Friends

When I was first diagnosed (dx) and could no longer attend school, my friends started dropping like flies. I was devastated. I was in so much pain, not just because I was just dx with something strange called POTS aka Dysautonomia but because I had no one to talk to that was my age. I did have 1 friend who stuck by me until after high school graduation but after we graduated, we parted ways. Other then that 1 friend, I was lonely, in pain both emotionally and physically.

My pediatric cardiologist suggested a youth website dedicated just for youth with Dysautonomia. Dysautonomia Youth Network of America (DYNAkids) www.DYNAkids.org . When I signed up I met a bunch of people my age, some younger, and some a little bit older. To this day, although I am no longer a member of DYNA, they are my best friends and I love them with all my heart. They know exactly what I am going through and have been where I have been.
~~~~~~~
Kyli W.- I love meeting you every year at the beach. Meeting you is most defiantly my highlight of the trip. When we are together it is like we are twins! It is amazing when I look back to when we first met and to meeting this past year to see how much progress we have made! The first year we were so, so tired, and the third time we met I got sick half way though and the next day wound up in the ER at the shore! Then this past year, wow! Neither of us got sick, and no ER visits!

You have helped me through so much! You are my best friend! You will always have a special place in my heart.


Shea B.- My late night/early morning texting best friend! Thank you for listening to my problems and giving me advice. I don't know what I would do with out you. I can't wait to meet you someday!!! You have been through so much and I haven't heard you complain once. You handle everything with such grace. I hope we are friends for a long time. I know you feel like you will never feel better, but someday, you will feel better. We have to keep our hopes up! Remember, when you feel down, I am here for you!!

Torin- Thank you for listening and giving advice and keeping my spirits up. You are so kind, funny and I hope to meet you one day! Keep your head held up high. You are a good person, never change who you are. I mean that. There aren't many men out there like you and a woman would be crazy to pass you up!

Katie M.- You have been a wonderful friend since we've gotten to know each other! I hope we can meet as well someday. You have given me so much advice and have helped me calm down when I am upset. Thank you for being such a great friend!! I hope we'll be friends for a long time!


~~~~~~~

If I have not mentioned your name, it is not because I do not count you as a friend. I have a lot of friends who have helped me through a lot! I will add onto this post but for now, the above names are all my energy has allowed me to remember.