I don't even know what to think....Or how to process this.  So I am going to try and write this out.  Maybe ...JUST MAYBE it will help sort out how I am feeling.  Probably not tho. Sometimes...REALLY CRAPPY things happen....And there is no way to make sense out of them.

The picture above is of a house.  A house that belonged to a very good friend of ours.  A home that this friend opened up to my family....When my family had no where else to go.

Terry Canfield was Rich's friend -- I think they met through Toastmasters.

In 2008....Terry invited our ENTIRE family to come stay with him.  In HIS house....While he moved into his trailer.  No strings.   

Just a selfless act, to help us get back onto out feet.

We lived with Terry for about 20 months...And during that time got to know just how genuine our friendship was.

Terry never once asked for anything in return.

Yesterday morning, Rich called me downstairs to tell me that the house we lived in was destroyed by fire...And that it was very likely that Terry, his wife and her son, all died.

Just like that.

I never experienced tragedy like this...So all of these feelings I am feeling are new. I can't begin to express the emotions that are racing through me.

Terry was a firefighter....HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN?

An investigation is ongoing....And this case has turned into a homicide....Which just makes all of these feelings even more confusing!

WHY?  

I have asked God this question more times than I care to admit.  But honestly....WHY?

The lives we touch while we are alive -- You truly never know the impact....Sometimes, until after death....

Terry....I wish I could have shown you more appreciation, for the sacrifice you made for our family. You were a true friend.  And I will miss you.

Pay attention to how you live your life.  Take it slow.  Soak it all up.  Cherish your loved ones.  Pay it forward.  LOVE Deeply.  Give generously.

And THRIVE.

RIP Terry, Lisa and John

Neurofibromatosis Clinic

These yearly appointments always overwhelm me.  They make for a long day...And the information we get is quick and concentrated.

Here is some advise on how to make the most of your NF Clinic Appointment.  I hope it helps!

• Plan for a LONG appointment! These appointments can take a while....Mostly because you are seen by a number of different doctors.  This is GREAT...But can also make for a lot of waiting around.  Bring a book and activities for your child.  (and Food.  Bring Food!)
  
• BE ON TIME!  Typically WE schedule our NF appointment a YEAR in advance....So be respectful - and know that there are other families that will be affected if you are late.
  
• Write your questions down (and remember to bring them with you. *lol*)  Note ANY concerns that you may have...NO-MATTER-HOW-SMALL-THEY-ARE!  
  -You will see many doctors during this visit...So make sure you are covering any issues you would like to discuss.
  Take the time to write the answers you get down....I know for me...I am great at asking the questions....But LOUSY at remembering what the doctor actually said to me.
  
  
• GET REFERRALS!  This is a GREAT time to let-it-all-out and get answers and referrals for your child!  At our appointment...We got referrals for: MRI, Sleep study, Medication changes, dietitian, pain management clinic, behavior clinic and psychiatry appnt....Don't be afraid to ask....and be open to suggestions!
  
  Our appointment was a little different than yours will be....After all, I had THREE kids being seen...But the general idea, is to be ready....And try not to get overwhelmed.  These appointments are to HELP guide you through this diagnosis.
  
  If you have any specific questions about your NF appointment...Please comment below and I will respond.

THRIVE ON!!

It's A Small World

I know that I have been MIA lately.  I'm sorry for that.  It's amazing how fast life can sweep by.  The "business" and distractions have left me feeling very run down....And when it comes time to thinking about what I could do for NF Awareness month...I just feel like....I have nothing left to give.

But - I know this isn't true.

I spread NF Awareness EVERYDAY!

There are times where I am shouting from the mountaintops....And other times, where my awareness is simply connecting with a quiet smile.

Last week, a man came to the theater where I work...Who was affected by NF in a more severe way than me....He was wearing a hoodie and didn't make eye contact with me.  But when I gave him his change...My hands touched his hands, that were covered in tumors.  

I felt him recoil.  I told him that I had some of the same tumors that he had...And at that moment....everything slowed down.  He asked if I had NF....And I told him Yes.  He smiled ....I smiled.

He said he had never met ANYONE with NF before.

That felt good.  

He went on his way....Off to watch the Avengers....Now knowing that HIS world became a little bit smaller.  He wasn't alone anymore.

I like MAY.  A special month to do everything we can to spread awareness.

BUT...Awareness happens everyday for those living with this disorder.  It happens on-the-spot and out-of-the-blue.  It happens when people stare too long at you...wondering - what's wrong with her? 

Teaching and talking about NF happens on days where you just want to be left alone....

And in reality....The awareness that happens on ALL THOSE OTHER MONTHS...Is what REALLY matters. 

THRIVE ON!