My life has restrictions on it that are unfathomable to some people. My life is by no means easy.
But I have a lot more freedom than I ever thought I’d get. And a lot more freedom than some of my friends.
Some of the most special friendships I’ve ever had are the ones I share with my online M.E. friends. With a special mention to those who are more severely affected than I currently am, who celebrate all of my wins and triumph even though they do not experience those things for themselves.
To be as functional as I am post-surgery (touch wood, let’s not jinx it now) is to be more functional than I was with Severe M.E. from 2010 until day 2014, and then again in 2020. That surely speaks volumes to the abhorrent nature of M.E. in any form, but truly in those severer forms.
And yes, you might say I deserved a win (with this surgery going well and there being no complications). But it should never be implied that chronic illness is some kind of moral failing or punishment, and that only the worthy see progress or avoid *this life* completely. Don’t let anyone so much as imply that’s what’s going on; don’t let that seed of self-doubt settle in your head.
So this is just a little shout out to the chronic illness friends who, even in the trenches themselves, champion those around them; for the wins they see others having that they surely wish they could have for themselves. I know from experience that it can feel incredibly hard and complicated to witness other people getting the experiences you are missing out on.
I can take you out on my rare scoots and send you photos and videos, but nothing will ever be as wonderful as you getting to do those things for yourselves again. I wish for it for you every day.
'M.E. myself and I' by Anna 