Amber

“If there is any need that is perpetually unmet on this planet, it is the need to feel seen. To feel seen in our humanity, in our vulnerability, in our beautiful imperfection. When we are held safe in that, a key turns inside of our hearts, freeing us from our isolation, transforming our inner world. If there is anything we can offer each other, it is the gift of sight. “I see you”-perhaps the most important words we can utter to another. I see you…”
― Jeff Brown

“Sometimes I want to slap a sticky note on my forehead that says, “I am sick. No, I don’t look sick at this moment. But I am not faking having a disease just because I’m not in a wheelchair, and I am not a freak.” Now,”
― Kimberly Rae, Sick and Tired: Empathy, encouragement, and practical help for those suffering from chronic health problems

“One minute the birds are singing and you’re doing something mindless like folding laundry or reading a book, and the next moment you’re staring at a heap of smoking rubble that used to be your life or the doctor is telling you that something odd showed up on a scan. There was no warning, no one to tap you on the shoulder and say, “Hey, you might want to get pay attention; your world is about to end.” There is just devastation, destruction, and the shock that reverberates through your body and leaves you feeling hollowed out. Winner”
― Christina George, Climax

“Why does it bother me to tell people I have health problems? Doesn’t everybody at some point? I suppose that’s the crux right there. For most people, the difference is in the “some point” part. They have a problem. They go to the doctor. Doctor fixes it. Life moves on. It was a small, annoying inconvenience. For me, and likely for you since you’re reading this, your problem is not so temporary. You’ve got it for life, or until science finds a cure, which for some diseases is as likely as winning the lottery when you haven’t even bought a ticket. So we make people nervous. Nobody wants to have a condition that affects their social outings, work choices, family life, and just general day-to-day stuff. Nobody picks that for what they want to be when they grow up. “Oh teacher!” The kindergartener excitedly raises his hand. “When I grow up, I want to have a chronic illness and have people say how strong and courageous I am for enduring it even though I don’t have any choice in the matter! Woo-hoo.” Instead,”
― Kimberly Rae, Sick and Tired: Empathy, encouragement, and practical help for those suffering from chronic health problems