Monday, July 09, 2012

Today is my Birthday

Today is my birthday. I am forty-four years old. Despite Duchenne muscular dystrophy, I have made it another year. I am lucky to have come this far. Many people with DMD have not made it past their teens or twenties. When I was first diagnosed at six, the doctors expected me to die in my teens. I have proven them wrong again and again.

I refuse to give up on life, no matter how hard it gets. The negatives of living with DMD, which can be so dishearting and frustrating, are overweighed by the good things in life. A bad day when you are so frustrated that you feel like giving it all up can be remedied by the sunshine on my skin, the sight of a colorful bird at the feeder, the beautiful melody of singing birds, a sublime sunset, friends and family, my cat curled up at my feet. The simple things in life make it all worthwhile.

I don't consider myself to be a hero or an inspiration. I am just a person, trying his hardest to make it through the adversities of life and enjoy the ride at the same time. We all have our challenges, whether small or great to deal with. Mine may be larger than most, yet I don't think I would appreciate life so much if everything was rainbows and blue birds. There have to be thorns in life too.

As James Taylor sang, "The secret to life is enjoying the passage of time." As I get older, I realize the truth in this profound statement. Since we can not stop the inevitable passage of time, we should enjoy life to the best of our abilities. Each day I wake up, despite the hardships, is a celebration of life. You have to make the best of this short sojourn on Earth.

Next year at my forty-fifth birthday, I will be celebrating another victory over DMD and finding ways to enjoy life. I fight on in the memory of all those who have lost out to DMD, many of them far too young.

10 comments:

Jon's Pop said...

John, Happy Birthday. Congratulations on another milestone of remarkable survival. I just want to remind you that although you may not hear from me every day - and I bet that this is true for a LOT of people - you are on my mind. You are in my heart and in my daily before-dinner prayer, as are your amazing parents. BTW, Thank you for sharing your unique self on your blog.

Anonymous said...

I am so happy for you John. I have been with you most of the way. I have seen you fight, and that also has helped me too. Thank you for your help. congratulations!

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday John.
Your an inspiration to what's possible for all of us, I'll be 33 next month.

alex schaefer said...

Beautiful! Happy Birthday John! (by the way I was logged into the wrong acct, the above post is also me. duh!)

Mario Bernheim said...

John, Happy Bithday and thank you for most eloquent blog. Though you dont set yourself out to inspire, you do. A shining star never really knows how bright it is, because it's never seen itself from a distance. You are a star in so many people's lives, may God bless each and every one of yours days until your next birthday. How is it possible but I think your catching up to me in age?

Wheelchair Hiker said...

Happy Birthday John!

For us who have muscular dystrophy, each birthday is a special event and a day of celebration.

Cheers - Mark

JOHN said...

Happy belated birthday,My name

JOHN said...

Sorry it,cut me off.My name is John as well.My blog is Life in Johnd world,please stop by anytime.

Bibiana said...

I do not understand why people are putting in out - of- place sexual comments. Anyway, I found this very inspiring. I am dealing with chronic illness as well, and this gave me the courage I needed today. God bless you.

JOHN said...

Happy Birthday John.We all need to stop an enjoy the birds.Thankyou for reminding us.If you get time I would appriciate you stopping by and commenting on my blog.A look at life in Johns World@blogspot