I feel like this quote is the equivalent of those 80’s motivational posters with the kitten hanging on a line that reads, ‘just hang in there’, but a dash bit more posh, no? I have been absent here for a few days, because I had a bit of a rough time this week with my illness. I have had my blood drawn more times in the past few weeks then I have ever had in my lifetime and I am one of those squeamish types when it comes to needles so this has been an exercise in fear fighting 101. To say things have been rough feels like an understatement to me but I know there are many others out there suffering much worse than I am.
I had an appointment with my doctor yesterday and she is of the same mindset that I am that you need to look on the bright side in even the darkest of times. She told me about the author Laura Hillenbrand whom I am a big fan of; I have recommended her book ‘Unbroken’several times, I just love it (incredibly inspiring true story). What I did not know was that she wrote both her best-selling books Seabiscuit and Unbroken from her bed, because she suffers from chronic illness. I figured if Laura could do meticulous research on two 400 page books and have them shoot to the best seller list while not being able to leave her bed, I could at the very least write a post and check in, right? Actually, I think the moral of that story was that just because I am currently sick does not mean I have to give up, which I refuse to do but honestly some days are better than others and I am currently living on a moment by moment basis, acutely aware of those moments mind you. Many of you have written to me sharing your own stories of illness and I have appreciated the honesty and the bravery in doing so. Not one of those that live with a chronic illness that wrote to me victimized themselves or were throwing a pity party for themselves, many have redefined how they live and have been able to flourish and their positivity has helped me immensely. I know that what I have I will not have forever, it is what it is right now and and it is very rare and hard to treat but knowing there is a light at the end of this tunnel is what keeps me going. I promise I will not make this space all about what is going on, I just felt it necessary to pop in, for an explanation, a hello, some gratitude for the kindness of others and a bit of ‘normalcy’. I will be taking the rest of the week off while I recoup, I wish I could tell you I was taking the week off to fly off to an exotic locale, but maybe next year, right? A girl can dream and I shall be doing a lot of that from my mattress and maybe some pinning.
Thank you friends for your kindness + support, enjoy your week and for those in the states happy 4th!
Hi there – Just a bit of encouragement sent your way…
In ’95 my then 12 yr old daughter suddenly became sick with the same mysterious illness as Ms. Hillenbrand – very rare for a child. She was bedridden/couch bound for months but then medication helped her to begin to move. She’s now symptom free and a full time college student living a completely normal life! We NEVER gave up.
Be hopeful and fight it continuously, never giving up. Hugs and prayers go out to you.
Wow, thank you for linking to Laura’s story. It was fascinating, in a heart-breaking yet optimistic way.
And you never have to apologize for an absence here. Take the time you need to heal. Wishing you well.
I love this quote. Without knowing the specifics of what you are facing, I can say from my own experience with chronic illness (fibromyalgia), that you do adapt. It becomes your new normal, and you can better function once you know how to manage it. I’m sorry you are going through so much…thinking of you! xo
Don’t give up ! We’re a lot thinking of you and crossing our fingers for you to get better. Look, you even have this message from France, full of xxx
and then there is Eleanor…..“You have to accept whatever comes, and the only important thing is that you meet it with the best you have to give.”
― Eleanor Roosevelt
thinking of you…. tail wags ~moose
Tristan, I’m so sorry for what you’re going through! You seem to have a very positive outlook, which is so difficult to do in the midst of suffering. Please know that I, for one, will stick around as a reader, regardless of how long you need to step back and take care of yourself. Health and well-being always come first. Thinking of you and sending you a hug of support…
a big hug and get well very soon,Tristan :)
I’m terribly sorry to hear you’re sick–wretched needles and illness! Chronic illness is certainly not for the faint of heart–but the good thing about courage, it doesn’t have to be mighty to do its job. As Mary Anne Radmacher put it, “Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.'”
So here’s to you and all your tomorrows–may each one be a little brighter.
With hugs and prayers
I sure do wish you better days ahead. I wish I could drop off a meal and a hug. You are a gem and it will feel so good to have you back on your feet again, one day soon!
Sending you only good thoughts and well wishes…I hope this struggle will pass in time. You are certainly navigating it with good grace.
Hugs to you x
Sending you so many many loves to you right now. I am going to need to schedule a trip to come up and tackle snuggle you gently and bring you flowers.