In the Midst of Winter: Reaching for Hope While Living with Chronic Illness

by Danice Hope

As a teenager, Danice Hope suffered worsening fatigue and depression each winter. During the summers, her health would improve, and she learned to fit as much joy into life as possible. After six years, she was finally diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder. Over time, she realized that there was also beauty in winter. She found a poster with flowers growing out of the snow that said, "In the midst of winter I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer."
After moving south with the hope of easier winters, she began developing new health problems. The biggest surprise was that she could be sitting slumped over in a wheelchair in the emergency room, barely able to speak, and doctor after doctor told her that she wasn't ill, or that it was "just anxiety". After going to twenty-four different doctors in the next year, she was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Stunned at the loss of her hopes and dreams, she gradually learned to separate facts from false traditions, to balance her health, and to trust in the Savior's ability to bring hope and renewal. She learned that flowers can grow not only in the snow, but also in the desert sun.

280 pages, ebook

Published November 9, 2018

About the author

As a young woman, Danice Hope struggled with seasonal affective disorder each winter. Later, she moved to Arizona to improve her health, but instead, found herself facing another chronic illness. Through her struggles, she learned to reach for hope, to see life in new ways, and to look to Christ.
Danice has been married to the same loving, supportive husband for over 25 years. Their two lovable cats keep them busy.
Danice loved to roam the mountains of Utah in her younger years, and to see the variety of wildflowers each spring. She has enjoyed writing since she was old enough to write. She takes solace in reading the scriptures and other good books.