Jessie has really been on my heart and mind lately, obviously. I am watching her grow into a young woman. (All 5 ft of her) I am noticing qualities that I feel are wonderful. I know that family, God, and relationships with friends make a person, but I feel that Cystic Fibrosis has played a huge role in who she is today. These are a few of the qualities in no particular order.....
1. Humor - Sometimes when life is hard, all you can do is laugh. Jessie can make anything funny. Jessie can just give me a look and I am in tears laughing.
2. Faithfulness and Trust - I know that Jessie has eternal faith that God has all things in complete control. His way, His timing, etc. When things don't turn out exactly how Jessie has planned it, she embraces it and I can see that acceptance of "this is the way it is supposed to be".
3. Perspective - I fret the small stuff. You know the stupid stuff that won't mean a thing a year from now. Jessie enjoys the good, brushes off the bad and realizes that most things here on earth won't matter in the end.
4. Appreciation - Jessie appreciates everyday of life. She cherishes every memory and every breath. When it comes to life, she takes it all in. She notices beautiful sunsets and puppies playing. She is never in a rush. She definately stops and smells the roses.
5. Patience - Sometimes I know that others can't see this attribute in Jessie, but she really knows that not all things will be done in her own timing. Not better after 5 days in the hospital? WAIT until you are better. Want to be with friends this weekend? Wait till you are better and not so tired. Want a cure for CF? WAIT for a cure.
6. Perseverance - CF has a way of knocking you on your fanny when you least expect it, and often times knocking you back down right when you get back up. In order to get back up, you must persevere. Jessie has this down pat.
7. Optimism - Jessie knkows that there a 2 ways to view life: the glass half empty and the glass half full. I will admit that I usually see the glass half empty. I think that Jessie knows that CF will always present its challenges and she has chosen to see the glass half full.
8. Discipline - Let's just say that no one knows what must be done daily in order to stay on top of your CF and keep things at a dull roar. Getting up early to do breathing treatments and take the meds. Jessie is required to do alot to manage her CF. Is she always compliant?.... NO WAY! But she is growing up and understanding the benefits and she is doing much better. The result? Discipline!!
9. Acceptance - Jessie accepts the fact that she has CF. She wmbraces it. She knows that not everything is in our control and when you can't control a reality.... you must embrace it. There is much to be said about a person who can take a challenge early in life and accept it and embrace it even when you hate it. However - I have tried to instill in her that she has CF.... CF does NOT have her.
10. Reliance - When Jessie is sick, she is forced to rely on others. When Jessie is well, she shows that she wants others to rely on her. She understands the give and take in a healthy relationship. I love that she is never too proud to allow me to take care of her when she needs a soft place to fall. (not easy for a teenager) But I also love that when she is at her full game, she keeps me relying on her. She really does alot for me and I just don't know what I would do without her.
11. Empathy - No ones can feel others pain and happiness like Jessie. She has lived it and there is not a selfish bone in her body. She truly feels with others.
12. Respect - You know Jessie..... She is respectful to others feelings, etc. It is not all about her all the time. She is a teenage girl and has her moments of drama, but all in all, you could not ask for a better kid.
As she develops, I am sure that we will all see different traits come through. All of you may see things totally differently about Jessie. Being on the outside looking in can always make things seem easier or harder etc. No one knows exactly what Jessie goes through and I really think that most people would rather not think about it. Maybe it is sad for some. Well, truthfully... it should be sad, but we can makes this life great. Jessie is living it up. What a great little person.
She makes me and Mike so happy and we are so proud of her. She is beautiful on the outside, but most importantly.... beautiful on the inside!!!
