As we have been working on getting the site foundation set, we have been meeting and learning from so many individuals with strong, encouraging and inspiring stories.
Recently, I heard from Leslie who’s story was similar to my own with one exception being that she has had to live with illness (lupus and R.A) at an earlier age than I did. I can only guess how difficult it must be for those of you who are young and facing illness – my heart goes out to you all. Leslie’s blog is one of several stories out there where having to make adjustments and changes to who you are, what you do, and how you do it can be so daunting at an age where you’ve just begun independent living. Looking down the road through young eyes is very different than having the gift of memories in doing things free of pain, limitation and with our peers.
What I find inspiring, from Leslie and others that I have met this week, is the spirit behind the illness. As life can be for all of us, whether we have chronic illness or not (yet), it is the commitment we make to ourselves that must be the driving force in defining who we are, what we CAN do and the way we plan to live our lives with what we have to draw from. Seeking understanding from others outside our own skin is a very basic human need – a connection that feeds our primal nature.
However, acknowledging within ourselves that we are doing what we can is so important and leads us to a more honest view of life that serves us better. The honest anger, the honest joy, the honest disappointments, the honest struggles…having the honest assurance that we are who we are and knowing that we decide that for ourselves.
Keep the faith – share with us here your stories, either on the blog or on the bulletin boards – offer some encouragement to those who are perhaps feeling a little overwhelmed by it all. We all have stories we can be proud of and listening to the stories of others ultimately gives us a reason to listen to our own.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend ahead~
