VOTE!! Contest - Relationships: How has Crohn's or Colitis affected a relationship in your life either good or bad?

Poll Started July 07, 2009 by Valerie Chavez

CONGRATULATIONS RUTH!! Ruth's Winning Entry:

Crohn's disease was the greatest thing that has ever happened to me, because it brought me to my true love. When I was in the hospital this past September, still unsure of what was wrong, my mother was very worried and insisted I come home, 4 hours away, so she could watch me. I refused, as I had responsibilities to attend to. The next day she called to tell me my close friend, now my significant other, was on his way. He emptied my garbage, watered my plants, packed my clothes, and brought me home. I was diagnosed with Crohn's weeks later and given a medical leave of absence from my graduate program. My doctor told me to reduce the stress in my life and only do things that bring me joy. For the next several months my friend was always at my side. He learned how to make the food on my "safe" list, he made me laugh and let me cry. He would stay up until dawn watching movies with me when the prednisone kept me up. He would act goofy and make me feel/seem less crazy from the steroids. He rubbed my belly when it hurt and sat on my feet when they were cold! All this before we were together! We finally started dating my first day off the steroids, at the peak of my withdrawal, and have been together now for 6 months. Through this difficult process I found who my true friends were, who I could depend on and what brings me joy. I think I found my true love as well.<3

Thanks to everyone who participated in the contest, Relationships: How has Crohn's or Colitis affected a relationship in your life either good or bad?

The entries were thoughtful and provided insight to all. Now it's time to vote on your favorite entry. Feel free to leave a comment to explain why you voted for your favorite.