When my best friend got sick, developed sepsis, and slipped into a coma, my whole world unraveled. She was an integral part of my life, and the lives of so many others who loved her. We held our breath for months, as she woke from the coma, lost both of her legs and several fingers, endured complicated internal challenges, and a colostomy. Life was never going to be the same for my dear friend, and knowing this changed all of us.
My mom shared a quote from Bob Marley that I held onto like a lifeline,
“You never know how strong you are, until being strong is your only choice.”
My courageous friend made it through. She fought hard to come back from this harrowing experience, learned to walk on prosthetic legs, wrote a book, continues to love to the depth of her soul. She is an inspiration and a miracle.
Now, on a hard day, when I have a headache, an argument with my partner, or things aren’t coming together, I remember all of this. I ask myself to choose strength, so when action needs to be taken, I can act. And when waiting is necessary, I can pause. And when what I want to do is cry and fall apart, I remember that the choice I make now proves to myself that I got this, and that every step forward is a success.
(Love you to the moon JQ)
