This Is Why I blog

Last night as I lay in bed, trying desperately to turn my brain off (put the jokes AWAY people!) and fall asleep, I couldn't stop thinking about my blog. Mine and all of the others that I have found along this journey. I couldn't stop thinking of how so grateful I am to have this whole universe of fellow blogging JRA Moms & Dads. To know that we are not alone in this war that rages on in our children is such a comfort. Outside of our blogs, many of us have found each other on Facebook. Just another way for us all to stay in touch and be a part of each others lives. For this I am so thankful. I know that I could not do this on my own.

Nearly two and a half years ago now, when Bean was first diagnosed, I was so confused. I knew of arthritis. Many people in my family have it. I had a childhood friend that had JA. But I had no clue what it all meant. I didn't understand any of the terms that these doctors were using. I didn't understand what my child was going through. I didn't know how to cope. So I of course googled JRA. I didn't come up with much. But I did come across a blog written by another JRA Mom. Her blog was filled with facts about the disease in general as well as personal facts about her sons battle and her part in it as his Mom. I felt this huge relief! There are others out there going through the SAME thing! So I sent her an email, asked her some questions, she was GREAT. Since then we have become friends through the internet. Man I love the internet. We even got to meet face to face one time. When we lived in Maine and Bean was seeing Dr. Foster for her Uveitis, this Mom's son had an appointment the same day! You can read about that appointment and see some photos here. She has been such a tremendous help and comfort to me right from the start of this journey. She continues to connect me with other families as well as educate me.

So this is why I blog. This is why all of my Facebook and Twitter friends are seeing my blog constantly posted and plastered everywhere. This is why I am constantly asking you to share the link to my blog. It isn't so that everyone can read about my daughter for MY benefit. It's in the hopes that I can reach even just ONE family that feels alone. Or in my feeble attempts, maybe I can help educate someone about JRA and Uveitis and all the junk that goes along with it.