Who you are is who you are meant to be.

    I was able, for the sixth year in a row, to speak in Mrs. Kline's practical nursing class at the Venango Technology Center on Tuesday about life with Marfan syndrome. I have a wonderful time sharing with the class my life story with Marfan syndrome and also about raising two sons with the condition. Even though I can have some very difficult days physically and I have had a number of major medical procedures, I am so happy that I am who I am.
    Some folks want to feel sorry for me and are even apologetic that two of my sons have Marfan's, but I don't desire anyone's sympathy. I wouldn't change who I am for anything. When I was younger, yeah, maybe I did a little, but as I have gotten older I realize that I am exactly the way I was meant to be.
    So, just as I told the students on Tuesday, each one of us has a story and each one of us has a choice regarding its use. We all have scars and pains in our lives, but we can and should use them to help others. To help bring Hope into their lives.