On Maundy Thursday As the world holds its breath for Good Friday I will be slowing down my breath For surgery. As we remember the Last Supper Held in memory of the Passover I will be passing out On a cold surgical table. I will awaken In time for Good Friday Lying motionless in recovery […]
Surviving Chronic Illness
Reflecting on Stories of Life
I recently read the 2023 Stories of Life anthology, Terracotta Travellers and Other Stories of Life, and I found myself deeply moved by the tales I absorbed. Each narrative described unique ways of meeting God, like facets of a turning kaleidoscope. Some were mundane (not that there’s anything mundane about God), some were extraordinary and some […]
Random Acts of Kindness
Sickness can be lonelifying. Not to mention depressing. So it goes without saying that simple acts of kindness in the midst of sickness can go a long way. I’ve been sick for the past few weeks. This week, while resigning myself to another lonely week of persistent nausea (I’ve got enough nausea to light Sydney […]
Music is My IV
I’ve been listening to music during my latest illness flare. A lot. You could say music is my IV. Music has always been a lifeline for me. From childhood days when I would sing songs softly to God at bedtime, through teenaged years of alternate rock and angst-ridden folklore, to now when I sing for […]
Praying Through Infertility: On A Personal Note
A new devotional for people facing infertility was recently released in Australia. Praying Through Infertility is an up-close-and-personal look at the rollercoaster of infertility and childlessness, and it offers encouragement, comfort, scripture and prayer for those who are struggling. On a more personal note, I want to share why contributing to this book has meant so much […]
New Year’s Reservations
I hold reservations about making new resolutions each year. Not just because the new resolutions often sound much like the old ones, and not just because of the deafening sound of resolutions shattering all about us by January 3rd. It’s more about how our resolutions are often unrealistic and unsustainable. Resolutions are often unrealistic and […]
The Grief of Cancelled Plans
I look into the empty starless night, The blackened expanse reflecting The void in my own heart. The place where gatherings, meals, Conversation, laughter, exchanges of gifts Should have lived. Now disappointment reigns— The disappointment of cancellation After cancellation, Where plans were made, Postponed, And cancelled again. Not for unwillingness or indecision, But for illness, […]
A Lonelifying Christmas
Merry Christmas To the bodies that let us down At the most wonderful time Of the year. *** Merry Christmas To the illnesses that strike During last-minute shopping, To the last-minute doctor’s appointments, To the hope that this is nothing serious. *** Merry Christmas To the cancelled plans, Disappointed relatives, Uneaten food. *** Merry Christmas […]
Flares, Flowers and a Big Pile of Manure
I had a flare-up this week. Before you ask, everything is OK, but at one point it was so bad it landed me in hospital. Flares can be scary. Chronic illness is painful enough, but when your symptoms flare from smouldering into flame, or when terrifying symptoms strike out of nowhere, it can bring your […]
Travel Diaries of a Sick Girl—It Still Sucks, But the View’s Amazing: Part 2
In our last episode, I have been struck down with pain in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland, making it difficult to walk. Read on to find out what happens next… The pain slowly eased off after about two weeks and I was able to manage most walks—and even stairs. I had another brief bout of […]