Every morning I wake up and I look in the mirror

Sometimes I know who I see and that is me

Other times it is a stranger staring back at me.

Where did the years go?

When did my life become medication, therapy, support groups, and doctor’s appointments?

Will I ever be who I once dreamed of becoming or will those dreams be lost forever?

Every morning I wake up and I look in the mirror

Sometimes I just don’t have the energy to stay out of bed

Other times as I stare the fighter within me begins to awaken from its den.

Will today be the day?

Will I become who I dreamed of being?

Will I rise above my illness which seems to have taken over and consumed me?

Every morning I wake up and I look in the mirror

And

Every morning I remember that life is full of possibilities, adventures, and chances,

All of which the illness can’t take away from me.

Every morning I now wake up and I know it is going to be a fight

But,

Every morning I put on my gloves, am guarded by those who have shown me nothing but unconditional love, and I

do not let this illness defeat me

No,

Instead, I take my gloves and I fight,

And every day,

I win.