Jonathan P.'s Essay

“Everyone born into this world experiences pain, but experiencing suffering is optional” - Unknown

Living with CF has taught me so many life lessons; it’s taught me patience, perseverance, and responsibility.

I gained patience by watching my older brother, Rusty, struggle trying to answer the question “why me?” after being diagnosed with CF. He soon began to be angry at God and then he became mad at the world. I don’t want to be like him. I’ve learned I want to be happy, and that takes patience through trials.

I learned perseverance by what I thought at the time was proving to the world, but then later learned I was only trying to prove to myself, that I was just as good as any other kid, with or without CF. It was that perseverance that didn’t let me stop pushing myself when it came to basketball. I had a goal; it was to be starter by the time I was a senior. CF has taught me that I can do anything I put my mind to even when I have obstacles to overcome.

One of the most important things that I’ve learned living with CF is responsibility and discipline. Discipline isn’t a luxury for me. I have to make sure I’m eating healthy, watching my weight, exercising regularly, and taking my prescriptions religiously because my life depends on it. So I’m thankful for the school of hard nocks that teaches me to enjoy life anyway.