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Stumbled & Standing: from Diagnosis to Acceptance- A Woman's Journey with Multiple Sclerosis
Stumbled & from Diagnosis to Acceptance- A Woman's Journey with Multiple Sclerosis is a collection of poetry and essays of struggles and achievements living with the progression of MS. They are the writings she wrote while trying to understand and cope with the changes and gifts in her life. River's story is compelling and alive with her positive attitude to rejuvenate and keep moving forward. A book about life and the tools we find to endure. Thumbs up for the story of one woman's journey through MS. River Urke has compiled a wonderful collection that will touch the hearts of all who read.~ Natasha Head
67 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 25, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 12, 2026
In Stumbled & Standing, River Urke offers a deeply personal and reflective account of her experience living with Multiple Sclerosis. Through a collection of poetry and short essays, she traces the emotional landscape of her journey, from the uncertainty and fear surrounding her diagnosis to a place of understanding, resilience, and acceptance.
What distinguishes this book is its sincerity. Urke writes with clarity and vulnerability, allowing readers to witness both the difficult realities of a progressive illness and the strength required to navigate them. Her reflections capture the physical, emotional, and spiritual adjustments that come with MS, while also highlighting moments of growth and perspective that emerge along the way.
The poetic structure lends an immediacy to her thoughts, making the work accessible and intimate without becoming overwhelming. Despite addressing serious and often painful themes, the overall tone remains grounded and hopeful. Urke does not minimize the challenges of MS, but she frames her experience in a way that emphasizes endurance, adaptability, and the quiet determination to keep moving forward.
At just 67 pages, this concise collection delivers a meaningful impact. It will resonate with individuals living with chronic illness, caregivers, and readers seeking insight into the lived experience of long term health challenges. More broadly, it serves as a thoughtful meditation on resilience and the human capacity to find purpose in adversity.
What distinguishes this book is its sincerity. Urke writes with clarity and vulnerability, allowing readers to witness both the difficult realities of a progressive illness and the strength required to navigate them. Her reflections capture the physical, emotional, and spiritual adjustments that come with MS, while also highlighting moments of growth and perspective that emerge along the way.
The poetic structure lends an immediacy to her thoughts, making the work accessible and intimate without becoming overwhelming. Despite addressing serious and often painful themes, the overall tone remains grounded and hopeful. Urke does not minimize the challenges of MS, but she frames her experience in a way that emphasizes endurance, adaptability, and the quiet determination to keep moving forward.
At just 67 pages, this concise collection delivers a meaningful impact. It will resonate with individuals living with chronic illness, caregivers, and readers seeking insight into the lived experience of long term health challenges. More broadly, it serves as a thoughtful meditation on resilience and the human capacity to find purpose in adversity.
February 12, 2026
Stumbled & Standing: From Diagnosis to Acceptance – A Woman’s Journey with Multiple Sclerosis by River Urke is a deeply moving collection of poetry and essays that offers an honest and courageous look into life with MS.
Through her writing, River invites readers into her personal journey—one marked by uncertainty, struggle, growth, and ultimately acceptance. Her words are raw yet hopeful, reflecting both the challenges of living with a progressive illness and the inner strength required to keep moving forward. Each piece feels genuine and reflective, written during moments of learning, coping, and rediscovering purpose.
What makes this book especially powerful is its balance of vulnerability and positivity. River does not shy away from the realities of MS, but she also highlights the unexpected gifts, lessons, and resilience found along the way. Her voice is compassionate, inspiring, and relatable—not only for those living with MS, but for anyone facing life-altering challenges.
This short but impactful book is a reminder of the human spirit’s ability to endure, adapt, and find meaning even in difficult circumstances. Stumbled & Standing is touching, encouraging, and beautifully honest. Highly recommended.
Through her writing, River invites readers into her personal journey—one marked by uncertainty, struggle, growth, and ultimately acceptance. Her words are raw yet hopeful, reflecting both the challenges of living with a progressive illness and the inner strength required to keep moving forward. Each piece feels genuine and reflective, written during moments of learning, coping, and rediscovering purpose.
What makes this book especially powerful is its balance of vulnerability and positivity. River does not shy away from the realities of MS, but she also highlights the unexpected gifts, lessons, and resilience found along the way. Her voice is compassionate, inspiring, and relatable—not only for those living with MS, but for anyone facing life-altering challenges.
This short but impactful book is a reminder of the human spirit’s ability to endure, adapt, and find meaning even in difficult circumstances. Stumbled & Standing is touching, encouraging, and beautifully honest. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews