Dear Sara,
I don't have CF, but one of my really good friends did; his name was Nnaji. He just passed away last night<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif" border="0">. We found out this morning (at school) when his nurse was looking for him, calling him her "mini-me." After the first bell rung, she went into the office, knowing something was wrong. He hadn't come to school. She phoned home and the family was very short with it. She found me half an hour later (I found out he passed within that time) and told me she just couldn't leave without finding me. "He just stopped breathing" is what they said. I'm in 12th grade and I've known Nnaji since 9th grade (he'd be graduating with me, too). She said that I was the only person he really called FRIEND even though we barely seen each other because we have different schedules. I'm heartbroken<img src="i/expressions/brokenheart.gif" border="0">. My point in saying all of this is do NOT lose hope! He was always smiling, always making jokes, and very smart. Sara, everything happens for a reason. You're one of God's special people<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">. Don't lose hope, because if you do, then you lose hope in God. You're telling God that you have a problem with His creations and His work. You seem like you have a strong mind and a strong heart. Don't doubt yourself or ever say you can not do anything. Nnaji would have graduated with honor's classes. Keep your head up and stay strong because even though we aren't near you, we're still thinking of you and LOOKING UP TO YOU!
~Mary Anne
maryanne218@bellsouth.net