Someone that I Admire

I love that this MDA walk is coming up and that my sister asked us to walk in it. She is a very modest person and doesn't want anyone to ever feel sorry for her. This upcoming event is giving me the opportunity to brag a little about my sister and about how amazing of a person she is.  The two of us have been best friends forever. Yes, we have had our occasional disagreements which may have even turned into fights when young, but I have always looked up to her (even though I am the older sister). In high school, I depended on her to find the friends and once she did, I would mooch! :)  She was and is always so social and everyone loves her. I was in college when she found out she had Muscular Dystrophy. The news was hard for all of us to hear, especially her, but she was also glad to know the reasons behind her physical limitations. What has been challenging is that MD is a progressive disease, and things have become harder for her as she has gotten older. But honestly, she doesn't slow down. I am a witness to that. Even when she is so tired, she is patient with her kids (I mean, there might be an occasional blow up, but nobody is perfect), and is really good at getting their creative juices flowing. She loves her family so much.

Julie has always had this confidence, that I wish I had. She isn't afraid to speak her mind, and  has always known who she is. She has always been a listening ear for me during times of frustration or sadness and reassures me that I am normal. Ha

I remember when she was a camp counselor at an MD camp and I visited for the talent show. It was touching to see all of the participants performing. Some were in wheelchairs, others wore leg braces, but all had such special spirits. And what I remember most from that time is seeing the love my sister had for everyone there. I mean, serious, she struggles with some of the same things as the participants , but she was happy to be there and help.

Out of respect for her, I am not going to delve into all of the trials that she faces with MD, but the reason I am writing this post is for her and my five other readers to know how important she is to me and so many others. I am so excited to walk for her and for all of the other supporters that are going to be there for their family and friends.

I don't look at my sister and see Muscular Dystrophy, I never have. When I look at my sister, I see a beautiful, strong person who never gives up, even when the trials feel unbearable.

Thanks for being such a good example to me, sister.

If you can, come join us at the Oakland Colosseum, Feb 16th and support Muscular Dystrophy Association. Or, if you can't make it, donations are great too! Click here to donate. If you plan on donating, just do it now. If you are like me, you will read something, plan on taking action, then get busy or distracted. And before you know it, Feb 16th has come and gone.  If you don't choose to donate or participate, I won't hate you too much (hehe). Kidding. Any help is great. I just want everyone to know how amazing my sister is and one of the many wonderful people who would benefit from your help.