"Chronic" A Poem is a book about my journey as an eighteen-year-old facing various Chronic Illnesses for over two years, from RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), Mononucleosis to Kidney Stones, and how it flipped my life around. In February of 2016, I never expected to experience the hardships, both physically and mentally, that began taking tolls on my body.
I did not understand why I had to miss out on the fun memories of being in high school, spend so many nights in the hospital or at countless doctor appointments. What I thought was a cure has become a gift.
This opportunity gave me a new perspective on life- learning to not take for granted the little moments I saw as mundane and routine.
These conditions may have threatened to take away my independence and health, but I will never be able to truly thank each family member, friend, teacher, medical team member or stranger for their prayers and support that has helped me get to where I am now. With that said, my family and friends were surprised that I had kept this a secret for over nine months without giving anything away; to me, it was therapeutic. A way to vent without any concern as to whether someone else would truly understand.
As a reader, you will embark upon my innermost thoughts and feelings in some of the strongest and toughest days but I pray it offers insight to each of you who know someone that is facing some health diagnosis or disability, whether cancer, neurological condition or autoimmune disease. I write this as a reminder that there is always purpose in the pain and a reason that will bring God glory in the end, no matter what one faces. Even if my body is not completely restored, I have been given a gift to share my story. Enjoy and remember, "Every Small Victory Counts!" -Love and blessings, Victoria Reynolds