29 and Counting...
It's hard to believe it, but I turned 29 today! Yep, that means the end of my 20s is fast approaching. It seems like only yesterday that I turned 20.
My life has certainly changed since then. I am lucky to be alive, in light of some of the medical situations I have been through in recent years. On the other hand, it saddens me that my 20s are over and I haven't had the opportunity to do the kinds of things that most people get to do in their 20s, like moving out of my parents' house (although my father has offered me the supply shed out back, rent free!) or being in a relationship. It's not that these things can't happen in one's 30s, but the 20s to me represent vitality, youth, and the freedom to try new and exciting things and I cannot help but feel a bit cheated. And yet, I feel guilty for feeling this way because there are so many others with my disease who have not been as fortunate as I have to even be here.
Nevertheless, I celebrated my birthday with family, which took my mind off of things for a while. And I started thinking about what I want to accomplish in my 29th year. Maybe I don't have many years left, but I'm determined to make this one count. Hopefully, I'll find a publisher for my book. I'll go girl-watching -- I mean on long walks in Center City (I can't believe I just said that!) -- spend time with friends, and attend lots of baseball games. Hey, maybe I'll even see the Phillies win the World Series (I won't hold my breath on that one even if my ventilator would let me!)
And hopefully, next year at this time, I'll be writing about a 30th birthday bash the likes of which have never been seen!
3 comments:
Hi Josh been reading your blogs for a few weeks now and hope that one day your book will be published, I found out about you as I googled Nick Wallis someone you mentioned in one of your blogs as I have been in contact with him since he was on the programme he was interviewed on - very nice person as it goes.
My fiancé Tim shared the same birthday as you 4th March but he would have been 32 this year he had DMD and he died last April. We have a son, Jacob hes 16 months now he was 5 months when Tim died and it has really been a struggle me coming to terms with the fact that Jacob will never know his daddy.
I dont know why I wanted to contact you really but I thought id include the link that the muscular dystrophy campaign published for me after tim died.
http://www.muscular-dystrophy.org/about_us/tell_us_your_story/a_tribute_to_tim.html
I guess I just wanted to say that Tim never thought hed have a relationship and certainly not a family but he did and from a chance meeting online when he was 27 and I was 18 we found each other and we were happier with each other than any couple I have ever come across. I miss him very much and cannot believe he is not with us anymore, this past year has been so hard and I dont expect that the future will be any easier, every passing day means that he has been gone for that little bit longer and the missing just gets worse and worse.
Anyway ive contacted you and I will continue to keep up to date with all future blogs.
Emma Findlater
Josh,
Happy Belated 29th Birthday! Time does fly. Seems like yesterday when you and I were kids on the telethon. I so understand being sad your 20's are over. I hate feeling so old and living w/my parents. I actually wish I could of stayed 21 forever. At that age I was actually living away from home and experiencing independence.
But don't be sad b/c you haven't experienced certain milestones yet. I bet you have experienced many things other 20 something's haven't or will never get the chance to experience. You have the exceptional gift of being able to write well. Hopefully before 30 you will publish your book. How many 29 yr olds can say they even finished a book worthy of sending to a publisher?
Like Emma said, don't give up on finding that special someone. Those girl watchin walks in the city may pay off one day. Eric never thought he'd find someone let alone get engaged. You are defintely a cutie and have a sweet heart. Any girl would be lucky to have you.
Have a great 29th year of Phillies games and friends. Hopefully we can hang out sometime soon too!
Smiles,
Kimi
PS I sometimes write entries in my Myspace blog. Stop on by sometime!
www.myspace.com/ksmile96
Happy Birthday, Josh Winheld!
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