Fall Festivities

So much has been going on the past few weeks that we've hardly had a chance to catch up on some Zzz's let alone blog about it. The collage I posted is just a sneak peak at what we've been up to. We have had some great times with family and friends and a few cases of the 'oh no i hope i'not getting sick - ahhh choo!' 

In the upcoming days we will have posts on the following:

• Our Disneymoon adventure! & Honeymoon pt2 (gifted by some magically amazing family friends)
  
• Sean Fischel Connect 5k
• Duck season!
• Beards & Bucks for Histiocytosis 2013!
  
• and more!

While it appears to be a dream package - a lot of hard work, help & support was put forth by our family and friends and we couldn't have done it without them! Eric's parents watched our two dogs while we were away on our honeymoon and we can't thank them enough for that! They even posted pics of our pups to cure our separation anxiety! Anyone who knows us well, knows that our dogs ARE our kids. 

I give a huge dose of credit to my husband Eric for fighting through all the pain that Still's Disease causes him every day. A picture may be worth a thousand words, but it's worth 2,000 more that you can't see seconds after the photo is taken. Social media has allowed us to connect with others and share our story so others don't have to feel alone. But times like this where we can catch a glimpse of 'normal' life again can easily be misconstrued to those who don't interact with us on a regular basis. 

It takes Eric's body anywhere from 30 minutes or more to get un-stiff in the morning. Sometimes it takes hours or lingers for days. While Humira, Methotraxate and steroids allow Eric to move around and stay alive, one of the major downfalls is the immense pressure to have reduced sun exposure. So0o0o0o there is a lot of prep time for pretty much anything we do now. A typical rundown of any trips or outdoor activities we do consist of making sure Eric has all of his medications with him for the duration(sounds easier than it is), the least amount of sun exposure possible, reducing any risk of insect bites or exposure to bacteria, wearing masks around people who cough or sneeze,  ability to rest when weary, and the understanding that sometimes the day just has to end early no matter how much it sucks and you want to keep going.  

We knew going into these events that it would take a lot, and I think it took more than we expected. However, I don't know that we could have made it without the help of others. We are eternally grateful for their efforts in giving us the chance to make the memories that HLH almost took from us just 4 months after we wed. 

We thank you for your continued support and hope you get to take a moment to enjoy the fall. Life is short. Yesterday is gone & Tomorrow is never promised. Go make time for your loved ones today!

-A

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