Gina Michele

Anything and everything Colleen Hoover.  She has a wonderful way of detailing and writing her characters in ways that make them relatable and endearing – so much so that I temporarily forget that they’re just characters in stories (and not real people)!

Unfortunately, most of my hospital stays are with one of my loved ones, playing my part as a caretaker and doing all that I can to ensure that they are receiving the highest quality of care possible.  However, I take all the good days with the bad and would move mountains for any of my loved ones… and remember, there are no good days without…[Read more]

I apologize… but I truly cannot choose a favorite sports memory because I am in no way a sports fan – but I am a passionate competitive cooking show fan!  One of my favorite moments from a competitive cooking show has to be when an underdog contestant, who seems in general to be a very likable and retable person (big fan here!) won Top Chef…[Read more]

Hi Jenny – it’s been a pleasure reading and connecting.  I wish you all the best and thank you so much for your thought-provoking discussions!

While I cannot pinpoint a monthly win in particular, I can say I try to take time each day to practice gratitude and remember all of the wonderful things in my life that I have to be thankful for.  I also just recently returned from a great and eye-opening trip in Hawaii… if that can be considered a win!

When dealing with feelings of isolation, I usually try to rewire my thinking and appreciate the quiet time to sort through my feelings, headspace, and attempt to keep busy with whatever tasks I can.  However, when it becomes too lonely or difficult to endure, I talk about my feelings with those close to me, like my husband, best friends,…[Read more]

Unfortunately, antibiotics and other medications that I have to take regularly (particularly, for migraines) give me a lump in my stomach and ruin my appetite.  However, I always feel so much better once I make it to the other side.

My parents are my heroes.  While it sounds so cliche for a child to say that their parents are their heroes, it is true for me.  I have such a deep respect for my parents – all of the strife they’ve overcome in their lives, how they got through incredibly difficult times individually and together, and how they continue pushing through their d…[Read more]

While I do not have a CF social worker myself as I am a CF caregiver, I have had a great deal of interaction with my husband’s CF social workers.  They have been wonderful resources in times of stress (like during scary, nerve-wracking hospitalizations – always making the time and taking the effort to check in and talk), great help during times…[Read more]

For the sake of redundancy, I won’t tell you that my most favorite shows are also Succession and Breaking Bad (even though I just did).  Sometimes, the most comforting type of television is the type that can make you laugh and set a positive tone without a great deal of thinking or attention, and for me – that would mean The Office!  I can be a…[Read more]

That’s so beautiful to read. I, too believe that maintaining a grateful heart is critical to happiness, mental health, and living a positive life. Thank you for the kind reminder to start my day off with gratitude more often and routinely!

This past year, I feel most proud of smaller, less tangible things, but things that have made a positive difference in my life, such as setting and sticking to my own personal boundaries, doing what feels best for me and my mental health and well-being, and staring to take steps towards eliminating unwanted stressors and toxic people and things.…[Read more]

I think I fall somewhere in the middle. I jokingly say things like “I can’t wait to retire” and how much I look forward to “kicking back and letting people take care of me. While I imagine that experiencing things like that later in life will feel wonderful and restful, I don’t like to think too much now of the different seasons of life to come…[Read more]

That is so wonderful to read, Judy!  As a caregiver and a wife to my husband who has cystic fibrosis, it truly touches my heart to read how much your partnership and connection with Don means to you.  I lean into my husband quite a bit as well… more than I let on!

It takes a village.  🙂

What a beautiful read!  It is so interesting to read about the evolution and discovery of cystic fibrosis and its diagnosis from then, to-date.  Thank you for sharing!

Not a CF patient myself – but I have seen first-hand how the winter and the changes of season in general can really affect breathing!  From asthma, to seasonal allergies, to the changing of the humidity in the air, to the changing of the air and temperature in general – and using amenities like heating and air conditioning – it really can get…[Read more]

I am glad to read that things are going well, Jenny!  I take great interest in reading about the different, individual experiences of starting Trikafta.  Great news!