I am getting married in less than 2 months and graduating from college tomorrow.
None of it would have been possible without my parents. They made a point to show me respect and support through it all. Maybe they didn't always "get it" but they tried. And I appreciate that effort.
And then there is my fiance who spent time with me even when I basically pushed him away and who made me laugh even though I didn't want to... like bringing me a candle and suggesting I smell it- you know when I have the NG tube in!

I am very fortunate because not only did I have them but my brothers and extended family were wonderful.

I would have to say my mom and my boyfriend (now husband Christopher). The two of them took turns staying with me in the hosptial during both my surgries. I was having having major panick attacks during this time (I think thanks to years of pregnisone) so both of them stayed with me to calm me down. My mom stayed every night with me but 2 nights where Christopher took one night and by best friend took another night with me. She slept in a chair for 5 days straight.

After 7 years together... the week after I returned home from my final surgey, Christopher proposed and on Aug 19th we will have been married for 2 years. We were living together at the time of my surguries and he was always there to take care of me and love me. Three times during our relationship I tried to end things with him b/c I felt bad that he had to deal with my illness. He never gave up on me. And has been there through all the fertility surguries as well.

Another really special person to me is my brother. He has a really hard time dealing when people are in the hospital. So much so that when our grandmother was really sick with cancer he couldn't go see her in the hosptital. My brother visited me twice during both surgries and I know it wasn't easy for him to be there. Just seeing his face there meant the world to me.

I feel so blessed to have the love and support of my family and friends. And thank you to all of you as well. You have also helped more than you can ever know.

Nicole

Debra (and everyone else too)..that was very touching, and congrats on the 10 year mark..for me, I couldn't have made it without the love and constant support of my parents, my sister, and my partner, Fred. During those times when I longed for death, because life was just too painful, my family was there (although I think they took turns, I was not the easiest person to be around thanks to the prednisone). I remember, on countless occasions, waking up in the middle of the night, sobbing, thinking I would never recover, but one of them was always there to pick me up when I was feel so very low.

I honestly don't know what I would have done had I not the encouragement, love, strength and support from all of them. But I have to be especially thankful for my partner. He was there every single day, during almost 6 years of hospitalization. He would hold me when I cried, and told me everthing was going to be alright. He put up with my evil mood swings and my horrible depression, and was my strenght, my support, and will always be my hero. Words can't express how gratefull I am to have had all of their love and support during the most difficult time of my life, and I could never repay them for what they have done for me, other then to never forget it, and always hold them near and dear to my heart.

As a side note, those of you who know me know Freddy and I had split up 3 years ago, but we are now geting back together, and not just together, but we're getting legally married (the province of Ontario recongnizes same sex marriage), on December 10th..our 20th anniversary! (gulp! I was young once, a seemingly very long time ago!)

Thank you for posting this topic, it's so important for all of us to step back, and give thanks to all of those who have helped us thought it all. So to all the moms and dads, sisters and brothers, husbands, wives and partners, friends, and family, with all my love and most sincere appreciation, THANK YOU!!! From the bottom of my heart,

Eric

Congratulations Eric!
It's always great when 2 people who love each other show their commitment and have it recognized and celebrated.