My Dearest Friends,
A few days ago, I was asked a
question that truly stopped me in my tracks. It was profound, honest, and hit close
to home for anyone navigating chronic illness: "Why even fight so hard for
these diagnoses?"
It's a question that can echo in our
quiet moments, especially when the fatigue is heavy, the symptoms are
relentless, and the path ahead feels unclear. Why keep pushing for answers, for
clarity, for a name to what feels so overwhelming? Why dedicate so much energy
to tracking, to appointments, to advocating for ourselves? Why seek validation
for what we know is real within our own bodies?
I've given it a lot of thought, and
my answer, for me, comes down to a few deeply personal reasons. Perhaps, in
sharing my "why," you might find echoes of your own, or new reasons
to hold onto hope and continue your fight.
1.
Learning from the Past, Living for the Future
My parents, whom I loved dearly,
both passed away too young – at 60 and 62. Looking back, I realize they didn't
have the tools or perhaps the awareness to track their health as meticulously
as they could have. Their journeys, while unique, taught me a profound lesson:
proactive health management, understanding our bodies, and diligent
documentation can make a tangible difference in our quality of life and
potentially, our longevity. I want to honor their memory by taking a different
path for myself.
2.
Breaking the Cycle: A Mother's Promise
This reason cuts deep. I lost my
parents in my early 30s. Being a young adult who lost a parent so early leaves a
sting; I didn't get the feeling of a long life enjoyed with them, and there
were still milestones of my own that they missed. I don't want my kids to ever
feel that way. My fight for my health, my diligence in documenting and
understanding my body, is also a promise to them. It's my way of striving to be
present for their lives, to witness their milestones, and to ensure they have
the gift of a long, shared life with their mother.
3.
Grandkids and Beyond: A Vision for Tomorrow
This is a powerful motivator for me.
I want to be able to see my grandkids. I want to be present, active, and a
vibrant part of their futures. I envision being able to play with them, share
wisdom, and simply be there for the milestones to come. Fighting for
clarity now, managing my health with intention, is an investment in those
precious future moments. It's about striving for a life where chronic illness
doesn't define my capacity for joy and connection.
4.
Practical Protection: Ensuring Future Security
This reason is perhaps less
emotional, but no less vital. For many of us living with progressive or
debilitating chronic illnesses, there's a quiet fear about the future – what if
I can no longer work? What if my condition progresses to a point where my
ability to provide for myself or my family is compromised? My diligent
documentation, the detailed records of symptoms, treatments, and their impact,
is not just for current management. It's a practical safeguard. Should the day
come when I need to seek disability, having a clear, consistent, and
comprehensive paper trail will make that process easier, ensuring I won't be
stranded without proof and unable to work. It's about empowering myself with
evidence.
5.
Self-Validation: Proving It's Real
Sometimes, the fight for a
diagnosis, or even just for understanding, is about more than medical labels.
It's about self-validation. When you live with invisible symptoms, when doctors
struggle to pinpoint the cause, or when well-meaning friends suggest "just
trying XYZ," it can make you question your own sanity. Documenting every
symptom, every flare, every impact, is a way of saying: "This is real. I
am not crazy. These symptoms do point to a deeper issue." It's
about affirming your own experience and finding peace in knowing you're doing
everything you can to understand your body.
6.
Purpose in Pain: Sharing Grace and Love
And finally, perhaps the most
profound "why" for me is finding purpose in my own journey. I believe
that my experiences, with all their complexities and challenges, are meant to
be shared. By openly navigating my path, by documenting my struggles and
triumphs, I hope to encourage others on their own journeys. Through this
vulnerability and shared experience, I pray I can shine a light on God's
unwavering grace and boundless love, showing how He sustains us even in our
weakest moments. My fight is not just for me; it's a testament to His faithfulness
that I can share with you.
Through all of these reasons, our
faith remains our strongest anchor. Even in the hardest fights, God sees us. He
knows every detail about our bodies and our futures. He gives us the strength
to keep going, to seek wisdom, and to find peace even when the path is unclear.
So, why do we fight so hard? For me,
it's about honoring the past, protecting my children's future, living fully in
the present with my grandkids, preparing wisely for my own security, validating
my own experience, and finding purpose in sharing God's grace – all while
leaning on the unwavering grace of Christ.
What's your "why," dearest
friend? I encourage you to ponder it, write it down, and let it fuel your
journey. Our journals at The Wellspring Co. are designed to be your steadfast
companion in this fight, helping you organize the confusion, make doctor visits
better, care for your heart, and find purpose in your path.
With grace and hope,
Tiffany Carlton Founder, The
Wellspring Co.
[Explore The Wellspring Co. Journals
& Find Your Companion Here!]
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