Tuesdays with Morrie

My senior English book has taught me more about life and how to handle my current emotions than any other book I’ve read. I find myself on an almost daily basis envying my classmates. The fact that they get to enjoy their senior year to the fullest, while I sit at home recovering from a stem cell treatment. Their lives will be consumed by school and looking at colleges, while mine will be filled with visits to the doctor and doing whatever I can to stay healthy.

But I’ve realized that feeling envious isn’t something I should feel shame for experiencing. I should acknowledge the feeling, then detach myself from it. I can recognize all of the amazing things I have in my life; my family, my friends, and my second family at ARVF. This quote from "Tuesdays with Morrie" explains it all.

“Turn on the faucet. Wash yourself with the emotion. It won’t hurt you. It will only help. If you let the fear inside, if you pull it on like a familiar shirt, then you can say to yourself, “Alright, it’s just fear, I don’t have to let it control me. I see it for what it is.”

It takes a lot to be able to step away from an emotion that is so consuming, but it’s important. When dealing with cancer, or a disease, or really just in any life situation it’s imperative to be able to step away and realize that you also have amazing things happening in your life. And things to be happy about.

For example; all of my friends are getting tattoos right now, and due to my current situation I obviously can’t get one. But being me and wanting to still have those little moments I decided to get a henna tattoo. Something that stains your skin for 2-3 weeks but never punctures it. It made me so happy to get it. While my friends are just appreciating their tattoo, I’m hypnotized by my henna.

Don’t let negative emotions consume you or your loved ones, go and enjoy the things that you CAN do.

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Gisele DiNatale followed this page 2016-09-29 12:36:53 -0400
Nate Parks commented 2016-09-10 01:06:11 -0400
Hi Dakota
I’m Nate. Old friend of your moms. I just want to say how incredibly brave you are and how incredible your attitude is. You’re a very grounded and beautiful soul. I haven’t had the opportunity to talk to your mom recently, unfortunately :( but I felt the need to follow your journey. I have had very close experience with many family members that have had cancer and hearing you had it bummed me out. I remember you as a newborn when your mom and I still had contact years ago and I felt sad when I found out what you were dealing with. I think your inner strength is remarkable and it’s very impressive. Keep fighting the good fight and I wish you all the best luck possible and hope everyones prayers keep you strong and help keep that awesome attitude and fighters spirit. Hopefully you’ll beat this and continue on to a highly successful adult life. Always remember the old saying “this too shall pass”. All my best!! Keep up the good fight. _nate
Laura McMaster commented 2016-09-08 13:52:32 -0400
Such insightful thought from such a wonderful young lady. Keep pouring your thoughts out into words for others to learn from and enjoy. You’re inspiring many more than you know!
Lori Thomas Sheppard commented 2016-09-07 16:24:15 -0400
Hi Dakota, you don’t know me but I have heard a lot about you. I’m Lindy’s stepmom & I saw the link to this post on Lindy’s wall. I just wanted to tell you that I think you are a beautiful person & you have such wisdom & maturity for someone so young. This post about “Tuesday’s With Morrie” really spoke to my heart & I know I’m not the only one who is grateful for your words of inspiration even through your suffering. I know what it is like to sit at home & watch life go on around you because I have been sick with a chronic disease for many years & have often felt crippled by my envy of what I call “normal people” or those that are healthy & can do so many things that I can not. Because of your words here though, you have inspired me to look at my life differently. We all need to be reminded now & again of just how blessed we really are & you reminded me of that today when I read this. So, thank you for that, & thank you from myself & I’m sure many others who are encouraged & inspired by you everyday. My prayers are with you & your family on this difficult journey. Much love & respect, Lori Sheppard
Crystal Steiner commented 2016-09-06 22:37:43 -0400
Your wisdom and such a young age is inspiring, <3
Diane Makin commented 2016-09-06 15:28:54 -0400
Thank you Dakota this made me stop and take a look at myself,my family and my life. As I am dealing with my aging very loving parents and the possibility of one of them having early onset of dementia. I think to myself I can sit here and think why me? But that wouldn’t help them. I need to be strong and brave too so I can face this head on.
Diane Belz commented 2016-09-06 15:14:59 -0400
Great post! Thanks for your inspiring words.

Love it and love your strength.

Tuesday’s with Morrie inspired me as well during my tough challenge – losing my daughter. Morrie spoke about limiting his pity parties or crying sessions to 20 minutes a day. I did the same and set a new lower amount of time every week. Helped me control my mourning and did not let it control me.

Thanks for sharing Dakota!
Gina Seibert commented 2016-09-06 15:04:09 -0400
Dear brave Dakota. I am so proud to call you my niece. Your strength is life changing for me.