As the author approaches 40, they reflect on chronic illness, grief, and the importance of staying soft amid life’s challenges. Emphasizing that softness is a strength, they acknowledge the temptation to harden due to disappointments but choose kindness and hope instead. They express gratitude for loved ones and the journey ahead.
The heartfelt reflection recounts the loss of Nani Marie, a beloved mini schnauzer, who passed away after 14 years due to cancer and old age. The author shares the profound grief and difficult decision to let her go, emphasizing that grief is love with no place to land. The piece invites others to honor their lost pets, celebrating their enduring presence in memories.
Grief, Love, and Letting Go Read More »
The author reflects on their journey of healing from unacknowledged trauma, emphasizing that it doesn’t require a clear villain to validate pain. Instead, they advocate for acceptance of both beauty and hurt in life. Healing involves leaning into discomfort and recognizing the importance of seeking help, allowing emotions to be fully felt.
Understanding Trauma: The Power of Acceptance Read More »
The post expresses the author’s struggle with chronic pain and the burden of emotional distress. They reflect on moments of hope and subsequent despair, highlighting their desire for relief and understanding. Acknowledging the relentless pain and the complexities of coping, the author reassures others in similar situations that they are not alone and encourages seeking support.
The Equation I Can’t Solve Read More »
The Absence of Evidence Is Not the Evidence of Absence I think Carl Sagan said it best:“The absence of evidence is not the evidence of absence.” And yet, here I am, struggling to believe that. For the past two weeks, I’ve been sick again. What started as severe right-sided abdominal pain landed me in the
When Medical Tests Show Nothing: A Personal Journey Read More »
My Allstate Insurance Nightmare and How Forsyth Collision Saved the Day The Day Everything Changed I never really thought much about my car insurance. I’ve had Allstate for years, and their slogan“You’re in good hands” sounded nice enough. Then one ordinary day, a deranged driver got our of their car threaten our safety and threw
Are You Really in Good Hands? Read More »
As the anniversary of a botched surgery nears, the author grapples with grief intertwined with chronic pain, tracking daily symptoms that reveal a harsh reality: 86% of days are spent in pain. Medical trauma stems from dismissive healthcare experiences. The author advocates for understanding, compassion, and better patient treatment amid ongoing suffering and despair.
Medical Trauma: How Pain and Dismissal Affect Lives Read More »
I Call It Mockery You stand at my bedside,arms folded,eyes rolling,compassion missing. My pain is an inconvenience to you,my tears,a nuisance.You laugh when you should listen. You call it care.I call it cruelty.You call it medicine.I call it mockery. What oath did you take?When did you bury your heart?Why choose this pathif compassion never finds
Your Voice Matters: Battling Healthcare Cruelty Read More »
My Worst ER Experience at Northside Forsyth Hospital Living with chronic illness means I’ve spent more hours than I can count in hospitals and doctors’ offices. Some of those experiences have been full of kindness and compassionate nurses who go above and beyond, doctors who truly listen, and staff who make the unbearable a little
Why Compassion Matters in Emergency Medicine Read More »
The Puzzle I don’t recognize myself anymore.It’s like I fell asleep one day,and someone tore me apartpiece by fragile piece, as if I were just a puzzle. When they put me back together,the edges didn’t match,the colors bled wrong,and parts of me went missing. Now I rattle when I move,empty spaces echoing inside me,a body
When Healthcare Fails: A Patient’s Call for Honesty Read More »
