My motto is to live life one day at a time. We never know what tomorrow may bring, so we must not take for granted what we have today.

The first fifteen years of my life seemed normal. However, everything seemed to turn upside down when I was diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy a month before my 16th birthday. While my classmates were looking forward to getting their driver's permits, I just wanted to be able to walk without crutches and pain.

Until then, I hadn't realized how much I took for granted. I needed to slow down...stop and smell the roses. I learned to appreciate ordinary everyday events like the setting sun. One day my life is going to be over, so I had better enjoy what I have while I have it.

The glow in the background is the sun setting over the hill where our family cemetery is located. We all must learn to embrace what we have because it may be gone tomorrow.

Photo taken 11/19/09