Crochet Queen

Marlayna has been working on this beautiful crocheted blanket for a Young Women project. The stitches are perfect! She is so conscientious about it looking professional and perfect. She has taken out any rows that did not look right. This will be her first completed project in Young Women's.

This year has been such a good year for her. She still suffers from fatigue, but has been up and walking without a walker or a cane for over a year now! Where has the time gone? For those of you who don't know, Marlayna was diagnosed with Severe Pediatric Fibromylagia after having a severe case of Mono (Epstein Bar Virus) in January 2005 to which she never fully recovered. She still has the virus present in her system and we have been told by doctors that she will most likely struggle with the virus throughout her life.

The Guaifenesin Protocol that we began over a year ago has greatly contributed to her returning health. Christian and I have also been diagnosed with Fibromylagia and are also on the same treatment. While we see tremendous improvement, we also recognize that this is a lifelong illness and there is no cure. We take each day as it comes and look forward to the good days where our pain is less (some days virtually pain free now) and we have more energy to enjoy life.

I am so proud of Marlayna's outlook on life. She does not let her limitations get her down. I am always amazed at her positive attitude and how she keeps working towards what she wants. Even with her limitations, she sees that the glass that is her life is more than half-full! I have learned so much from her and I am very grateful to be her mother.