I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, this is all one big waiting game. Although I was expecting to hear my results and consult with the Skull Base Institute by the end of this week, it unfortunately did not happen. Turns out when your doctor is one of the best surgeons in the world, he’s also one of the busiest. He is currently out of the country right now, so (obviously) we have to wait until he is back in L.A. to contact us with his findings. Even though it is tough and a bit nerve racking waiting to hear these results, I know right now I am learning patience in a way that I never would have before, and I’m thankful for this opportunity, even if it is trying, (to say the least).

Besides the whole news of no news, I did get something quite amazing this week-my very own iPad (for free, I might add). My tremendous counselor, Mr. Kris Miller, has gone out of his way to help me through all of my struggles and actually got a visual specialist to come in and figure out ways to help me complete my school work a bit easier with the bouts of blurred vision that frequently get in the way. It turns out that they actually have multiple apps that can read textbooks, worksheets, or any sort of handout you could possibly receive from a teacher on an iPad out loud to you, and you can highlight words, take notes, or even speak to it and it will write down everything you dictate. Technology is really phenomenal for people who are impaired or have disabilities, and I can not thank the school and everyone involved in this whole process enough for enabling me to have access to such exceptional things.

Speaking of thank yous, I can not stress enough how wonderful an environment FHC really is. If it weren’t for all my friends, family, and my faith I would not be in the spirits that I am in today. Some days are harder than others, yes, but even in some of the hardest moments that I have experienced through all of this, I have never been alone.

This week really exemplified to me how supportive everyone really is, especially with the fundraiser that my fellow newspaper staff has started for me (if you don’t know what I’m talking about, check out all the flyers around school that say my name). The sense of community that I feel when I walk through these halls and see all the people that I know and love is almost indescribable. I know people may view my condition and situation as tragic or even sorrowful, but honestly, I see this all as a blessing. Throughout these past six months, I have been able to learn life lessons most people don’t have a chance to till they’re well into their adult years. I’ve become closer with the people who mean the most to me, overcome obstacles I never even could have dreamed of facing, and most importantly, maybe even inspired a few people in the process.

I’m growing, mentally and physically everyday. I’m surrounded with the people I care about most, and I’m learning to find something great in every moment, even if it seems to be one of the worst ones. Some people say you were given this life because you’re strong enough to live it. Let me tell you, I’m living it.