August of 2002 brought a host of changes to my life. Adjustment to newly married life and preparations for a new teaching position were my primary concerns.  The odd leg swelling and painful joints were an unwelcome distraction from my ever-changing life. I wondered if something serious was wrong, but I hoped that some medicine and time would make things better.  Then, Lupus happened.  After being married for a month, I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematous (SLE). Because my Aunt Nancy had died from Lupus complications a little more than a year earlier, I was very scared and unsure what I would be facing. I was also angry.  Why was this happening to me, now?  Finding information, working my way through treatments and trying to stay positive became new areas of focus.  

Over the next several years, I experienced a lot of ups and downs due to Lupus. With the exception of two hip surgeries, the kidney issues that had led to my diagnosis were stable and flares came and went. I was still both angry and frustrated about my health and how my life had changed.  I looked around the area for a support group to attend, but the group that I found only made me feel more frustrated and less hopeful for a future that would include good health and kids. 

Eventually, I gave up on finding a community of support with others who were living and thriving with Lupus and continued on with the support of good friends, my husband and family. Their support had been invaluable, but, sometimes, I wished for a group of people who understood exactly where I am coming from because of shared experience. 

Then, one of my sorority sisters was diagnosed with Lupus and she began to attend Beautiful Butterflies meetings. She is a woman of great faith whose spirit and joy for life I admire.  She has not allowed Lupus to limit her life. She thrives.   One day, she invited me to come  to a meeting  and, from my first meeting,  I felt that I had found a group of people who understood my frustrations and were willing to support me in whatever way I might need.  The fact that the group has Christian connections made it even better. 

Over the last year and a half, my journey with Lupus has gone several steps forward and backward.  Getting to meetings is a challenge as life, family and challenging days happen. Some days, all I want to do is curl up in a ball and cry. Other days, I feel like nothing can keep me down. That is the nature of this disease. Each day is different and no day is promised. I work hard to find the good in each day that God has granted me and live the best that I can.  I want to thrive.  Through it all,  I am comforted by the fact that the community of thrivers that I have found in Beautiful Butterflies has my back and is there if I need support, advice or simply a place to come as I am, sick or well.