"My Second Family" by Elena Goodrow

In August I flew out to Sioux Falls, South Dakota to see my second family. It was an experience like no other and I want nothing more than to be back there with my people celebrating music and community. 

It’s difficult to explain the impact of interacting with other people that have cystic fibrosis, so many feelings fill my soul and I have a hard time finding words to describe just how life-changing it is. You all know Ashley, and of course I was so excited to get to her again. Ashley plays a key role in my life, she’s like my sister and best friend all in one. Getting to see her in person is truly the best gift.

Little did I know, Ashley wouldn’t be the only other person with CF I would get to interact with. Another dear friend who is involved with Breathe Bravely, Michelle, traveled to Sioux Falls to surprise Ashley. I was absolutely floored to look up and all of the sudden see Michelle standing in front of me when I’m so accustomed to seeing her on my computer screen. The emotions that swept over me were so beautiful and overwhelming, getting to sit in a (well spaced out) circle with these two other people that understand me in a way no one else can. 

But wait- there’s more! During the Breathe Bravely Backyard Bash event that I performed at, I got to meet yet another friend that I have only spoken with on a computer screen for years. I had never felt so seen and so connected to the CF community than the way I did at Backyard Bash. CF is such an isolating disease, and the virtual community that I get to be part of through Breathe Bravely has genuinely changed my life in all the best ways. It’s the greatest privilege to also have the opportunity to see my community in person, while remaining outdoors and safely distanced. It’s easy for me to feel like an outsider, I deal with different challenges than my peers and I often find myself feeling too different. When I have the chance to interact with other people with CF I feel so included in that community, even something as simple as watching them take their pills during a meal makes me feel like I’m not so unusual after all. 

I am forever grateful for the community I have with Breathe Bravely and for the opportunities of connection I get to experience because of Ashley and the beautiful people she brings together. 💜