"My dream for the future is..."

When I was a little boy, my parents constantly told me what I could and could not do, because of my cystic fibrosis. They were just trying to protect me and keep me healthy, but I did not see it that way. They made me be terrified of who I was and my cystic fibrosis. So, I dreamed. I dreamed of a wide and welcoming world, where I could do and be anything I imagined.

Now as a high school senior, I am daily reminded of all my shortcomings and responsibilities due to having cystic fibrosis. So, I dream. I dream of waking up and not having to do treatments. I dream about biting into a juicy burger and not having to worry about how many enzymes I have to take. I dream of running a cross-country race and not being completely out of breath after the first mile.

Looking ahead, I have been told of all the challenges I will face in the future. So, I dream. I dream about finding a wife who will love me even though I have CF. I dream of one day having completely healthy children. Finally, I dream of growing old, grey, and having grandchildren.

For having all my dreams I am stronger, because each dream holds all the pain and frustration of living with cystic fibrosis. Every time I have lived out one of my dreams, it has made all of the adversity worth while. With every failure, I hold hope, because I dream.