A Gratitude Miniseries: March 2018

Charlene Marshall avatar

by Charlene Marshall |

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Editor’s note: A continuation of Charlene Marshall’s monthly “Gratitude Miniseries.”

The goal of my “Gratitude Miniseries” is to write about the things I am grateful for that took place in the past month. I believe this will be an excellent narrative to look back on at the end of this year, to see all the great things that happened.

Just like the last two months of 2018, this month flew by. I cannot believe it’s already April. This means that the first quarter of the year is over, and it was a great one for me. March felt a little bit less chaotic than January and February, though I am not sure how, because I’m extremely busy at work.

I spent some time flipping back in my calendar to recall what I’ve been up to this month: mostly social events with friends, which is a nice change. I really enjoy spending time with friends and working on quiet hobbies, as I don’t get to do either of these things as much as I’d like.

Following are social events that I am grateful for this month:

  • Breakfast with friends. I am part of a special friendship trio with two other girls whom I introduced several years back. Both are from different parts of my life; one was a friend from elementary school and the other was my university roommate. They got along so well when I introduced them that we all meet as often as we can for breakfast or lunch. It also works out that I am in the middle of where we all live geographically, so they came here recently and we all went out for breakfast and had a long catch-up. It was so nice talking with them about their lives, and although I knew one of them was expecting her first baby, the other one didn’t, so this was exciting news! 
  • Making baby shower invitations. The same friend who shared the news of her pregnancy at our breakfast also asked me to make all the invitations for her baby shower. I’m touched that my friend thought to have me use my scrapbooking skills to do this for such a special event. I designed a prototype invitation that the bride-to-be really loved, and so now I can start making the final products.
  • Participating in my first craft show. Earlier this month, I took one of my creative hobbies to a new level when I signed up to be a vendor for the first time at a craft show. It was a huge success, and I really enjoyed being part of the day, as tired as I was after it was over. I am grateful for my hobby bringing in a bit of extra cash for me, which is going toward a special trip out west that I am taking next month.
  • A friend’s health. Unfortunately, a friend of mine had a health scare very recently, and the doctors were unsure what was causing her unpleasant symptoms, including severe shortness of breath. After numerous tests, she was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, which is welcomed by her, compared to what the other potential diagnosis might have been. I am grateful that she will recover and get stronger, and I am also thankful that I can step into a caregiving role for her and “return the favor,” as she’s often taken care of me.
  • A girlfriend sleepover. I don’t get to do this very often anymore, but I just recently had two close friends sleep over, and we laughed until we couldn’t breathe. Times like these are rejuvenating for my soul, and make me so happy to create and share such fun times with friends.

What are some things you’re grateful for from March?

***

Note: Pulmonary Fibrosis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Pulmonary Fibrosis News or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to pulmonary fibrosis.

Comments

MOaishia avatar

MOaishia

I am grateful for so many things in my life. So March events that stand out are:
I am grateful that I was sent to the nationwide expert in ILD. That he is a kinds, compassionate, humble man who I can trust.
I am grateful for Friday nights when myself and a few of my girlfriends get together to have dinner and sometimes a glass of wine. We catch up on our weeks and just enjoy each others company.
I am grateful for my family who has been so loving and supportive with this recent reality check of my diagnosis(I have just learned how serious this disease is (aka life threatening).

Reply
Charlene Marshall avatar

Charlene Marshall

Hi Aishia,

Thanks so much for reading my column and for sharing what you are thankful for! I really love it when folks who are reading my columns share back with me some things about themselves, especially what they are grateful for.

I am also grateful that your specialist in ILD is so good to you, and that you trust him. I remember that we've talked about how important this is in the past, and it really sounds like you've found a great doctor. Girlfriends are also so important, isn't it nice to forget about our diagnosis for awhile, and just catch up with friends through such normal activities like dinner and glass of wine? I am also so thankful that your family has stuck by your side.

Thank you for sharing... I look forward to hearing what you're grateful about next month with me ;)

Cheers,
Charlene

Reply
mary landry avatar

mary landry

Is there anyone in the Maryland area with pulmonary fibrosis that knows of a support group? Thanks

Reply
Charlene Marshall avatar

Charlene Marshall

Hi Mary,

Thanks for reading my columns on Pulmonary Fibrosis News. This is a good question, I'm not sure the answer of it but I can try to find out for you. I'll post this question on our Facebook page (Pulmonary Fibrosis News) and our PF forums, which can be found here: http://pulmonaryfibrosisnews.com/forums/ ... I'll report back if I find anything out for you.

Warmly,
Charlene

Reply
Charlene Marshall avatar

Charlene Marshall

Hi Mary,

A wonderful member of an online support group I am apart of shared this regarding support groups in Maryland:
Better Breathers Club Support Group
WMHS Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program
Western Maryland Regional Medical Center
Auditorium #5 on 2nd Floor
12500 Willowbrook Road
Cumberland, Maryland 21502

Group meets: First Monday of every other month
Time: 5:00 p.m.

Contact: Stacey Blank, RRT, Program Coordinator
240.964.3807
[email protected]
This group is for those with chronic lung disease and also includes pulmonary fibrosis patients and families.

Advanced Lung Disease and Lung Transplant Support Group
University of Maryland Medical Center
29 S. Greene Street
GS106
Baltimore, MD 21201

Group meets: First Friday of every month
Time: 12:00 p.m.

Contact: June Kim, MD
410.328.8141
[email protected]

I hope that helps!

Warm regards,
Charlene

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