Hello friends
I haven't been on in a while; life just got in the way. We've had some hard times as of late. My daughter's best friend passed away 4 weeks ago from complications of asthma. She was only 20 years young. And today, our uncle passed away at the age of 91. This has definitely put things into perspective for us: a young girl with her life just beginning and a man who has lived a full life, and myself somewhere in between. We have all had our share of circumstances, some great and some not so good. I myself, for those who are not familiar with me, have had 4 surgeries, which at one point they were not sure if I was going to make it. I remember sitting outside my window and watching other people laughing, walking, and just enjoying themselves, so unaware of what other people are going through. At that point, I had decided that I was so full of life and that no matter what God bestowed on me, I was going to smile and take what he had in store for me and try, as hard as it may at times, to remember what it was like not to participate in life as I knew it.
Well, after having a colostomy, then a J-pouch, then a complete takedown, I am as healthy as I can be and I live life, not just have life. Not to say that at times I look down at my abdomen and see this bag (pouch) and sigh, but think yes, it's not attractive, but if I don't tell people, they have no clue. Some people are so much worse. I sit at every volleyball, basketball, soccer game that my son has and cheer like there is no tomorrow. I sit a while with my daughter and laugh and act goofy, for I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful family. And I think how so very sad that my daughter has lost a close personal friend, how grateful I am for all that I have. I tell my kids I love them every single day and say how very proud I am of all of their accomplishments, whether great or small.
Denise
My friend's father died tonight in a trucking accident! May he rest in peace! Traci
Sorry it took so long to respond to your letter... I just wiped away a tear, not of sadness but of joy. That is how I feel every time I return to this wonderful site. Thank you for the kind words and the beautiful poem, and yes, I most definitely am going to share it with my daughter. Thank you so much, Traci. xoxoxox back at you.
MeetAnOstoMate is a remarkable community of 41,405 members.
“Every morning with my coffee, I read here and feel wrapped in warmth - I hardly post, but it still feels like family.”
“Our oncologist literally wrote down the link; they said more patients need this website.”
“This place pulled me out of the dark. I went from lurking to living again.”
“At 3am, someone’s awake somewhere in the world. I’m never alone here.”
After I got my ostomy I found this site and got a lifetime membership. I have had so much help from the core members, things that even the wound care nurses didn't know. If you haven't been through this journey you don't know - only the people that have experienced this first hand truly understand what your going through. The support is enormously helpful getting through this. Afterwards when you start to learn how to deal with this new normal you can begin to help others. ...mtnman.
Learn more about ostomy accessories, and when to use them.