Today was my brother Dick’s birthday. He would have turned 82 today. He was lots of fun, a lover of children and animals, both of which responded easily to him, as this video shows. Andy and the late Dougy remembered Dick from year to year and were really happy to see him step in the door each year when he visited! I looked forward to his visits, too. We’d talk and laugh the whole time. Dick was a good fellow.

Marijean, me with Ladybelle our neighbor’s pug, Kathy with Laddie (Grandma McKenzie’s dog), and Dick with some dog I can’t identify for certain. This how I think of my siblings and me, though lots and lots of water have passed under the bridge sine this scene in the 1950s. 

Dougy and Dick.

I turn 75 years old today. No celebration is planned other than one recognizing I’m still above ground! It didn’t look like that was possible back in 2003, the year I came down with WG/PGA. I survived that, thanks to my pulmonologist, my rheumatologist, and a host of others. You don’t ever get over it, just get it into control and try to keep it there. In my case, I have a blood sample taken once bi-monthly to measure something called c-ANCA.

c-ANCA – Wikipedia

Its presence is indicative of a flare and the need to evaluate the need to kick WG/PGA butt in hospital or with less aggressive means, pills known to handle the trick.

For the fun of it, I’m going to educate you this special (personal) day by leaving a link to information on this disease. Don’t feel sorry for me. I came down with it at a time medical treatment for the disease was becoming possible. Not that long ago, people just died from it because there was no known way to treat it. I’m able to live a reasonably normal life and reach birthdays like Nr. 75!

Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis – Vasculitis Foundation

Andy plans to take a nap on my special day. Sounds like a winner!