Friends

Tuesday



This journal began as a chronicle of my journey with MS. When I started I was not even positively diagnosed yet....but I was full of the fear that a chronic illness can bring. The element of "What does this do to the rest of my life" and being self absorbed resonated thru so many of my entries. And then, then I found a pathway to peace and it was lined with kind and thoughtful souls that helped me to see that although I may be alone on this particular trail I am not alone in the world. Some of you have entered my world briefly and left me encouraging words to ponder, some of you stop by every so often and comment on each thing I've laid out there, some of you read every single day and never say a word, some of you compel me to be a better person and compel me to show this world that someone who is ill is really just another human being and finally some of you are my friends. Names on a screen who have become important aspects of my life. Spirits who quench my thirst for companionship.

It is not scary to be ill if there are people holding you up and holding your hand.

Torch by Judith!!





ckays1967 at 10:19:00 PM PDT Link to this entry

This entry has 16 comments: (Add your own)
Patrick.....thank you.

Comment from ckays1967 - 8/11/04 7:13 PM



Cross visiting journals is a new world. Thanks for dropping into mine.
"Caregivingly Yours," http://journals.aol.com/daddyleer/CaregivinglyYours/

As a caregiver spouse of 18 years since Patti (my wife) was first diagnosed with MS reading yours is both bittersweet and refreshing.

(I don’t even know if it is proper etiquette to reference my journal in yours. Forgive me if it is wrong. I just loose track of who is who between real names, screen names, and journal titles.)

I know it sounds like my wife and I might be prehistoric but this all wasn’t around 18 years ago. Your reference that “…although I may be alone on this particular trail I am not alone in the world …” is so on the mark.

When I ‘discovered’ well spouse bulletin boards on the old Prodigy network (I guess shortly after Al Gore invented the Internet) it was like finding water in the desert. Knowing you are not alone is soooo vital.

Patrick
Comment from daddyleer - 8/9/04 5:03 PM



Aw, Chris
Love your stuff...{as you know, especially your poetry]
Kind of forget the MS.
Love,
V
Comment from deabvt - 8/1/04 3:44 AM



Hi Christina I have found your journal through a search I did a couple months ago about MS. My mother is bedridden with MS and she has been like this for 5 years. I read your journal, and find your courage and strength so admirable, although this is my first time commenting, I just like to let you know that this particular entry and journal means so much to me because I can understand how scary it can be, but like you said you have people close to you who care and people you don't even know that have been taken by your courage. Sometimes I wish my mom could of been that positive before she became bedridden, It's hard but you are not alone. Christina
Comment from pippizza - 7/29/04 11:17 AM



Isn't it strange if somebody can't see your illness they treat you as if you don't have one? That is the way it is with me, I have a few illnesses including fibromyalgia. People are so ignorant when it comes to these things. -Krissy
http://journals.aol.com/fisherkristina/SometimesIThink
Comment from fisherkristina - 7/28/04 11:17 PM



Oh this is so beautiful! You're such a lovely, optimistic person. I believe you might be doing more holding up than any of us are. :) You're a true inspiration.
Comment from wildflower121764 - 7/28/04 6:05 PM



You are on my alert list, Christina, and I read your Journal. Sometimes I comment, when I don't, it's not because I don't care, but because I can't think of anything else to add at the moment. When someone is ill, it's hard to know what they are truly (and that's in italics) are going through, and sometimes I need a pediatrist and and oral surgeon to get that foot out of my mouth when something I've said is misunderstood.
Let me just say that I truly think you are a wonderful, strong spirited woman, and that the Lord has blessed you with a good heart and the ability to share it.
I applaud you for letting us know your inner most thoughts and being so open about your feelings, which isn't always an easy thing to do. Your faith will help you through it all.

Best wishes,
Debi
Comment from camaroisle050856 - 7/28/04 3:44 PM



[[[[[[[[ Chris, Love!! ]]]]]]]]]]
My poet!
V
Comment from deabvt - 7/28/04 2:49 PM



Hi Christina...
I love your journal. I haven't been here for a while. I have been through the wringer somewhat myself lately. As I have told you before I am disabled with a very bad back that makes walking very difficult and as of late I have some much energy just drained from me. I have been so weak and tired.
But like yourself I keep keeping on. I wanted to say thanks for your fight and sharing it with others. There are many of us out here that face problems with health everyday. When we know others are in our boat with us it makes the journey less lonely.
Love and prayers in Christ!
Comment from redeemed73 - 7/28/04 11:49 AM



beautiful words.......thank you. you are in my prayers
we have a friend of the family, young girl, going thru
a journey with MS too......
jerseygirl
http://journals.aol.com/cneinhorn/WonderGirl
Comment from cneinhorn - 7/28/04 6:47 AM



I admire you tremendously and am so glad you let your light shine! hugs to you, judi
Comment from judithheartsong - 7/28/04 4:35 AM



Perfectly said! I am glad to know you and believe it or not, you hold me up more often than you think.

Deborah
Comment from dbaumgartner - 7/28/04 4:08 AM



Yes, some of us are your friends, but more than that YOU my dear one, are our friend. YOU hold ME up and help me thru life EVERY SINGLE DAY. YOU have become my mentor, my 'special' Angel, and my life's coach. What a joy your words bring each time I find a new entry.
Take good care of yourself and may you always have peace.
A
Comment from dallas0406 - 7/28/04 3:57 AM



It is odd how we become part of each others life.
but always know that I am in your corner and my prayers go out for you daily
thank you for sharing your life with us
Comment from alnorthport - 7/27/04 11:34 PM



One thing I love about people, no matter what, if someone needs a helping hand AND WE ALL DO at one time or another, we bond together. You're prayed for but I think you know that. : )
Comment from readmereadyou - 7/27/04 10:52 PM



(((((Christina))))) Lisa :-]
Comment from mlraminiak - 7/27/04 10:34 PM