Architecture, school and all that stuff after graduation

[Guest guest]

Rosemary,

Well the future is a funny thing. I did a lot of things during

university that I could have done better (ie. taken care of myself and

not study all night etc.) but I needed to do things like everyone

else. Follow my dreams etc. But I am not sure if that's good. And

here's why. School I think is a YES. But WHAT you study is key.

Architecture is hard. And the timing thing becomes an issue. Normal

kids have a hard time with fitting everything in. Working out gets

put aside, as well as good nutrition, masks, physio, etc. It becomes

all about school and that's where it gets dangerous. But then again I

think that you need to do what makes you fulfilled. It's a fine

balance.

After that, after school, I think stuff falls apart for most people.

All of my friends are either job-less, or looking for work, or have

jobs they hate. So it's a rough time. But when you have CF, and

you're told that it's down-hill from here, you go into a bit of shock.

I know I did. Architecture is always demanding, but especially when

you're starting in the field and have to work 13 hour days. That's

when you get sick, especially at the age of 24+ . For me 22 changed

everything. I began to be sick. It blew everything apart.

What I think, is do what you can. If he likes architecture, he needs

to do that, but understand that not everyone has to do things

traditionally. Plus many people don't do what they studied in

University anyway. The key is that he not feel that he wasted that

time. It's his time, and it's a great time, so it should not be done

in vain. But keeping in mind that every time you skip your meds, or

think that this is the last time you just have to finish this one

assignment, every time you do that, it will come back twice fold later

on.

My mom and dad are still together, 35 years I think. Or something

close. They are good parents, but not so good at the CF dealing-with

thing. As a child they were great, for an adult it becomes a constant

bickering battle over how they think I should lead my life. It's hard

now, it was not so hard when I was a kid. Though really I cannot

imagine having a CF kid, being a person with CF is different. I don't

worry as much as I should probably. But I am tired of worrying.

The future should freak you out I think, but be prepared and I think it

will be okay. If you ever want to hear my philosophy on the issue of

raising a perfect CF kid let me know. I don't want to get into it

unless you are curious. I think it 100% fool-proof. Though I am not a

parents, so take that with a grain of salt. I think you are a hero

every day you battle with your kids. With 3 I find you inspiring.

Natalia

24 wCF