I would like thoughts on this...possibly boring to all of you

Allie

New member
I was reading through one of Ry's old diaries tonight as I was sitting around and I came upon this story he wrote, and wondered if any of you ever felt the same way. I know, this might seem really boring and self-indulgent of me, but if so, don't respond.


April 31st, 2003
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I once was asked what I thought the CF community was like, or what having CF was like or both. How do I live my life knowing what's to come? This is how I see it.

I boarded what looked like the most beautiful ocean liner in all the world, but few people got on. More people got on the liner next to it, or the one on the other side of the harbor, and only a small crowd was gathered on my ocean liner. But my ocean liner was just as great and mighty as anyone else's until in the middle of the ocean, the ship started to sink. The cold water began to creep into the hull, and suddenly all on the ship realized just how bedraggled it really was.

One group stood on one side of the ship, talking to all the others. They cried out " Don't worry! The ship's not sinking! It's not so bad! And if it does sink, we can swim to shore, even if you can't see it! have faith! Or soon there may be rescuers!" I laughed at this and walked to the other side of the boat.

On this side, people were also gathered, collecting in weeping piles, crying " the ship is sinking! We'll all die horrible deaths! I hate this ship, I hate going on it, and I hate the people who aren't rescueing us!" I walked closer to this group for a moment, for they seemed more firmly rooted in reality. But as I did, I saw how they merely sat and cried over fate.

I looked over my shoulder and saw a guy my age walking with two others. I asked him where he was going and he told me " The ship is sinking, and we'll all surely drown. I have the key to the wine cellar, and figure we should drink all the best wines the world has to offer before we sink beneath the waves." And so I followed them, and this has made all the difference.


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I (biased, obviously) For some reason really liked this. I've read his thoughts on Cf and other things before, but I read and re read this, and it kept sticking with me. Can any of you relate to this, obviously being more firmly grounded in this than I am? Was this considered okay on topic to share? I was just curious.
 
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65rosessamurai

Guest
Allie,

I think your husband had one of the healthiest views on how to handle this illness. I never could have described as he did, but I can certainly relate to it.

Perhaps the key for me was how my mother taught me how to look upon it. Not to believe everything the doctor says in restricting myself to do what I want, but not to overdue the things that I want. For example, like CFHockeyMom's boys, I too played hockey at a young age, enjoyed it, and it was despite what the doctors at that time said about how CF patients should grow up. Perhaps in her attitude, not to frown upon it, but to find happiness, despite it.

It's a very good passage, but I find it hard to believe this is one of his best! I wouldn't be surprised if he had others, just as great as this one! Good man, he must have been! (maybe worth submitting to the forum, if you desire)

Regards,
Fred
 

JennifersHope

New member
Allie,

I loved the story so much.. It was great.. I feel like I can relate to all three groups of ppl, just depending on the day I am having...


Thanks for sharing,

Jennifer
 

anonymous

New member
Allie, I really liked his story, it was a great metaphor, simple and true. "And so i followed them, and this has made all the difference" reminded me of the famous Robert Frost line "And I took the road less traveled by and that has made all the difference" in Road Less Traveled which maybe he was thinking of, because it is a great last line.

He seemed like a very cool guy, you must miss him so much.

Caitlin.
 

JazzysMom

New member
Allie....I think Ry had a gift of his own for words. I think it would be great if you could search thru some more journals & share more with us and maybe even contribute them to the forum upgrades like the Administrators have asked for......
 

Lilith

New member
Allie,

Ry must have been an awesome guy to have come up with something like that. I agree completely with his view and I think it's an awesome way to look at life. You're so lucky to have had him in your life. I think you should definately consider sending this in to the Administrators!
 

JustDucky

New member
Allie, what a wonderful way for Ry to describe how we choose to deal with CF....it was awesome to read and by no means boring. Thank you so much for sharing! Hugs, Jenn <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 

julie

New member
Allie, I was going to suggest what Melissa did about adding some of his stories and journal entries to the forum upgrade. What an amazing way to look at the situation and make choices about how to live your life. I shared it with Mark (he doesn't come on here, wish he would but at least he puts up with my stories from the site) and he was impressed, he liked the outlook. I wish we would have all had the opportunity to meet Ryan, what an amazing man!
 
Wow! Can I please imagine that Ry also beckoned for friends and family of CFers to visit that wine seller, and if so, is there any chance there is some yummy grape juice tucked away down there? I myself cannot indulge in the wine while the ship sinks. I've been sober 10 years but a nice cold glass of the darkest, sweetest, grapes would sure taste good! *soft smiles*

It's a wonderful entry and if you could, please share more with us. Thank you!
 

Emily65Roses

New member
I like it too. And it makes a buttload of sense. One side is all "we're not sinking, you're all full of it," and one side is all "we're all sinking, this is the end of the world, it sucks, I hate my life." Then there's the guys who know it's coming, and figure they'll go get hammered first. Hehehehehe. Ryan sounds like he was smart. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">
 
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