Most people, don't express their true feelings to us, regarding what we are going through.

Recently, I was in the room, as my brother-in-law was describing to someone else what he thought about me.   He was saying things like.....what an amazing strength I have, how my perserverance is carrying me through, how I have grown spiritually, how impressed he is that, even in my pain and suffering I am encouraging others and doing things that I don't feel like doing.  Of course, I am hiding my face in embarrasement, but listening to every word he said./>

Have you heard the true feelings of your friends and family?  Think about it...what would they say about you?  How do you carry yourself?  How is your attitude about your infirmities?  Do you complain a lot, or do they see you doing your best? 

I believe, that they think you are amazing!  They see you push through, they see how you handle your situation, they see you growing spiritually and emotionally.  They DO, they see it!!!  Just because they don't tell you, doesn't mean they don't think it or tell others about you.

In our minds, because we are sick and feel so guilty, lonely, sad, etc., we don't see how strong we really are.  When people do tell us how proud they are of us, or that we are an inspiartion to them, we think "yea, right, how can I be inspiring you, when I feel like crap??!!!  I don't feel like much of an inspiration to anyone." 

Well, we really are, it's all in how we look at the big picture in our infirmities.  It's all in how we handle the little things, how we take it one day at a time.  It's all in how we love and STILL care for those around us, even when we feel bad.

Think back, about someone that had a handicap, or an illness, and remember the feelings in your heart when you saw them.  Remember how you thought, "WOW, how do they do it?  How do they keep going like that?  How do they keep smiling? They are such an inspiration to others.  I wish I could encourage and inspire others in that way."  Well, YOU DO!!!  You, are now that person you remember from before.  You are the one pushing through and inspiring others.  People are now looking at you, only hoping, that they could touch someone the way you do.

YOU ARE STRONG, those people talking about you are right.  BE STRONG, don't let your infirmities get you down and keep you down.  STAY STRONG, keep pushing through and encouraging others.

Here's what I think about you....

I think you have it in you to be the best you can be.

I believe God will carry you through.

I believe you are an inspiration to your friends and family.

And, I KNOW that you are an inspiration to me, you encourage me with your stories.  Thank you, and let's BE STRONG together!!!

RA Mom (Kim)