Five Year Flashback

On this exact day 5 years ago, I graduated from high school & was also begging Natalie to keep singing the Climb to me. I'll never forget that night! The past 5 years have been full of every emotion you could think of.. I've done some things that I didn't even think I'd ever do. I have lived in different cities, got a college degree, got married, lost a sister, got 2 puppies, killed my pet fish Sushi, spent way too much time in the hospital, buried my Granny, spent time taking care of my dad after his horrible wreck, cried over lost CF friends, traveled, made relationships with people that mean so much to me, bought a house, bought Jake his first legal drink, became closer to my brother, mended broken relationships, and basically everything in between. When Dalton and I started dating and planning to meet, it was against our doctors wishes but we still did it. I told him that I'd rather live 5 years with him than 50 with someone I didn't have much love for. It will be 5 years on August 1st that I sent him that first message and now I'm waiting for my life to be saved (great timing God!). All in all, the past 5 years have been the busiest time of my life. I think it's best that I start knocking things off my bucket list. There are still so many things I want to do. This goes to everyone who has spent the last 5 years praying for me, praying with me, supporting me, loving me, and never giving up on me. Dalton and I are so blessed to be at a CF center that cares about us and nurses that love us and treat us like family. You guys mean the world to me. The only thing I have to say now is bring on the next 5 years. I'll never stop fighting and I'll never stop living. -Latie 💕🌹☀️

Hospital Update

 

Here is a little update for our followers.. Been in the hospital for over a week. Hope to go home sooner rather than later. <3 -Katie

*Insert Disease Name Here*

So for a while now I guess we have been on the path to the point of where we currently are. The point where it actually comes out of a doctor or nurses mouth that really hits you. This can't be my life, is it? I'm talking about when someone tells you that you have 'end stage -insert disease name here-'. In the case for us, we are at end stage Cystic Fibrosis. It is even weird to type out. I never thought I would come to the point where those words would become my everyday life, but they are. End stage Cystic Fibrosis. You know what that means? That doesn't mean its the end, it means that it's time to work even harder to see the next day.

Growing Up

I am so glad that my parents never sheltered me while I was growing up. In fact, I didn't really tell anyone I had CF unless they asked or needed to know and well now that it's obvious something is wrong (via the oxygen tank) it's hard to hide. Some parents shield their Cf kids from things and it's a shame. I lived a normal life and still do! I did what I

wanted in regards to sports, hanging out with friends, etc. I truly feel sorry for the children whose parents pity them and use Cf as a crutch. If anything my mom and dad taught me to be a stronger person because of it and never let it get me down. I will admit, and this is hard for me, there was a time when I was really sad because of how sick I was getting and I was living out of state and nowhere near my parents and I was a mess. Now that I'm home I spend my time trying to be closer with my parents and let them know how much I truly appreciate them. My mom and dad have always been my two strongest supporters and I can honestly say that without their push I wouldn't be half the person I am today. They are amazing and I'm so blessed that they didn't pity me or allow me to feel sick. I am who I am because of them and wouldn't change a thing. I Love you mom and dad! -Katie, Kate, Sissy, Princess

Just Waiting

The one thing I absolutely hate about social media is seeing how people my age, the people I grew up with are out ENJOYING their 20's. Yes, I'm jealous. Yes, I'm envious. Of course there's nothing I can do about it and allowing myself to feel sorry for myself is the last thing I'm going to do. I'm missing out on 'the best years of my life' and I'm not gonna sugar coat it, it sucks. It's so hard watching people go out and have fun while I sit at home.. But don't feel sorry for me. One day soon I'll have my new lungs. I'll be able to start 'the best years of my life' when my new life starts and that begins with new lungs! I can't wait to take that first deep breath! No oxygen, just the air around me! And after that, Dalton and I will definitely have the best years of our lives filled with things we can't even do in our wildest dreams. That's a promise. -Katie