If you go look at my instagram, I have no pictures with my oxygen tank. I have pictures where the scars that cover my neck and stomach are prominent, but not a single one where I am carrying my oxygen.

We all know that social media is where people hide. They hide the things they are insecure about by only posting the good things. Why? Because it’s easy. I am clearly no stranger to this. But what’s not easy, is posting our insecurities. The things that we don’t like about ourselves, that we wish we could hide. It was a big step for me to post pictures where you can see my scars. But it’s time for me to take the next step, and share my biggest struggle.

I have a hard time carrying my oxygen with me. Physically, it gets heavy. But even more than that, people stare. And I get it. It’s not exactly normal to see a 19 year old with an oxygen converter. I don’t think people stare with ill intentions, but it can still be hurtful.

I’ve decided that I’m done being embarrassed, because there is nothing to be embarrassed about. My oxygen converter gives me the gift of working lungs, so why should I hide it?

I want to challenge anyone reading this to be proud of the things that make you different. Be grateful that you aren’t like everyone else. Post about the “real” stuff, not just the perfect things. God made you perfectly in His image. Work it.

xoxo,

Mary Logan

Hey y’all! Thank you so much for visiting my blog, and joining me on my journey. I’ve never done this before, so bear with me, but I am so excited.

So, a little about me… My name is Mary Logan Grier, I go by Mary Logan. I am nineteen years old, and I live in North Carolina. I’m a full time college student studying psychology and neuroscience, with hopes of going into pediatric medicine. I have two little brothers, who I love with all my heart. But that’s not why I’m here. I’m here, because I have a lung disease called bronchiectasis.

So, why am I doing this? I’ve had a hard time coming to grips with needing to carrying oxygen almost full time. To the point where I often don’t carry it out of embarrassment. It’s been really tough dealing with my diagnosis. It’s weird being nineteen years old and carrying an oxygen tank. It’s uncomfortable. But I know I’m not the only one dealing with it. My hope, is that this page can be a place where people who carry oxygen, have bronchiectasis or cystic fibrosis can come together and find someone they can relate to. Or, for those of you who don’t struggle with these things, this can serve as a place to learn.

Most of all, this is a place for me to try and cope with everything. This is a place free of judgement, for me to talk about my daily life with bronchiectasis.

xoxo,

Mary Logan