Two Become One

As many of you may know, for the last year and a half I have published a blog entitled "Painted Rust: Surviving Cystic Fibrosis". For me, the postings were an attempt to cope with the disease. "Painted Rust" featured tales of courage, determination, will power, friendship and love. If you haven't already checked it out, you can do so at: http://www.paintedrust.blogspot.com/

Anyone who has ever written a blog knows that the most difficult part is trying to post interesting and engaging musings on a frequent basis. This was especially true for me. Between my career, my friendships, relationship and FFL, there just wasn't any time left in the day to write.

Then it hit me - why not kill two birds with one stone and combine "Painted Rust" with the "FFL Blogspot"? After all, keeping one blog interesting and up-to-date is much easier than keeping two!

So from here on in "Painted Rust" and the "FFL Blogspot" will be one-in-the-same. Be sure to check it out frequently. And, as I said in my very first blog post:

Live, laugh, and love – it’s the only way to exist.

For the sake of nostalgia, I thought I would include my very first "Painted Rust" post, originally written in September of 2008...enjoy!

Hey everyone, and welcome to Painted Rust. The postings that follow represent my attempt to cope with Cystic Fibrosis.

Living with a potentially fatal disease means living with constant emotional strain. The deterioration of health is often followed by the deterioration of will, and, in turn, a sense of powerlessness that cannot be described - only experienced.

Such a devastating disease is intrinsically intertwined with pain and struggle. However, those living with CF learn to embrace the positives while disregarding the negatives. Cystic Fibrosis, therefore, serves as a reminder to live life to its fullest. To cherish the time we have with friends, family and loved ones.

Selfishly, I created this blog for my own personal benefit. My sanity depends on it. My hope is that these postings will provide me with a means of expression. A forum with which to share my frustrations, struggles, pains and victories. Yes, this blog is for me.

But it is also for you: the reader. If nothing else, I hope that these writings enlighten and educate. Cystic Fibrosis is a disease that is plagued by both ambiguity and misunderstanding. I urge you, the reader, to seek out more information about CF. Educate yourself, get involved, and make a difference.

Most importantly; get the message. Yes, CF represents negativity. But it also represents all that is precious in life. Accept these stories for what they are: tales of courage, determination, will power, friendship and love. My hope is that each one of you takes something away from these writings. Acknowledge the negativity in your own life, but never let it limit your potential. Live, laugh, and love – it’s the only way to exist.