I'm so fortunate to be surrounded by a great group of friends.  Some I've known since elementary/junior high/and high school days & others I've met only through the computer (lupus support groups, a.v.n. support groups, facebook!), some I've never even met in person.  Wow, what a world!  It helps tremendously when you're at your low points & someone tells you that they know how you're feeling or they can't imagine how you're feeling, but they're there for you.  Powerful.  The friends who have seen me through the worst of times have really gotten to know my issues.  The best-laid  plans are often distinguished by an unexpected 'lupus headache' or a sudden drop in energy, like say last night.  I was supposed to meet up with friends after a crazy day of driving an hour to the airport to pick up my husband following a two day business trip, rushing to a family function, but as luck (or UN-luck) would have it, I was wiped out.  I was anticipating that that might be an issue, but thought maybe THIS time I could manage it, somehow.  I always think that I could manage it--or maybe I'm just *hopeful* that I'll have just enough in me to get through it all.  I was supposed to spend the night (with said friends) and enjoy hanging out together for the day.  But, here I am in my PJ's instead.  And then within moments, my mind automatically goes to "Well, I guess it could be worse.  I could be in the hospital"!!  <sigh>  It's helped me to cope.  Knowing that things could always be worse really does put things into perspective because let's face it, even when we think we're in the midst of the worst possible scenario, there's always a situation BEYOND that could be SO much worse!  So for example, when recently I was barely able to walk through the streets of Paris, I thought "Well, at least I'm HERE"...or..."It could be worse.  I could be a parapalegic, so just make the best of it".  Disturbing, perhaps--but it has helped me to cope.  I suppose I learned a lot about coping from my parents, two tough individuals who survived The Holocaust.  They taught me to be strong & resilient, not only through their words, but through their actions as well.  So, THANKS Mom & Dad for giving me the tools to welcome every day (or most days) with a smile and an inherent belief that I can HANDLE it, whatever "it" may be!  And Daddy, I see you in my dreams & hope you're in a better place.  I miss you with all my heart.