Christopher S.'s Essay

If there is one thing that living with CF has taught me it is to be optimistic and live life to its fullest, because with CF you’re never certain which day could be your last. I had a teacher in high school that, everyday, stressed the phrase Carpe Diem which is Latin for seize the day. The saying never really sank in for me until the time my doctor talked to my parents and me about a liver transplant. At that time the thought struck me, “wow, I could actually die.” But now I that I think about it I believe it is a that time, when people have that realization that life is precious, that they finally slow down and live life to its fullest.

One thing you learn from having a chronic illness is you don’t have time to hold grudges. You learn to be optimistic and look for the good in everyone. When you live a life with CF you tend to be dealt your share of ill news and disappointments which you must overcome with faith and hopefulness of a better day.

Sometimes I wonder what it would have been like had I been born without CF, but then I’m not sure I’d be the strong person I am today and I wouldn’t trade this life for anything.