My support system is amazing through it all. Everyone from my doctors, to my family, to my friends. They help me get back up when I fall down. You really find out who your friends are with this journey. I have had friends come and go. Some leave when I need them most, some throw my Arthritis back in my face, some hold me back because of it. And some are always there for me. When I am up at 4 am crying, I know who I can talk to. When I need someone to carry my books because my wrists hurt, I have people there for me. Or when I just need a self-esteem boost because I am having an emotional breakdown at 12 am. I have those who will help me through it. Hardly anyone at school understands what I go through, but I appreciate those who try and listen. I have friends all over the country who have arthritis and get what I am going through, and I am thankful for them. I can call them whenever and they will listen and understand why I am so upset. They are the most valuable of all. I would like to give a special thanks to my amazing sister for trying her best to help my mom and me out. My grandparents who really helped raised me, and my grandpa especially for being the dad I never had. My best friend who has been there for me for as long as I can remember, whenever I needed, without complaint. To all my amazing friends at school for trying to understand and help me the best they can. And a special thanks to my amazing, beautiful, superhero mom. She has sacrificed so much to get me what I needed to stay healthy. Everyone in my family says that I am their hero, well she is mine. I know I don't say this enough to her, but I love you so much mommy! Thank you for all you all have done and continue to do. I am truly blessed. Arthritis may be a battle, but it is a blessing in disguise. I have always been one to try to help others out. I like to make someone's day better. I volunteer, I mentor, and I just help people when they need a friend or advice. Throughout my roller coaster ride of a life, one thing is constant. I may not have it easy, but I want to help others who have it worse. When I grow up I want to open a performing and visual arts studio for children with all kinds of disabilities. Art and performing has helped me with so much. I feel like I need to help others discover the silver lining in their rain cloud. Please always remember, looks are deceiving. Always try to help someone's day be a little better. And Kids get arthritis too! back - Page 11 - next