I'm Erica

Living with a chronic illness; but many, that’s the hardest to deal with.

My Name is Erica and I’ve got more illnesses, most you’ve probably have never heard of.

I was born with a heart defect called Tricuspid Atresia, along with most of my right ventricle missing.

I can name probably twenty other illnesses, that stem just from this. Alongside with overflowing hands with more illness.

It took about 33 years to accept that I am dying. I wasn't supposed to live past four years.

Three open heart surgeries, multiple corrective surgeries, two Fontan procedures.

Now, I'm open to learn more and open to MY faith. Buddhism and Hinduism.

I can feel my life and see where I'm going for the first time. With clarity I can see.

For someone who has feared death since she was a kid, hid her scars, covered herself up.

Scared for anyone to see her weaknesses and criticized, or snickered at her underweight frail body.

It wasn’t until I had two years visiting hell and back to, to find someone. ME

I learned about where I fit in, what I believe in, and am starting to believe I can be loved again .

I remember way too much from my past. It haunts me.

I am not scared of my own haunted house.

If I can build it, I can tear it down just as easily.

I took those critics and snickers and looked at them head on.

Only I can allow someone the ability to tear me down.

Which I chose no.

No.

This is ME, this is MY life and story. Not yours