Hmm...I've been a member here of this wonderful community for some time now and it's been so wonderful to read about the journey of others who are finding their way. I've had my urostomy since I was eight years of age and I had a diverted bladder before that. The latter didn't quite work and the urostomy was created. Growing up with it and the challenges that were presented over the years of my childhood..Now that I'm, shall we say..over 50..it's the gift of the lens of time that shows me the gift that each challenge presented, also brought with it the gift of a silver lining.
For each of us that have had those "What-if" moments and the "I wonder.." and all that goes into the emotional journey within, I applaud you! Your personal journey is a wonderful constellation of attributes that uniquely "stamp" your journey and your personal life story. Walt Disney had said "Dare to dream the impossible." and look what he built my friends. One important step at a time with the personal grace and stability that we find we can muster at that particular point in time.
Thank you to all of this ever wonderful community for taking the time to share your personal journey and your insights and perspective. It takes a village and I have found after all these years, that sentiment is very, very true. Together, we find our emotional bearings and our true north.
For those that are finding themselves in a challenging moment, please always take to heart and keep in mind, that you're not going through this alone. We're always right there with you in familial spirit. For those that have climbed to a new plateau in their journey...whether that be a new plateau of enlightenment, a challenge that may have seemed daunting at the time and you found yourself stronger, after finding your way through it... or any plateau that has helped to lift the spirit and rejuvenate the soul...You are applauded and thank you for the inspiration you have created by sharing your experience.
"The human spirit is forged like steel and sharpened by experience", that is a common thread that I have recognized here in the posts I have read. After all the years that my urostomy has been a part of my life and my journey, it's always in reading the posts and experiences here that this wonderful community remains to be "a soft place to land, and a good feeling knowing". I'm meeting with my nefruologist next week and it's a point in my renal disease (moderate), that I am showing signs of losing kidney function to an extent that I meet with the doctor every three months now. My Mother had renal disease as well and she had been a CNA for over fifty years. She salutes all of you for your compassion, your courage and your inspiration.
Special Thanks from Free Spirit