For a good portion of my life, I have expierenced pain. Very few people would believe me, because there were no "signs" of me being in pain. After a while, the pain became so much, that I finally went to the doctor and was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Still, to this day, many people believe me about the pain because there are no "signs." I say poo on you because I know what I feel!! I still live life though, as I am a Zoo Keeper, former Fire Fighter, and I am a Single Foster Parent.

For several good years, I spent my time as a Volunteer Fire Fighter, both on a Structure Department and as a Governmental Fire Fighter on the Forest Fires.  Many good memories, but all done with pain.  I have resigned my positions as a Fire Fighter and now live my life as a Zoo Keeper and as a Foster Parent.  I'm a Single Male, and I house for a Single hard to place Foster Child.  Both aspects of my life bring me great satisfaction and great joy.  Despite how my pain gets sometimes, you will most always find a smile on me, but I do have those days where it's everything I've got just to keep moving on.  Especially when the winter months come around the corner.  Give me the 100's + and I'm all about that, working in the yard, but when it gets below 50, well, that's another story.

Life is too short not to enjoy it, and I try to make every minute count.  Between my Foster Son and my animals, I keep busy, and I enjoy every minute of it!!

They say pain is only in our minds, and medically speaking they are correct, but it becomes very frustrating when someone asks you what is wrong, and you have nothing but words to give them.  Just because one can't see our pain, doesn't mean it's not there.  There are days where I carry an anvil over my head, I walk around doing animal care with tears in my eyes, and yet all I have to give for an explanitation are words.  The pain is real, it is very real..... and is not easy to live with...........