When I started getting nauseated in school I tried very hard to hide it until I would succumb to home bound schooling. My teacher would come twice a week and didn't do anything but give me worksheets. I did not get much schooling, even though I could have studied. I had a great group of friends who never treated me any different and were always there for me. They were like a clique I guess you could say and we named ourselves "The Posse". They also started with the name "The Lupe Troop" and I WAS NOT OFFENDED. I loved that I had this group of young ladies and guys that were always there for me. Relationships were on and off due to illness, but I made it just fine. I guess when you get 36 and a guy bites the hook knowing what he was getting into health wise with you, you realize he is a total keeper. I love Ardell Seegars so much, I just wish we would have found each other a lot sooner. In school, when I did get sick I had one friend in particular named Mandy, Who would hold my hair when I would throw up and wipe my face with a cold rag. We have been friends or known each other since kindergarten. I had my friends that would come see me during after school hours when I couldn't be there. I would struggle every season to get past band season because I loved it so much, but after that my body just gave out so home bound started. The nausea and vomiting were a huge part of my life and it was very confusing for family, doctors and friends...not to mention myself to understand. Many doctors had no answers until after school, but school years were lived this way. I was so excited to be voted in Drum Major my senior year because I wanted that ever since I saw my sister in band in 1988. Those two drum majors were awesome and I watched intensely and practiced a lot on my own. When I would get sick in the trumpet line at first everyone thought I had a sugar disorder and tried to get me to drink orange juice and sugar water. No luck, and basically this is how high school was for me. Great band, Great friends, confusing sickness that I was not banished for by many. I am so thankful to God for all of my family, and friends who stood by me then and still stand by me now. Next installment to come.