I’d like to dedicate this post to everyone who loves me, or who simply shares their love with me.

I often mention how much my husband does for me.  He not only takes care of my physically when I can’t, he does housework, and he also holds down a more than full time job.  He also puts up with me when I am having a very short-tempered day because I’m not feeling well.  He does all of this because he loves me.  I can’t imagine how I would get through all of my trials without him.  (I’m really glad I don’t have to.)  Thank you husband, for being there when I’m my sickest, for listening to me when I just need to scream, for encouraging me, for being strong for me when I don’t feel very strong myself and for still flirting with me and making me feel like I’m sexy.  Your love is very important to me.  I hope you know how much I love you.

To my dear friends who still accept me as I have changed with this disease.  I know I’m not quite the same friend you originally met, but I sure am glad you stuck by me.  I love it when you share your life with me, and tell me what is going on with you and just don’t even pay attention to my illness.  Those are special days to me.  However, I am also grateful for the days you let me cry on your shoulder and tell you  how hard things are, it’s nice to be able to talk about it and know you aren’t being judged.  You have been a great friend.  Thank you for loving me.  I love you too.

To my wonderful blogging friends.  You have listened to me possibly more than anyone.  You have heard mostly my down times, and you are still here.  I love you for that.  You encourage me, and have helped me to come to terms with my illness.  You may not know me personally, but you have shared your love with me, you have reached out over many miles and given me hope, knowledge and friendship.  I thank you, and love each of you.

I would be remiss in this post if I didn’t mention the love of my pets.  Our darling dog Sandy, and loving cat Max.  They are always looking out for me.  They know when I don’t feel good and always try to make it better.  I often feel like I’m a pet pillow (at least I’m not a Pillow Pet!), but they just want to be as close to me as they can.  They are always there for me.   They warm my heart, I love them so and can’t imagine my life without them.

I’m a very lucky person to have so much love surrounding me.  It really makes living with a chronic illness easier.  At one point I thought it would be easier if I was alone, if no one cared.  Then I could just drift away and it wouldn’t matter.  I was in a deep depression and felt my life was over.  I couldn’t see how I could possibly be of any use to the world being in the condition I was in.  I’m very grateful I had some wonderful people who loved me and made me realize I had something to live for.

I love you.

This post is part of Patients For A Moment blog carnival, hosted this time by Chronic Babe.