A Time to Remember

I started righting this post so that I could submit it for September 11 but completly got overwhelmed with work and life that I forgot all about it. So I would like to post it now, since it pertains to every day life.

9-11 was a tragic day and I can remember that day like if it was yesterday. Many people lost their lives, family members and friends due to terrorism. I remember that day because I was one of those EMTs that volunteered to go to NY but because I was in high school at that time I was unable to go. They had sent two EMTs from my squad that day to go to NY and the rest were in Jersey City or located at the train station of Metuchen (Our town). We were to assist the victims coming back by train. Metuchen actually had many commuters that went to work in NY. I can recall so many faces that looked terrified and distraught. People were coming out of the trains with dust and ash all over them. Some limping. Some crying. There was not one single look in their faces that appeared to be okay. Of course what I saw was no where near what the police officers, firefighters, nurses, paramedics and EMT saw in NY. I remember working a 24 hr shift that day and waiting for the others to arrive. The NY medics were sending a lot of patients that needed care over the Jersey City Hospitals. The sad thing was that they had no one arriving in Jersey City, which meant there were no survivors.

This post is to remind us that we should be grateful for our lives. Even though we have a disease we should take each day as our only day and show the people around us that we love and care about them. None of these people who went into work thought that this was going to be their last day. When we go into a car, train or plane, we are never sure if we are going to return. We hear in the news random shootings that occur in schools, restaurants or businesses. People get killed in this country everyday. People get sick and die. I almost lost my life a year and half ago.

I know that I need to appreciate those around me and be grateful for my life and for what I have. It is so easy to complain about life and to treat people badly. I really want to become a person in which can embrace and connect with anybody. I know it is a lot of work to be aware of our attitudes but don't you think it is worth the extra work? If we could watch our emotions and stressors in life, then I think it would make it easier to control this illness. We all want to have happiness in our lives and I believe the way we treat people is one way to be able to achieve that goal. So let us look at our lives, and no matter what we go through, we should be appreciative of the life we have.

I have Lupus. I am grateful for having the experience I have had with you. (Lupus) You have helped me grow to become someone who wants to help others control this disease. I know we will part one day but for now I embrace you. I am grateful and appreciate all the love and support that I receive from my family and friends. I could not do this without you all. Thank you!