Chronic Illness

What will today bring; it’s never quite the same.
Somedays I feel great, the others I’m in pain.
Chronic illnesses can take many forms, visible or not.
But the effects are very real no matter what the lot.

Some are physically manifested, and the struggle is an apparent deal.
Invisible illnesses are no less valid, and the suffering is still very real.
All illnesses take their toll and are a struggle to toil and tend.
But chronic illnesses are the worst because the struggle never ends.

Chronic illnesses can take many forms, physical, mental or both.
The pain of which reoccurs again and again, and the stigma we all loathe.
Ignorant people think they have the answers and try to help us deal.
And while they mean well, the best help comes from those who are real.

They stand with us through the pain and don’t offer snake oil cures.
They listen when we are feeling low and wipe away all our tears.
While there is wisdom that can be shared to help us deal and to help us rest,
The thing we need most is kind understanding that we are trying our very best.

This pill might help, that herb too, but that other one we’ve already tried.
Doctors offer advice, we search all the time, cures simply always hide.
Some things help, maybe relieve an edge, but sometimes their effect fades.
But what’s always helpful is a loving friend whose support they often bade.

So, while we look for things to help us heal, you can offer an opinion in love.
But do so with patience and the realization we’ve probably already heard enough.
What we so need to hear from those that we love is how much you support us.
Tell us you believe in our strength and that we will get through whatever we must.

Share with us love, some humor and joy, and many fond memories.
Stand by us as we toil away, as we find the things that help us find ease.
Realize some days are harder than others, but each day we need you.
The most important thing is finding friends that are loving and true.

© 2024 Stephanie Blomquist