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Debby Jass was kind enough to review this page and went back to the original post (posted on 12-6-96) when I explained what a warrior was Thank You for finding It
Debby!!
"When one is born they are given a path to follow that is their life. Along
this path are many crossroads, trials, hardships and, yes, pleasures. As we
travel this path that is our life, we have decisions to make when we reach a
crossroads. Do I go left, right, or straight? The path we choose has the
trials, hardships and pleasures on it already. They are just waiting to be
encountered. It is how you treat what you find along the way that determines
the outcome. This is the way of the warrior. It is called the Warrior Spirit.
As you travel this path, make a decision when necessary and follow it to its
conclusion. Do not second guess yourself. Look back only for answers to
questions that you now face. It does no good to question past choices. They
are done. Now decide what you are going to do to make your life better. Do not
think of yourselves as sufferers or victims. You have Graves' disease and it
is OK. Take charge of it. Live the Warrior Spirit and take control of your destiny.
"
"This page is devoted to people
with Graves' disease who live life as a Warrior."
Home pages of Graves Warriors
One of the speakers we had at our Annual Convention this year talked about laughter and keeping a sense of humor about life and Graves disease. In keeping with that idea I thought " How about a limerick contest" and the idea was born. A quick post on the Graves Bulletin Board and we were off and running. A Panel of judges was selected and Limericks started pouring in like rain in a leaky roof. So for your reading pleasure we are going to print the winners and honorable mentions. The Winner will receive a Native American choker made by myself. Baush and Lomb was kind and sent me cases of eye drops and eye lube to be sent to all who entered the contest. (It was decided that Nancy D should be made the Poet at large for the NGDF due to shear volume of entries and they)
So Here they are and remember laugh 30 minutes a day!!!
Submitted by Ellie (1st Place)
One fine day I went to an Opth,
The reason, you see...my eye it did pop!
Took some blood for a sample, (of which there was ample)..
Test result ...Graves' was the rest.
For months I had been yearning,
To find more & more learning
Of this disease which alters my life.
So I turned on my computer...
Which I found a good tutor
Cause it led me to the Bulletin Board Best!
Now there's not a day,
That I do not pray that
My friends are all there to listen.
To listen, to ask,
To some quite a task.
Each day, every hour,
(do some get to shower?)
Every one on the BB is a warrior with honor.
Submitted by Michele (2nd Place)
My name is Michele.
My eyes did swell.
Hard to explain.
That kind of pain.
It hurt like hell!
Oh what thrills.
I have new skills.
I can put drops in my eyes.
It just takes a few tries.
I also got good at taking pills
Honorable Mentions
Submitted by Shannon
There was this lady, her body would quake.
Her knees were weak and her hands would shake.
She continued like this, for a month she endured.
But when her eyes started to bulge she couldn't take anymore.
Off to the doctor she went one day, to put her mind at ease.
After some test, and a whole lot of stress, she found out
she was stricken with Grave's Disease!
Submitted by Elisa
I wish this Graves' business were done--
It certainly isn't much fun.
First PTU pleasures,
Then RAI measures,
Now it's hyper and hypo in one!
Submitted by Joanne
Just when you think it's psychosis
The doc give you the diagnosis
So crazy you're not
it's Graves you have got
So better is now your prognosis
Submitted by Lynn
When you're feeling a little bit dizzy,
And you're body feels like a Tin Lizzy,
They'll take blood by the pot,
And say "Graves' what you got",
Then they'll give you an RAI fizzy!
Submitted by Kathleen
An old man with Grave's from Nantucket
Read enough about Grave's to fill buckets
He wished his doctors had learned
Knowledge gained is power earned
Maybe med schools could instruct it?
Submitted by Nancy D
There's a woman whose Graves' is revealing,
When asleep, there's an eye-op'ning feeling,
"It's not easy for me,
When I'm sleeping I see,
And I dream of the holes in the ceiling."
This is a picture of the Choker that Ellie won for the Limerick contest
We have had some poetry submitted for your reading pleasure
Submitted by Doctor Nancy Patterson (our Director)
The powerful questions
"Why NOW?" asked the harried life traveler? The Cosmos replied, if not NOW, when?
"Why ME?" asked the injured one. Said the Great Spirit: "Is there a reason it should not be you?"
"When will it end?" asked the weary one. The Seasons, reminding of the coming spring, waiting for the winter to thaw, remembered that the cycle of seasons is perpetual, and said: "Be patient."
"How will I know...?" asked the puzzled one. The Galaxy promised: "Though the moon waxes and wanes, and controls the tides, the Billions of stars are always there to guide your way."
"Who will take care of me?" asked the frightened & lonely one. The Wind, which cannot be seen, but is always felt, offered to wrap the weary body in warm, gentle breezes, just as it has always done.
"Has it ruined my life?" asked the skeptical one. The Valley echoed, "Though lightning strikes a single limb of the Mighty Oak, the roots, the truck, the strong limbs and leaves continue to make it as majestic as ever."
"What will happen?" asked the inquiring one. Sang the Gull--from far above the sea: "Watch the waves...see how large and rough they loom over the deep water, and how they are but small ripples when they finally reach the shore."
"What can I do?" asked the desperate, but encouraged one. Said the Mountain: "Find solid ground, surround yourself in my cliffs and caves, and absorb yourself in both my protection and beauty. I will not move."
The earth turns, the seasons cycle, the tide shifts, the sun and moon rise daily, the mountain looms tall and strong, the wind makes her song among the trees, and the stars direct our paths. An ordered universe is in control; life is good, and our hearts can dance.
Submitted by A Keeper
Warrior Gentle warrior don't give-up You've battled for so long You never really knew That you could be so strong
There are others out there Though some fall along the way This is a temporary sadness And there will be a better day
This road has been less traveled Brave spirits shall survive Faith and humor can sustain you Love keeps us all alive
My eyes rain for your sorrow But my heart is smiling still For after all , you made it So I know that others will.
A. Keeper
What Is Faith
What is faith? What role should it play? I'm not God , so I can't say.
Should I have faith When illness strikes? Or when the devil attacks Whenever he likes?
I'm not God So I can't say, But faith works In mysterious ways.
Faith can move mountains And make miracles , too It's God's quiet assurance Somehow you'll get through.
Illness may stay And bills may remain, But faith let's you know That you're still inthe game...
A. Keeper
I Fly
Out of the caves Of indifference and night, From depression's doorstep I look for the light,
From illnesses shackles, Grows the courage to try, Without hesitation I fly, I fly.
Out from the darkness Of a heart full of pain, I spring like a spark, In destiny's flame.
As certain as the stars, Like hope rising high, Across rivers of doubt I fly, I fly.
With outstretched wings Like an eagle I soar, To the height of my dreams and more, Stronger and wiser than ever before.
With new self assurance, I take to the sky. Relentless, undaunted, I fly, I fly!
A. Keeper
Submitted by mike. This is a link to a site where he has some poetry Mike poem
All poetry was printed with the permission of the author's