What I'd Tell My Younger Self About Life With Crohn's Disease
What I would tell the girl in this picture about her life that lies ahead of her?
I would tell her to not take a moment for granted. I would tell her the life she is dreaming about presently is not going to include her butthole, but not to be scared. I would tell her that many doctors will misdiagnosis her, but in the end the diagnosis of Crohn’s disease was meant to be.
I would tell her she will have moments of self-doubt and moments where she will think about suicide. I’d tell her that fear of the unknown becomes a daily experience, and dying twice will happen but most of all she will survive!
I would tell this young, innocent girl that no matter what life throws her way, she will handle it. She will find courage to face the darkest of nights. She will find hope in the hopeless moments, she will find peace in moments of terror and every day she will pick up the pieces of what is left and find that silver lining.
I would tell this beautiful unscarred being that she will be scarred but she will wear those scars as badges of honor – battle wounds! I also will tell this young lady that she will graduate college, marry the man of her dreams and meet the most amazing people who will impact her life in major ways.
Finally I would tell her, if I could, to continue to fight for that beautiful smile, pray constantly, be thankful, be present and, most of all, to not worry about being perfect – being imperfect is way better!
Always keep in mind that the worst nightmare you fear may just end up being the biggest miracle you have been praying for. Be wise, be smart, never take a single thing for granted. God has a very special plan for you. Be patient, because you will be the favorite patient!
If you or someone you know needs help, visit our suicide prevention resources page.
If you need support right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.
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Cate Luth has Crohn’s disease but that is not the one thing that defines her. She is a wife, a daughter, a sister, a crazy Aunt Cate to her 11 nieces and nephews and a true friend. Her closest friends will say she is little but mighty. She believes in not taking life for granted and to truly live in the moment. Her philosophy in life is, “It’s not what happens to you in life, it’s what you do about it!”
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