Dear POTS and IBS,

It’s crazy it has already been four years since I met you both that early morning in the doctor's office in Milwaukee. Life’s been kind of crazy, but unfortunately, also miserable with you. I think we need a little bit of space, considering that you’ve been extremely controlling the entire time. You sometimes won’t let me enjoy playing basketball with my friends, or you may punish me for eating out. I’m miserable with you both. It’s embarrassing to introduce you to my friends, and my family has to constantly sacrifice their freedom to keep you both satisfied.

I still remember meeting both of you four years ago, in that strange smelling office in Wisconsin. It had been quite a ride to reach there. Little did I know, how stressful you guys would become. You both became a part of my daily life. You would both check in daily in the morning and evening, making sure I knew who was in charge. You guys stressed me out, made me lose my friends, my home, my school. I changed everything and it still wasn’t enough. That was when I realized, I needed to get away from this relationship. But I was afraid I couldn’t make you leave; I was afraid because I thought you had become a part of me.

When I moved to Johns Creek High School, things started to look up. I made a bunch of really close friends and I started to realize I could live without you. I got out more; I danced onstage with my friends during International Night; I even competed in the Public Speaking competition of the FBLA Regional Competition and came 2nd. I became more independent, and I started focusing on kicking you both out of my life.

I understand that you both may be upset. We have been together for over four years but keep in mind that you both have shaped me into who I am today. Before I met you both, I was an overweight, obnoxious, boisterous child. You both transformed me into a better, more confident individual. And for that, I say thank you.

It’s been quite a ride,

Rishav Kumar

P.S. I hope we can stay friends. Not like close friends. But like Facebook friends. Like I’ll see updates and stuff. Ok cool.

"It's time to say goodbye, but I think goodbyes are sad and I'd rather say hello. Hello to a new adventure" - Ernie Harwell