO have my bad days). i am also hard of hearing and wear glasses (both, i think, have something to do with the fact that i was born 3 months too early; i weighed only 1 1/2 pounds, and i am a twin; but by the grace of god, i am still alive today, and so is my twin, whom i love with all my heart; she and i are very close, and we live together in burleson, texas. we DO have our moments where we fight on occasion, but for the MOST part, we get along GREAT! a stirring, uplifting write of courage and hope! love you, sweetie! your new friend in burleson, karen lynn, miracle survivor*. (((HUGS))) :) *when i was born, i wasn't expected to live; and neither was karla; but i more so. the doc gave us both last rites on the day we were born, but god had other plans; and i am sooo glad he let both karla and i live! :) now i am a published author, and i owe all my thanks and praise to the one who gave me the gift of writing: my lord and saviour! :)