I am retired from the US Army. I have four wonderful children (2 boys & 2 girls) and three grandchildren (a girl and two boys). The two boys are grown.  My oldest daughter is grown, married and has one very handsome son. The youngest daughter is 13 and in the 8th grade, and presently living in California with her biological mother .  I watch my two  oldest grandchildren Monday through Friday for my oldest son and my daughter through marriage. I watch my youngest grandson as often as I can.  I was dianosed with RA, SLE, and Sjogrens Disease when I was 20 years old. I am now 55 years old. I have witnessed many improvements in medication and different therapy's for all of those diseases.  I was told, when I was first diagnosed, that I would be in a wheel chair within ten years.  I love life and refuse to give in to the diseases.  I still hike up mountains, go camping, fishing, and hunting. I ran in a marathon 15 years ago.  I live on a 10 acre ranch with my husband of 33 years. We raise beef cows. & Tennessee Fainting Goats. We have 6 dogs, 4 cats, that live in the barn, two birds, and 2 gold fish, and a hermit crab (belongs to the 13 year old).  I hate the limitations that all the Auto-immune diseases are starting to cause (extreme fatigue, and not able to run anymore). I love being a positive influence and help to others, that have auto-immune diseases. I love my time with my family and friends. I count everyday, I have, as a blessing from God!