I know you said you didn't want sympathy...but i'm really sorry. I'm not sure if this was based on real life but i hope to god it wasn't because going through something like that would have killed me. But you sound like a strong person...and i know (even if i don't know u) that you'll make it!! I was crying when i read it and thats not usual for me so thank you for writing something as beautiful as this.
Keep your chin up and keep smiling...
luv jess xoxo *hugs*