When my illness reached its worst, I spent almost all of my time in bed (or on the couch). My life seemed completely out of my control. My health severely restricted any physical activity. I couldn’t earn enough money to support myself. And, if I wanted to read a book, I couldn’t as I didn’t [...]
As those who’ve read A Reluctant Spirit know, I once suffered greatly from Post Viral Neurasthenia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. For years, I was almost completely bedridden and suffered great pain and cognitive impairment. At about my lowest point, a “friend” declared, “If you were a better Christian, you would’ve been healed by now.” He [...]
I have a tendency to be too hard on myself, especially when it comes to my faith. I’ve thought that if I’m a good Christian, I shouldn’t get sad and certainly not cry. I saw both as signs of spiritual weakness. After all, God is in control and taking care of me. I need to [...]
Last month I had blood drawn to determine the cause of some recent persistent health issues. During the 10-day wait for results (I’m happy to say they came back negative), I faced a tiny possibility that I could have a rare cancer, one with a fatal prognosis of six months. Of course, I aggravated my [...]
“…life goes on, long after the thrill of living is gone”— John Mellencamp As I age, I find that I’ve stopped nurturing my sense of wonder. On the surface, everything seems commonplace as I navigate work, errands, exercise and responsibilities. But I’m not present. I’m not observant. And, when it’s at its worst, I stop [...]
Recently, I returned from a vacation in the woods of Alberta, Canada. While I didn’t bring back souvenirs, I brought home something more substantial—another triumph over the disease that wracked my body for almost two decades. For years, Ken dreamt of paddling a multi-day kayaking trip in the northern reaches of our continent. My consistent [...]
Recently, my friend, Jeff, found a 1988 video clip of me. Initially, I laughed at my mega-sized eyeglasses and big, curly hair. But, a realization hit me soon after: this was the pre-illness Kathy just 15 months before being stricken with Post-Viral Neurasthenia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Little did she know that soon she’d be [...]
Thanks to reader Bryce for requesting this topic. While I believe healing occurs when and if the Most Divine decides it will happen, we can prepare ourselves for renewed health. These actions also provide a precious benefit: an increased sense of peace. I’ll probably never know why God waited 18 years to reinvigorate my body. [...]
When I’m at peace, I find each day brings me a small present, one that further boosts my gratitude and infuses additional joy into my routine. It could take the form of someone appreciating my work, or me witnessing a dazzling sunrise, encountering wildlife or laughing heartily with loved ones. Unfortunately, I’m not at peace [...]
For me, a frustrating aspect of being chronically ill for years was when friends and doctors told me to give up hope that I’d ever get better because I was priming myself for failure. Well, for those who read my blog and have read “A Reluctant Spirit,” you know I had the last laugh on [...]
