[ctcsmith]

So I have a friend that works at a big hosptial in the NICU! I went to visit her and saw the most heart breaking stuff! Little babies holding on to life by a thread!!! Its not fair.... they won't get to have a life like I have! They might be alive to see age 1!!! And I'm feeling sorry for myself? I am only 26 but have had a fantasic life!!! I don't want to waste another day!!! Skips suck!!!!!!!!! but if u wanna put stuff in perspective go to a NICU or childrens cancer floor!!!

[dr461]

AMEN! Agree completely!

[Katie]

I used to volunteer in childrens oncology and childrens infectious disease (HIV/AIDS) and it was heartbreaking. Especially the infectious disease children because no one even wanted to touch them from fear. They used to hang on me because they just wanted to feel affection. It's definetly a wake up call to not take things for granted.

[jkfrench]

I wasn't going to go there but that is what I was trying to say when I tell everyone to put things in perspective. I follow a sweet teenager on carepages and she is in the final stages of osteosarcoma. They had to take her in to the ER today because a wound popped up on her leg and it wouldn't stop bleeding. The doctor said the tumor was growing and pressing on an artery and if it didn't stop bleeding they would have to amputate her leg. Boy, if that doesn't make you stop and think. Here she has a few months left and now she is being told she has to loose her leg. Heartbreaking and eye opening for sure.

[Cheers]

This is why I have been discussing with my therapist about volunteering for a hospice. I think it will really help me with my own issues, while hopefully helping others in a time of need. I really think this is something I need to do...to begin to gain perspective, to learn to accept death, to find the necessity in really living each moment I am given...

[Katie]

Ya or youll just get really depressed doing it! I was super depressed after working in the infectious disease clinic for an entire summer. I lost a friend who I promised to marry ( he was 5 and in LOVE with me!) he suffered tremendously before dying. He lost both parents went into foster care, started getting sicker as it progressed into AIDS and became blind towards the end before passing away so confused. His name was Eric and it was a heartbreak. I look back and am happy I was a light in his life because he needed love and taught me to love and not be so selfish- I was in my late teens when ur basically obsessed with yourself. But it was hard and depressing and very stressful.

[Jeff]

Originally Posted by Cheers

This is why I have been discussing with my therapist about volunteering for a hospice. I think it will really help me with my own issues, while hopefully helping others in a time of need. I really think this is something I need to do...to begin to gain perspective, to learn to accept death, to find the necessity in really living each moment I am given...

Awesome and brave and inspirational. Truly.

[Jeff]

Originally Posted by Katie

I was in my late teens when ur basically obsessed with yourself. But it was hard and depressing and very stressful.

Seriously, sometimes I'm in awe of you people. Lots of awesomeness here.

[CMoore416]

My passion is helping the homeless and pets. Both depress so badly though I can't keep it up. No homeless shelter near here and the animal shelter is too heart breaking. Wish I could vounteer somewhere too.

[jkfrench]

I also love animals. I am a foster parent for dogs. I like to do it that way because I have a hard time at the shelter too. I love fostering. It is hard to let them go, but I know they are going to good homes. Our last foster was a little Papillion named Ava. She needed dental work and all her shots but after we took care of that she felt so much better. Now she is in a wonderful home and is loved forever.
I also own 4 dogs myself so it can be really crazy around here!!