The average person takes 23,400 breaths in a day or 8,541,000 per year. This is something that no matter your diagnosis your body needs to survive. It is also something that as long as you are born healthy we know how to do at birth.
Yesterday marked 49 years since we lost my sister Wendy (January 2, 1971) who over her 16 days of life amassed less than 400,000 breaths with very few of them being easy.
Wendy has played much more of a role in my life than the older sister that I never met. Her existence while obviously short reminds me never to take a single breath for granted. Even when I am or was struggling with taking a breath, Wendy is a constant reminder that no matter the quality of breath it is always a blessing. That mentality has made my overall time on this earth fulfilling to say the least. It has also motivated me to have a greater impact in the CF community and aspire to do more to fight for a cure for cystic fibrosis. Approaching each day gratefully and being intentional with my actions.
In her memory, I ask that each of you take that approach in 2020 and beyond because if you’re lucky enough to get through your day with 23,400 breaths regardless if they’re easy or difficult, you’ve lived a very blessed day.
Live your dreams and love your life.
Andy
Want to make an impact now? Consider donating to the CF Warrior Project today.