Stormy Skies

A crack of lightning streams across the sky while the strong roar of thunder reverberates through the earth like the deep bass of a pipe organ.   A chorus of voices sing out with each drop of rain that resounds against the window pane.  The sounds and sights of summer have returned.

Perfect Night

This past week has been filled with the most beautiful and gentle of rains.  It has also been filled with some harsh summer storms that seemed relentless and uncompromising, leaving a path of destruction behind.  What also filled this past week? Some of the most beautiful and still evenings I can remember.  The sun was beginning to set and everything seemed to glow of a beautiful pink and gold hue.  For a moment it seemed as if life was standing still, that I was holding it lightly in the palm of my hand.  I could almost hear the shifting of the sky as the stars began to replace the sun bathed sky.   For a moment, everything seemed absolutely right in the world.    

Afternoon Storm

The next morning I awoke to an intense rain only to be followed by beautiful beams of sunlight that poured out over everything.  How very quickly things changed.  One moment the trees were soaking in the warm rays of the sun, and the next, tornado sirens were proclaiming their heed of warning.  In a matter of what seemed like just moments the sky opened up and let out a great fanfare: hail, rain, thunder, lightning.  The chorus grew louder as the drops of rain and hail poured out from the sky with more power.  We watched helplessly from inside as mother nature seemed to quickly devastate the world outside the stucco walls of our home.  

Eventually the clouds lightened and began to break apart, the rain ceased, and the sound of thunder was only a subtle rumble in the distance.  Soon, the radiance of the sun painted everything it could reach.  The evening turned into another one of pure beauty and perfection. 

The Storm & CF

What does any of this have to do with CF?  The raging storms of CF have been quite merciless lately.  It seems the atmosphere is just right for the makings of harsh storm.  My PICC line is still adorning my arm and a new course of treatment is underway.  In just 3 weeks my lung function went from 5O% to 37%, all while on IV and oral antibiotic therapy.  We've changed courses and plans in hopes that something will alter the direction of this storm.  

Hail

Like the weather, the conditions of CF can change so quickly.  In just one day CF can turn the sun kissed skies into an unforgiving storm.  

Renewal

Life comes with many storms and days filled with rain, but each one of them is simply beautiful.  As the warm rains of summer pour out from the sky, the earth is renewed and replenished.  Without those storms, the sun filled days would seem less bright, and we wouldn't appreciate the true beauty in those still and beautiful nights.  We can never be sure when a storm may come, foresee how strong it will be, or how much rain will fall, but we can be certain that the sun will shine again. We can be certain there will be days of endless sunshine and beautiful still nights.  The more rain that falls just means bigger puddles to splash in, and if the stormy days seem to never end, we can always dance in the rain.  

Another Beautiful Evening

This CF storm in my life shall too pass.  The destruction caused by this storm may have lasting effects, but that doesn't mean I won't fight to rebuild what has been lost or destroyed.  There will be days with light rain, days of sunshine, and days with fierce storms, but for each day I am truly grateful.  The beauty of life is impossible without the renewing rains from a storm.  I leave you with these words from a dear friend: "Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain." Love to you all.  

What storm are you weathering?