Thank you all so much for the kinds words and thoughts, it is much appreciated.
@Eric-Castleman I'm sorry to hear of your struggle and hope they find a way to better combat the inflammation, stop further damage, and you find relief.
As @NoWayMe pointed out, Systemic Scleroderma/Sclerosis is especially devasting in many ways and most days I just thank my lucky stars that it has not disfigured my skin and I have full use of my hands and fingers. I'm still able to write, draw and hold my children's hands properly.
Once my body starts to heal after the surgery and can handle food properly again, we plan to flood my body with good nutrients and hopefully reset my faulty immune system.
Besides a few good cries with my mom and my husband, I owe it to my children to give them the best of me and I plan on doing that for a very long time.
My husband is my best friend. We met and danced our first dance together in the sixth grade. He made me laugh then and still cracks me up to this day.
The illustration of the girl with the teapot flower in her hair, not only looks like my daughter but that is her personality to a tee. I've called her my pocket full of sunshine since was tiny. She is an early bird. She bounces into our room in the wee hours of the morning, throws back the curtain and announces gleefully "it's good morning time, mama!"
She maintains that bounce and energy all day long. My son who is 3 years younger is just as sweet and always up for an adventure.
We share "good morning hugs" and off we go for another day. I couldn't get down about my health if I tried, I'm surrounded by too much light.
Thanks again for all the good thoughts everyone!!