Dear strong one,

I look at you and I see determination. Things are so hard for you right now, rushing from hospital to hospital. I know that you never imagined your life would consist of medications, doctors and pain. But you are persevering, and doing so with grace. You are so brave and capable, believe me.

I know you feel inadequate and weak. You feel foolish and little. When your life is suddenly rearranged and shaken up, you have a right to feel that way. But don’t get hung up on this, dear. One day you will wake up and realize you are not weak; you are not silly or little.

You have the truest kind of courage one could have.

Strength that comes from success or going to a gym is not true strength. True strength comes from being hurt, knocked down, and getting right back up. You feel like you haven’t risen from the ashes and you ask yourself, will you ever? I promise you, precious soul, you will. You are doing so right now, even as we speak, simply by existing.

Maybe just thinking about the future stirs up fear, depression, and even a little anger. It won’t always be this way. There will be hard days, yes, and days where you feel fear slipping in. But there will be more good days; days filled with laughter, joy, and accomplishment. You have survived the worst time in your life dealing with Dysautonomia, POTS, Crohn’s, Fibromyalgia and Arthritis and you still hold onto hope.

If that is not proof that you will overcome these troubles, what is?

I know it’s difficult to keep things in perspective right now, but that’s just what you must do. Illness is only one part of you, one part of your life. You are still you, and nothing can ever take that away. Don’t give up; keep going. Cry and yell if you must, but always keep going. Brighter times are ahead, I promise.

With love,

Jess

Written by Jessica W. All images owned by Jessica W.