Thursday, November 1, 2007

A Corner of My World



If you have been reading my blog, you might have noticed that I love this time year. I look forward to turning on my accent lights. It's a little darker in the house, so you can see the glow of my night lights (that are on 24/7) placed through out my entire home as well. I light my candles, and look forward to making a hearty soup with a crusty loaf of french bread for dinner. It's time to get out those books that you have been wanting to read.

As much as I look forward to this time of year, my friend who deals with Lupus does not. The weather makes her battle with this disease even harder. Lupus, also known as systemic lupus erythematousus, or SLE, is a chronic disease of the immune system. Instead of serving its normal protective function, the immune system forms antibodies and cells that attack healthy tissues and organs.

With Lupus, there are a lot of restrictions you have to live with. You are no longer allowed exposure to the sun, and are sheltered from doing anything too tiring. It's so unpredictable, it makes it very hard to plan anything. Our friendship has had to lean on the spontaneous side of doing things. Although my friend is constantly faced with the ups and downs of living with lupus, she maintains a positive attitude. She has been an inspiration to me. I don't take the simple acts of living my life, such as; my daily walks out in the sun for granted. We had something planned for this week, we didn't know what... just anything! We miss each other, and don't like a lot of time to get in between our visits. That is important to us. I opened my e-mail late last night to see that she had sent me a quick message telling me she had to go to the hospital very early in the morning for a shot. I was told that her lupus was flaring up, as the condition often does if a person is tired and stressed. With lupus, my friend has good days and bad. We try to concentrate on the good ones and keep positive in knowing that there will be more on the way. My girl-friend has said on occasion that, "I have lupus, lupus does not have me." Her strength and wisdom amazes me. As much as I love this time of year, I try to keep in mind that it is a very hard time of year for my friend. My feelings are kept sensitive in knowing that.


What Is It?

*Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, heart, lungs, blood, kidneys and brain. There currently is no cure.

*For most people, lupus is a mild disease affecting only a few organs. For others, it may cause serious and even life-threatening problems. Although epidemiological data on lupus is limited, studies suggest that more that 16,000 Americans develop lupus each year.

*Between 1.5 million and 2 million Americans have a form of lupus, but the actual number may be higher. More than 90 percent of people with lupus are women.

~ Lupus Foundation of America Inc.

14 comments:

  1. *tears*

    thank you for unconditional love

    it is what makes days like yesterday bearable.

    love you a ton,
    xOx Darlene

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  2. It is nice to know that you and your
    friend are such a comfort to each other.

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  3. Brought tears to my eyes too! How blessed I am to have you and Darlene in my life! Two very very special girls.
    Love and Hugs,
    Wanda Mom

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  4. Sorry to hear that Darlene is going through a bad patch. You are obviously close, and it must help that you understand, and support her . Especially on the 'bad' days. Hopefully she will soon feel better and you guys will be able to have some fun..!
    hugs to you both
    xx

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  5. My cousin was diagnosed with this monster! I haven't heard how she is doing in a while! I'm GLAD YOU two have each other and also Wanda Mom in your lives!!! Love the stained glass lamp, it looks soOOOOOOooo relaxing! zzzzzzZZZZZZ

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  6. This is wonderful,

    I have a very active interest in health education/awareness ;) And it doesnt come any better than this - the example of your friend is wonderful - and puts a human face to this disorder.

    She is right Lupus does not have her. It never will.

    Health, love and healing light to you all,

    Love, Maithri

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  7. It sounds like you are great friends and you value your friendship very much. That is awesome. It helps you to make it through.
    Nice corner of your world, by the way! I like the lamp.

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  8. That is hard for anyone to cope with and for the rest it is hopelessly impossible to understand what it would be like.

    oldmanlincoln

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  9. It was nice that you spoke about Lupus....I have a friend who's daughter died of this disease....you are soooo sweet!

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  10. Darlene is such a beacon of inspiration for us all. She reminds me constantly of what a brave and God loving person she is all the time. I'm sure her grace 'under fire' so to speak is uplifting for all of us. It is an honor to know her.

    I think what you said is a beautiful tribute to her struggles and attitude toward this disease. What a beautiful and loyal woman you are Angela! Tis a privilege to know you also!

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  11. I wish the very best for your friend. I go to work every day with a smile on my face and sit in a room full of pouting men who do nothing but complain. When someone asks me why I am so happy, I say that I am just thankful that I am healthy enough to come to work and I have a healthy family waiting at home. That is all I need. Thanks for sharing with us.

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  12. Thank you for this post. I need an education on this. I like to learn about Darlene.

    You, my dear, are an awesome friend. I'm glad you and Darlene have each other.

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  13. it is so beautiful that you two have each other :) wonderfully beautiful!

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