Dear Family,

I wanted to take this time to Thank-You for all your support over the last year, in regards to my hair loss. Through good times and in bad, you showed your true devotion and love towards your daughter. I remember when I first came to you and told you I was losing my hair, you both laughed and told me I was imagining things. I remember over the last 4 months especially I felt alone, and isolated - with no one to talk to but my cat. I want to thank you, for changing the subject when I complained .. even tho we both knew it consumed me. I want to thank you for those times I called balling beyond control - you said to me "What am I supposed to do" or "Do something about it". I want to thank you both for the wonderful comments, of "I don't wanna hear it anymore", "I am sick of this" and "I can't do anything". Sometimes, physically you can't - but the emotionally pain I feel might have been avoided with a little bit of support. Thank you for ignoring my pictures, the ones I send you of my hair loss. I know its because you finally see its not my head - but a simple acknowledgement would suffice. I know now that you can see its real, you don't know what to say, but this is just causing more pain, and stress to an already doomed time in my young, beautiful life. I am sorry mom that you have been going thru constant physical pain throughout the last 15 years, and dad your complaints of the Thyroid making you ill and tired. Mom, I am happy that the pain, still allows you to date, shop, dance, play pool and decorate continuously. Dad, I am happy that the Thyroid still allows you to be consumed by soccer, dancing, Elaine and the club. I am sorry that sometimes I can't get out of bed, that I have constant headaches from crying, that I am failing in my job cause I am consumed and that I have lost my love for Mark, as I don't love myself. I am happy I have found some support in people that are not my family. Thank you for allowing me to realize that unless my ailments are life threatning, I am just a burden on your lives. Well guess what folks, sometimes I wish I will be diagnosed with something serious just so you'll listen ... and guess what, sometimes.... I just wanna die. Hypochondriacs can be right !!!

I love you both, Lauren