‘The Gift’

I'm sorry you haven't heard from me. I wrote the cards 35 years ago but I was unable to send them.

I wasn't doing well at that time. I was sick and heavily medicated.

I didn't understand it then, but I was depressed. And my face and body changed shape - all side

effects of large amounts of cortisone.

"What do you want to be when you grow up?" the doctor asked.

"A photographer," I replied.

"That will be too hard for you," he answered.

"It's best if you find a profession that is less strenuous," he said.

Then I got more medication, lots of it.

Two weeks passed, and suddenly, I became someone else.

I didn't like myself. I didn't recognize myself. It was me, but I didn't look like me.

I see I'm smiling, but I'm not happy.

In my new picture, I don't smile as much, but I am happy.

I've been given the gift of life, once again. I received new lungs and new life.

I have achieved the unattainable in so many ways. I am here. Look at me now.

Thank you for the gift ❤️