There is a lovely lady named Cristina somewhere amongst the many many ASKickers here. She would ask a weekly question and her questions and the many wonderful answers they elicited often provided me with their own source of medicine.

I always found solace and perspective in the thoughtful replies.

So many folks coping with AS around the globe who could feel justified in surrendering always impressed me with their enormous dignity, courage and more than anything else concern for others here.

Recently on multiple occasions total strangers placed in positions to observe me interact with others have approached me to tell me for no particular reason how much they appreciated how I dealt with folks. On one occasion an individual who I thought to be rather contentious and uncaring surprised me and took time to tell me how I was an example he pointed out to others dealing with adversity.

My spine is very fused and bent. None of these people were likely to have approached me if I was battling cancer or some less visible ailment or if my AS wasn't as noticeable.

Yet there they were,total strangers taking their time to share a kindness.

So my question is

Has your AS ever opened a good window into your life?

I note, I have contempt for my AS and think small victories as those above are mine, yet AS is part of me and sometimes acknowledging a positive avenue made available helps me cope and grow.

Thank you for any replies. Even if to say that I am crazy and all things associated with AS are the bane of your existence



L-R: Julianna, Jamie, Diane and Tonimarie

stevec-they also serve who stand and wait