Took the words right from my mouth...

I received this moving email today from Nikki who contacted me several months ago after reading my blog. CJD took her mother almost around the same time as my father. It is strange how only a year ago we were walking the same journey, different stages, but with the same horrible end. As the 1 year anniversay of "black Saturday" approaches, the day the family was told of the fatal diagnosis, all that I can think of is my dad's incredible humility. After reading Nikki's message below, I can see that her mother was and continues to be such an inspiration for her just like my father is for me. She took the words from my mouth! Few people have been to where we have been with CJD. We need to be here for one another and others who will one day endure the same fate.
-Lacy

Hello to my CJD family,

Today marks one year that my Mom, the woman who meant so much to so many people, was taken from us all due to this horrible disease. I have journeyed down a horrible path over the last 18 months or so, beginning with her illness and then trying to find my way through this world without her. I've said that this was my year of survival. Just making it through has been a miracle. I now begin my year of healing. I hope that it won't take the full year to then begin my years of hope and joy. My Mom taught me to find the good wherever I can and to give it away to others. I try hard every day to do that, some days better than others.

I believe we are meant to learn a lesson in everything that happens in our lives. As Mom's illness was progressing, I really struggled with that. What kind of knowledge is to be gained by watching a woman so full of love and mercy suffer such a cruel fate? What good can come from a person like this dying and leaving so much good work unfiinished? I grew to realize that the lesson was not her illness, not her death. The lesson was, and always will be, her life - the causes she believed in, the way she loved and forgave, the way she always left things a little better than before she was there. That is her legacy. I only hope that my life will be as meaningful.

I reach out to you all this evening because you all have been in a situation similar to mine - all of our situations are unique in their own ways but you all know this beast, CJD. In losing my mother, I have found all of you. This is a blessing beyond measure. You all inspire me and challenge me to never give up in this fight for treatment and for cure. I wish that we never had to meet under these circumstances but I feel honored to share this journey with you all.

I wish you love, peace and healing,

Nikki