Unexpected Life-Changing Journey Begins

Four months ago I had no idea that I was about to go through a life altering experience. That an insignificant first twitch would herald forth something both terrifying and beautiful is extraordinary. My finger twitched and a journey had begun. Fear and dread would grip me so hard that, for the first time in many years, I would weep uncontrollably; even in front of my children. I would stumble upon a community of fellow sufferers and be completely blown away by their compassion, their caring: immediately I would begin to heal. I would find a spirit, that I had quite honestly forgotten, I would find a voice that I never knew that I had. I would discover that the world/life is full of wonder and wonderful people. I was amazed by this discovery, amazed by the people, quite literally I had found love in my life. Love of self, love for my family, love for a community; in short, love of life itself. This tremendous love that I felt, quickly and instantly transformed me. I was no longer afraid, heck I was giddy with courage and I didn't care who new it. I smiled like an idiot because it felt so darn good, I embraced aquaintances and they embraced me back because it was a natural act, motivated by a deep desire to share this new found zest for life. It was so contagious that everyone around me was as high as I was, just from sharing the same space. I had transcended the twitching and weakness, yes it was still there, and some days quite badly, but I just didn't care. Something great had happen to me and I new what it was, it was a miracle.

Where am I today. Well, I still twitch, everyday. Sometimes I find it mildy irritating, and sometimes I think it makes me more interesting, but mostly I have just forgotten about it. I confess I am not quite as giddy as I was, but there has been a lasting transformation and I am not lying when I say I feel great. I am seldom anxious, although there is undeniably still some stress in my life, and I do not fear the future. Rather, I am allowing myself to do the things that strengthen my soul, I am listening to my inner voice and then letting it ring on the outside.

I have gone on too long, but I wanted to let my new community of friends know how much they have meant/mean to me, and I hope, that in some small way, I have meant something to you. ( I am not fishing for compliments) I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I have said this before but I think it is worth repeating: You are, each and everyone of you (even Eric), amazing, genuine people. This is a reality, a fact, you only need to BELIEVE!!

Basso,

You have, indeed, meant something to me

Your posts are always uplifting, positive and a joy to read.

I hope this isn't some "goodbye"!!!! We need people like you around here!

Hugs,

Ginny

Great post Basso. You're an asset to this board.

Johnny

Basso, you mean so much to us too! Like you, I'm beyond all fear of my twitches and physical symptoms. This board is like a daily dose of therapy for me. We've all felt the same fears and worries, and we ARE lucky in the sense that this whole BFS experience has allowed us to start living our lives with better perspective (not sweating the small stuff anymore). We're all the stronger for this strangely benign experience.

I can only imagine the strength and wisdom gained by those people who have truly experienced non-benign illnesses. It's no surprise to me why Lance Armstrong is the phenomenal athlete he is today, given his battle with cancer. Even Michael J Fox came out with his book "Lucky Me" after his Parkinsons diagnosis. There are countless other stories like this.

I like your thoughts on Love. At the end of the day, that's what life is all about--really. Love in every way shape and form....it helps us respect others and it helps us eliminate our stresses and anxieties. Loving also allows us to be more selfless, which speaks volumes about how we are measured as human beings.

On a lighter note: I just rented the movie "The notebook"....now that's an awesome love story!! If the men on the board think it's just a chick-flick--I'd say it's not. I think everyone would enjoy it. A very moving and very celebratory story of love.

On a totally different lighter note: I went to the theater last night and saw "Wedding Crashers".....I laughed so hard at some points I was crying. If you need a good comical escape for a couple hours...go see this movie!!

-Amy

Basso, your posts are always uplifting. You mean a lot to many of us here.

Diego4Life