I have “lived” with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) since I was in my 20’s. No, I do not suffer from it, but one of my best friends does. At this point she is in remission, but I have seen her at low points. But not the lowest, because she would not allow anyone to see her. Her strength and resolve amazed me when we were twenty-somethings, it still does decades later. I do not know her pain first hand, but I do remember that she sometimes let her guard down and the pain that showed in her face almost undid me. And yet, she did not complain, nor did she want sympathy.

A couple of years ago I met someone online who has become a very dear friend, she too has RA. Once more I am amazed by the fortitude and resilience she seems to have found as she battles RA.

Just recently my dear friend has become a champion and advocate for positive thinking about RA, and how not to let it control your life. She has a Blog that has changed mid-stream and has become a symbol and testament to her struggle and her courage with RA. I continue to be proud to call this lovely lady a friend. If anyone here has RA or knows of someone who has it, take a look at her Blog Arthritis Is a Journey and pass it on. Be inspired by her open and honest observations as she shares her trials and tribulations of living with RA.