Friday, October 16, 2009

Linda

“So I go on, challenging myself in new ways that are more fulfilling than I think I would have if I didn’t have FA.”



Who am I? I am a 46-year-old woman, wife who is still infatuated with her husband, mother of two fun children, full-time employee at a very accommodating company, world traveler, book club member, dinner club member, church-goer, live in Central New York in a comfortable 100-year old house in the country with my family, dog, cat, rabbit, and chickens … and, oh yeah, I have Friedreich’s ataxia.

Life changed when I was diagnosed with FA at the age of 40 … just six years ago. That’s when I really started to appreciate the time we have. I have always been a bit “Carpe diem,” but there’s nothing like being diagnosed with a progressively debilitating disease to get you moving!

I took a new position at work that required/allowed me to travel internationally. On several occasions my family joined me in Europe during the summer break. The motive for traveling internationally was at first pragmatic … I should do it as soon as I can, before my symptoms make it too difficult. But it has proven to be such a positive experience for us all!

In the beginning of 2008, my husband Andy and I joined Kyle Bryant and others on Ride Ataxia II. It was certainly a life highlight that I would not have even thought of doing prior to FA! Not only did we all raise a lot of money for FA research, but it was so motivating to physically accomplish so much! We had never done anything like this before, and we were thrilled to be a part of it!

So I go on, challenging myself in new ways that are more fulfilling than I think I would have if I didn’t have FA. My mantra, quoted from Abraham Lincoln, is “And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” I encourage everyone with and without FA to live in this way!

4 comments:

Spinner said...

Way to go Linda - are you riding again this year? I love ... “And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” by Abraham Lincoln ... we all need to live life that way! Have a Safe & wouderful trip and ride!

Andy and Linda Johnson said...

Yes, all 4 of us are participating in the Philly Ride Ataxia! Sorry you won't be there! Thanks for your generous donation!

Spinner said...

Yeah, travel has just not been ... working out for me, I was thinking of just flying in and hooking a wagon up to your trike and ...;)

Anonymous said...

Good luck to the Johnson Team! We are so proud of you! Love, Mom and Dad S.