Eight months ago I was diagnosed with kidney failure.  I still remember the day like it was yesterday.  I remember hearing the words and watching the shake of the head.  I remember the awful sinking feeling as all hope left my body and fear engulfed every part of me.  I couldn’t breathe.  I couldn’t think.  I couldn’t talk.

Even as I recall this memory I’m in tears.  I’m in tears because I now know what follows that diagnosis.  I have been living that diagnosis for the past eight months.  And it has been a crazy journey.  The heartache.  The confusion.  The loss.  I have faced situations that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.  And I know that for me, my journey isn’t over.  I will be faced with many more situations that will require me to dig deep and not give up.  My journey on this new path has only just begun.

I don’t know what tomorrow will bring.  All I know is that I will do my best to get through it.  I can’t promise I’ll always be the best version of myself.  I will struggle some days and I will let it get to me, even when I know I shouldn’t.  It is a hard daily battle.  But I’m trying and I thank you, my friends and family, for staying at my side even when I am hard to love.  I couldn’t do this without you and I admire and love you for your support and commitment.