want everyone's opinion

[chrisy]

Michele,

Whoever gets to hear your speech will be blessed, indeed! I agree, what a great perspective. Tough for "non mutants" to grasp - but this will touch everyones soul - relay for lifers are already touched in some way or we wouldn't be walking around in circles all night long! I can't imagine anyone being offended because I know you will articulate it perfectly, as you have just in posting the idea! Don't make it so good that people start wanting to be mutants!

Living with stage !V disease, hope for a cure is one of the things that keeps me going. Maybe they can come up with a vaccine that keeps it from killing you but LEAVES you with the wisdom, joy, wonder, and perky reconstruction!

Michele, I'd love to hear your speech - I'd love to hear your forced hero one as well! Maybe you could post it here!

You are really an inspiration.

[chrisy]

Michele,

I have to say again, I love the forced courage speech, too. I think many of us have delivered a version of that one. I know I have. Its not about being courageous or brave - its about fighting to get back to being you - or rather finding the quiet (or not so quiet) strength that you had all along. We fight or die. That's one of the things I love about this board - we fight and find encouragement and the "courage" to fight some more.

Thanks for being such an inspiration