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Belinda, Lady of Light (Guest Post)

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Welcome, Poetry People, to day 25 of National Poetry Month where I’m hosting a range of guest bloggers during April. Click HERE to see what you’ve missed so far, and please welcome today’s guest Poet, Belinda from BusyMindThinking.

Have you ever given any thought to people and the associations that we either consciously or sub-consciously align to them? Well I have, and I’m calling Belinda the ‘Lady of Light’, because that’s my personal association with her. A pure, blinding light that makes darkness and shadow impossible. Keep reading and you will understand why. x

Unlikely

To those that say…
It is unlikely…

That a flower will blossom…
In an environment that dictates it should not live…

To those that say…
It is unlikely…

That an individual will survive illness…
When a body bespeaks that it is dying…

To those that say…
It is unlikely…

That a person will succeed…
When circumstances appear against them…

To those that say…
It is unlikely…

Determination and Tenacity…
LIKELY changes everything.

Unlikely perhaps…
But it isn’t a definite…

Therefore, anything is possible.

… … …

Out on a Limb: My Battle with Lyme’s Disease

Please see the bottom of the post for petition information.

Sometimes, we have to put ourselves out there because it will benefit others. As I struggle inside my body today, I’ve decided to do that. This isn’t an easy post to write, nor will it be an easy post to read – but I hope that you will.

My goal is to raise some awareness for Lyme’s Disease. To do that, I have to touch on some of the things I’ve not shared here. Why haven’t I shared them when I’ve been so open, you may ask? Because they’re embarrassing, quite frankly.

I’m going to post a couple of pictures of things I work to hide. One is my left hand in particular and the other, my legs. They aren’t pretty – consider yourself forewarned; but they are the effects of Lyme disease. So here goes – putting on my brave face when that really isn’t how it feels sometimes.

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What happens is that my fingers curl or gnarl. Ironically my middle finger usually locks up – go figure! My hand is always discolored. My pinky and ring finger knuckles have sort of caved in while the center bone pokes out. My middle and pointer fingers swell. The palm of my hand feels like it has multiple paper cuts – tender beyond belief.

Next in line – legs! The joints swell causing circulation to be impaired. This in turn leads to discoloring and spasms that seem to never end.

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But wait, this isn’t enough. Next you’ll hear the common phrase – I could have pee’d myself – that takes on a whole new meaning for a Lyme Patient. If you get to go anywhere – you know to take a change of clothes – and pray you won’t need to go through the agony of having to change and re-dress. But, you have no choices in any of these matters.

Putting these pictures here and talking about incontinence is about as humbling as it gets. This is why it is an invisible disease – because we spend so much time trying to hide our symptoms. Well – to heck with that – I’m done hiding.

These are some of the challenges I face as I sit here typing along on my computer. These are the things you can’t see behind a screen. These are the things friends and the general public don’t see because you try to avoid situations that will display your illness.

Two years in, I remain hopeful that things will improve. I never let go of that. But, I’m also realistic. I feel compelled to acknowledge some of the frustrations and discuss the symptoms that come with Lyme. There really isn’t enough awareness – period!

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It changes ones life in so many ways! It effects everyone so differently. It is so misunderstood. So, I’m talking about it. It’s not all sad however. I am blessed to be in and out of a wheelchair as needed – while some know no relief at all. Please help me to raise awareness.

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I will tell you – no matter what – I’m still wearing that same smile!

I felt a strong desire to do more as it pertains to Lyme’s disease. If I can’t be active in awareness outside my home – I can sure accomplish that here! Thanks for being so supportive of me.

Find out where your petitions are for Lyme, depending on where you live and get signatures. We have to pay for these treatments out of our pockets. I have to travel to the States for treatments: that’s hotel stay, the cost of gas for the lengthy drive, medications etc. I’ve been able to hang on so far financially, but there are people that cannot afford these treatments. How can a life be measured by dollars and cents?! Please sign the petitions!!!

I’m calling on Canadians in particular here. We need your help. Just a signature. Please. Thank you.

Please feel free to re-blog. I’m beyond the whole pride thing anymore. Treatment not being covered is across the board…we need awareness for Canada and all our neighbors.

Here in Ontario I can tell you it’s referred to as
Elizabeth May’s Bill C-442 National Lyme Disease Strategy
Her email is: elizabeth.may@parl.gc.ca
Phone number is: 613-996-1119

… … …

The First Stone

Who wishes to be the one
To cast the very first stone
Who amongst us is so innocent
Speak – make yourself known

Not a single voice was heard
The stone fell to the ground
Judgement ceased to exist
No one of innocence was to be found

Amidst a group of people
Opinions were shouted about
But when asked to step forward and speak
Not one wished to be singled out

Therein is the truth
About the dreaded stone
When cast into a crowd
All fear they are its home

© 2014 Belinda (http://busymindthinking.com)

Previous Posts:

Coming Up:

  • Saturday, April 26, Guest Poet, Hellen Massido
  • Monday, April 27, Guest Poet, Roy Guzman

Special thanks to Belinda, and thank you all for reading and supporting #NPM14. See you tomorrow :-)

The post Belinda, Lady of Light (Guest Post) appeared first on Bianca Bowers.


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