I am thankful that doctors found my scoliosis when they did, and that I was able to get treatment. I'm thankful that my scoliosis doctors and my orthotists knew how to best treat me. I'm thankful that the brace did as it was supposed to, and I didn't have spinal fusion surgery in elementary school. I'm thankful for my doctors who check up on me every year. I'm thankful for their support of my journey: my surgeon advocating every option other than surgery, my orthotist for supporting a physical therapist and a chiropractor. I'm thankful for my parents always looking out for me and my future. I'm thankful for my mom scouring the internet and finding the CLEAR Institute. I'm thankful for the alternative options that I have been given.
Moreover, I'm thankful for all the things that my scoliosis has taught me. I'm thankful for my dedication to wearing the brace for 22 hours per day for 3 years. I'm thankful for the compassion I have developed for those who, like me, are different. I'm thankful for the confidence that I have developed in myself in making my different "normal." I'm thankful for my determination to be myself, regardless of any condition.
Some days I may complain about back pain or disfigurement, about not being straight or having to do exercises; but overall, I have so much to be thankful for. From my perspective, I can have many more thanks than complaints.
