My little red tether is my anchor in running with my friends. A beautiful guide dog has been my tether/anchor in mobility and independence for 17 years: 1. Pantera 2. Cricket, and now my beautiful 3. Georgina (Georgie). A life of family and friends is my joy and anchor in life.

The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it. CC Scott

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Hope. Retinitis Pigmentosa

Someone recently told me they found my blog searching retinitis pigmentosa + hope.  I recall attending conferences on the research of retinitis pigmentosa and that would of meant hope in a treatment soon.  Today I recognize to me it means incorporating hope, joy, positivity with a degenerative, changing health condition.  I feel much hope as I continue to go through the adjustments and learning new skills. 

Challenges mold me, they do not make me.  Praise encourages me, my own intentions inspire me.  Successes spur me on but it is the reward of perseverance that satisfies me.  Lack may assail me yet understanding 'enough' assuages my hunger.  Criticism may knock but I choose whether to open the door.  Abundance showers me and generosity lights the path.  Pain may permeate but hope prevails.  As long as I'm breathing, I'm living, all the way, my way, beginning fresh each day.  I may have a stare-down with dawn, but I hear the Great Voice say,  Life begins when you do.
Mary Anne Radmacher
Cricket and I recently had the chance to go on an adventure with some friends.  Part of the journey was finding a quiet place along a beautiful stream.  It took the help of friends to get us there.  This wasn't an area easily navigatable by a guide dog.  Cricket was a great sport and let her princess paws walk through gravel.  She seemed to know her handler needed a quiet place to journal and reflect.  We sat there listening to the stream in the background, gratitude for friends nearby but in their own space reflecting, and knowing that although we could not see the beauty around us -- we were feeling it on a deep level.  It was calming and soothing to our souls. 

Another quote by Mary Anne Radmacher -  Courage does not always roar.  Sometimes it is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, I will try again tomorrow. 

Many I know right now are going through hard times ... sending love and honoring your courage to try again tomorrow. 

5K run this morning in good time.  Ah, grateful for a healthy body and a friend that are allowing me this journey. 

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad to have run across your blog. My husband, his mom, brother and sister all have RP. My husband is now on disability with 15 degrees or so of vision. But, what really has spurred me to do more research is the fact that my 13 year old daughter is now showing signs of some peripheral loss with night blindness. I too am very hopeful for a cure based on research done in the last 10 years. I always felt that if my children got RP there would be a cure for them. Now I am even hopeful that my husband may also be able to benefit! Such great things are happening right now. Thank you for listening and for your blog.
Robyn Montgomery, Mississippi

Just Jess for now said...

What a great post. :)

Myrna R. said...

Becky, you are inspirational. Not only do you lead a healthy and spiritual life but you share it. Thank you.

I absolutely love these quotes. I have never read this author.