Dear Duchenne muscular dystrophy,
This journey has been a long and winding road, and not only for me, but you as well. Both of us continue fighting relentlessly with the finish line moving further away. I know it might come as a surprise, but I wanted to say thank you, for all the experiences you’ve provided; the knowledge I’ve gained through the years. As much as I wish you didn’t exist, the truth is that having you in my life opened the door to be more than just a man. I am better because of your grip without mercy.
Because of you, I learned to become everything you aren’t. I strive to find motivation for the uphill battle I fight against daily, while every aspect of your focus is a downward spiral. We are in complete opposition, but your darkness is a contrast to my light. Overcoming your inhumanity is the glory I seek.
You give me hope, the unforeseeable future I will always own. You bring an indescribable abundance of gratitude for the basics that no one else sees. My thirst for life remains unquenchable, despite facing the impossible and rising above the concept of incapability. I wouldn’t have become the person I am if it hadn’t been for you. Your presence is my undoing, and also reinvention.
When your enemy is with you for your entire life, sooner or later, the old dog becomes a companion. I wouldn’t go so far as to calling you my friend, but loneliness is less severe when your voice is something I can talk to, no matter how negative. If I’m unafraid of confronting you, then fearlessness is not so far away.
So many obstacles have gone by, and here am I still. I don’t need to tell you how many times the guilt has overwhelmed me when you murder another boy. I shouldn’t be alive to suppress your ongoing attacks, but it seems I know you too well. I have outlived myself, and you.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy, I’m too old to stay angry. Hating you is rendered pointless. You have been my nemesis, partner, and even mentor for countless lifetimes. Not many will understand our relationship, but you’re like a brother to me; the one I took everything from and now you want revenge.
When my life is through, do one thing for me. Die with me and stop taking out your frustrations on the innocent. Let our demise be their salvation, please. I don’t care what you do to me anymore. They deserve a chance at living.
Unto the death,
Ricky
It takes wisdom, experience, and confidence to be able to write something like this. Duchenne has made me suffered in a dimension I considered impossible, but I have also learned positive things from it. DMD is a monster that I don’t know how to fight. I just want to defeat it, and be able to think of it as a nightmare from the past.