William W.'s Essay

It is said that you only appreciate something once you have lost it, but CF granted me that appreciation early on and I haven’t lost sight of it. Every morning I wake up to a brand new sunny day. I can do my therapy vest and nebulizer and appreciate how much relief comes to me when I can take a breath without feeling the heaviness of my lungs. I appreciate being able to eat the delicious sweet sausage and pepper sandwiches my Mom and Dad make and the actions of the synthetic enzymes that allow me to digest the food properly. I appreciate being able to feel my girlfriend’s hand in mine as we walk to the local deli from our college dorms to pick up midnight snacks. I appreciate the feel of a dumbbell in my hand and the burn I feel in my arms and legs as I tell myself I am one rep stronger than I have ever been. I appreciate my dog, Jack, and the happiness I feel every single time I wrestle with him, even if my parents are watching TV and are yelling “IS THIS HOW A 20 YEAR OLD BEHAVES?” Well, how should I behave? As if I do not, cannot, enjoy the miracles that life has to offer? No, I believe that life is for the taking and that CF has taught me to appreciate the things I have and the things that allow me to live.