I can't help myself. I have to brag a little bit. Okay, so maybe a lot. I might be repeating a bit of backstory, but my situation might be new to some of you.

I was diagnosed with IPF in August 2012. Rather than me go at length to explain IPF, I suggest you visit with Dr. Google. I no longer consult with him, but you should if you want to better understand the Herculean battles I'm facing. His information is accurate, but IPF is not a *one size fits all* disease. The range of progression is vast, and Dr. Google tends to take the worst elements of IPF and magnify them. I'm not in denial. I just prefer consults with the professionals at Vanderbilt who rely on my pulmonary test data.

BRAG ALERT: I have a great attitude about my illness and that has segued into having a great attitude about life in general. I won't enumerate the number of people (lay & professional) who are astounded and delighted and happy for me, but I'm about to describe something that happened today as I was finishing pulmonary rehab.

I worked with Allison today. She's a pulmonary rehab therapist. She's good. She's very, very good. She even laughs at my lame witticisms. She's pretty and personable and smart, smart, smart and knows her stuff. So when she said, "Irene, you have no idea what you bring to our classes and rehab. You have no idea what a gift you have and how people respond to it."

I said, "D'oh, moi?" (Hey! How often will I ever be able to quote Homer Simpson & Miss Piggy in one sentence?)

She continued with, "You're animated and laugh and are fearless and open and you're warm and happy and full of hope and most important, you are brimming with gratitude."

I responded, "Yup. That's me."

Except for the rare moments when my tiara slips, I am full of gratitude. And why shouldn't I be?

She and the other rehab therapists have noticed how people respond to me... that my energy is healing. Allison went on to suggest that I should consider becoming a spokesperson - public speaking.

Oye.

Anyway, I just couldn't help myself. I had to brag. It was a nice thing Allison did by sharing with me. And now I have another reason for gratitude and this life-changing element in my life... I can help people with the journey IPF has given us.

Thanks for tolerating my brags. I have lots of good days - this was a great one!