News To Muse - #HAWMC Wego's Writers Challenge 2015 "Breaking News"

First of all, I am sure, like myself, many of us really "want" to talk about our triumphs, yet we don't want to seem to be "gloating", "selfish", or as if we feel w are the only people in this world that are doing things "right".

The last 5 years have been up and down for me. Right off the very first, my main accomplishment, that took the entire year of 2014, was to become a "Platinum Ambassador" for the Arthritis Foundation! When I received the email telling me that, I was a bit more than elated. It did take a great deal of effort on my part to go that "extra mile" as it's called, to get to be in that "status" for the AF. Hand in hand with that, was my 2014 Washington DC Summit on the Hill visit, that I went on with the Arthritis Foundation, and I got to do ONE of the couple of things I had always dreamed of in life. That one was to "stand upon the steps of the White House" and tell my own story of the horrid nightmare of these illnesses, ranging from Rheumatoid Arthritis, osteoarthritis, JRA, and of course other autoimmune illnesses that can sometimes run hand in hand with them.

There I was, living my dream. I did get to tell my own story, several times to members of Congress and/or their legislative assistants. I did not really "stand upon the steps of the White House" to do it, but being in the Halls of Congress, both House and Senate was close enough.

I was proud that I had been able to develop a good relationship with my Federal Representative in my District, which included getting to go to a "Town Hall Meeting" last year when he was here, back home where I could also once again tell my story.

In the past 5 years, I've also got to live my first dream I guess you could say. I became a "published" author. What was even sweeter about that deal, was that I not only got one book published, but actually published 2 books, within about 6 months apart.

I am thrilled that my activist, advocate. and ambassador tasks are becoming more. In other words, rather than just contributing to my own Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Blog; I've been able to do many other items of advocacy work with some very famous non-profits, which I feel in itself has been and will continue to be a remarkable force that within me, drives me to want to help others. So, those things I do that make life either less painful, less stressful, possibly develop research in the future, or even find a cure, I am thrilled that I have remained steadfast in my activism. I hope to for many years to come.

I've had several articles published about my activism, as well as about my books being published in our local newspaper. That is always something that gives me a feeling of "accomplishment". Even though there are many places I wished would pick up on my blogging and writing, if I never do, I will always and forever feel the pride that comes with having a blog that stays very up to date, and being able to see others follow me on Facebook or Twitter.

I have also had 3 different "Proclamations" dedicating an entire month to "Lupus Awareness". Two of those were actually were signed by the Governor of Texas. The other was signed by the Mayor of my town. I have those proudly framed and on my wall around my desk.

I've survived having ALL of my teeth pulled because of the Sjogren's literally rotting them from the inside out within less than a year. So, it took almost a year to the day that I spent several occasions in the dentist chair for hours, getting the rest pulled, then having dentures put in. Due to the Sjogren's then the last portion that actually just took place, was to have "mini implanted titanium pins" put into my bottom jaw, in order to hold my bottom dentures in place. Between my own bone structure, and the lack of saliva because of the Sjogren's, I spent about 4 months trying to keep those bottom ones from "floating" around anywhere they pleased. I just finished the process up on March 31st, a few days ago. Believe me, as many things in life can be nerve racking, having that many teeth have to be pulled (even though some had not fallen out, they showed in the special digital X-ray to be all rotted). I would not wish any of that on an enemy. But, sometimes we have no choice in life but to do something that is not really all that pleasant.

So, all in all, even though I am not one to be able to "pat myself on the back", or "toot my own horn", I will say that over the years I've been elated with my own actions that lead into helping others. Those are the moments that I am the proudest of.


WEGO Writer's Month Challenge  #HAWMC