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When I was just 19... (Arthritis) When I was just 19, enjoying a semester break from collage, I was suprised one morning on my way to work that my knee was swollen. I had been tired a lot the past two years and kind of stiff and sore but I figured that must have come from the stress and pressures of finishing high school and starting college.... The following weeks were filled with tests and unaswered questions. I stayed off my leg the fluid went away and 'life went on'. One month later I was sitting in a wheel chair in my mothers kitchen.Both knees were swollen and every bone in my body was telling me they exsisted. The doctor said it was Rhumitoid Arthritis." Yes it happens to young people," "oh" I said. I learned a lot in that wheel chair. In the first 10 minutes I was in shock just kind of staring off into no where.. Slowly the warmth of that sweet smelling room stired me and reminded me I was somewhere, someone, surrounded by love and kindness. "There is a reason for this" I said. And through the countless emergency doors and doctors waiting room, a tapestry began to unfold.With every bone scan and cat scan the colors ran together with my tears.It grew, I grew, pain became my friend. I was blessed with this gift and I am grateful. Use your canes and walkers with pride. The parking aids are there for YOU. Today I do not need the wheel chair, but my parking "aid" is always used even when I "feel good" because I want to stay that way. A cane or a friends helping hand are always available I am lucky to have them. Teach the world around you something. You'll know what it is. Don't be afraid, There is always Someone watching over you... you know the same One who gave you this gift... He wants to know if you like it. keep eating chocolate, listen to great music, get "into" water, breath, and love,love,love, feel better everyone.. A lot of music today sounds like no one should listen to it. I have always wanted o teach but as my body "slowed down" I wa s "redirected" to a larger classroom, I was directed to the stage. Every song that I compose I hope will inspire and enlighted every soul. The pain doesn't stop, but that doesn't stop me. If my fingers don't respond to the comand "Play" I find a differnt way, and if not today, there is always hope for another day. I wrote more of my songs sitting in the waiting room at the doctor's office and a few hundred more these past three years dealing with my son's surgeries and survival. On the cover of my latest CD is a photo of my mother's hand, my hand and my son's hand. It's called "For All Time" "We were desrined to be a family, living in Harmony. We'll keep the memories alive, joined together, for all time." The bond of love is the most healing drug I know. I pray that you all are granted this precious gift in your lives. Remember though, it starts by loving yourself first. Open the door to your heart, if it's stuck try a window Keep eating Choclate it helps :-) You are always in my prayers From Jerusalem