Dating and being at risk

I consider my self blessed to have been shielded from the effects of Huntington's Disease while I was growing up. For the most part, I was able to lead a normal life. After several years with my step dad, he became all that a dad should be to me. Although I didn't see it at the time, God was looking out for us when he put my mom and my step dad together. I guess I always knew that I had a 50% chance of have Huntington's Disease but I didn't give it much thought until I was older. It didn't occur to me how it might affect my future until I was dating Jason in high school. He and I had dated for a while and I told him about HD in my family. He had even gone to a funeral of someone in my family that had died with HD so he was aware of how bad it can be. He talked about me being at risk for HD with his dad because his dad was in the medical profession. Do you know what his dad said? He told him how horrible Huntington's Disease was and that Jason would be smart not to ever marry me. I thought that was horrible but looking back, he was right. He was just looking out for Jason and trying to protect him from certain heart break. And if it were me today, I would tell my kids the same thing. That was when I realized how much this disease was going to affect who would want to marry me. The next guy that I would date and tell about me being at risk for HD would be Chip.

*In case you're wondering - For any of you who know Jason, you know that his dad's advice went in one ear and out the other back then so don't think badly of him - that is not why we broke up. :-)

Tonight I am thankful for so many great friends who love me no matter what!