It's official. I've been initiated as a "Lymie." It's an exclusive club; one I didn't want to join. Still, after months of lurking, months of observing, months of chatting via message boards, there's no denying; these are my people.
Huddled around a bowl of gluten-free corn chips, I am amazingly connected with these strangers. Five women, clutching binders of labs tests, tell my story from their lips. We are different, but the same; battling the same symptoms, living the same nightmare, hiding the same pain.
It's a small group, small and mighty: One struggling 20+ years; Another confronted by treatment options; Another fighting for disability; Two more bringing humor and spice.
With fervor, we discuss what would terrify others: parasites, PICC lines, blood, and poop. There are flights to book, new doctors to see, people to help, and resources to share.
In the end, I am grateful, but tired. Without a diagnosis, I'm still an honorary member--not a permanent one. But, if Lyme Disease is the cloud, they are definitely the silver lining.
Altered Today: First Support Group, More Treatment Options, New Friends.
thanks for coming, sharing and you are always welcome! We are always exhausted after a meeting but it is a good time, and we can share so much !!
Posted by: Lynn Garcia | 03/27/2011 at 11:30 PM
Lynn, I loved meeting you!!! Your energy is infectious and you rock a pic line. Hopefully the only "sand" we'll be feeling soon will be from a beach trip. Please stay in touch. xoxoxo
Posted by: Kathy Tagudin | 03/27/2011 at 11:36 PM
Ok....so I'm crying....lol...somehow seeing "us" in type makes it "real", surreal...wow...we are all connected....I cannot wait for the day when it becomes clear, why this has brought us together and why.....my parents have always said one of the first words I spoke was "Why?".....so it is engrained(or learned) to my cellular level. Kathy, Thank you for capturing our gathering so simplistically however, completely!!!
Posted by: Cindy | 03/27/2011 at 11:48 PM
Wait a minute....where did you get gluten free corn chips????? lol!!!
Posted by: Cindy | 03/27/2011 at 11:52 PM
Thanks, Cindy.
You know what I love most about you???? You absolutely ooze sweetness and love. Seriously, I think it lives in your pores.
I'll never forget that you were the first person to welcome me on the message board and reach out (and I was REALLY needed it that night). With your help, I got I wasn't alone (especially since we could message back and forth at 3 in the morning..lol).
Can't wait to share more laughs and good times to come.
xoxo
Posted by: Kathy Tagudin | 03/27/2011 at 11:54 PM
Most tortilla chips are gluten free so I am HOPING that this was the case with these ones. :) If not, chalk it up to creative interpretation.
Posted by: Kathy Tagudin | 03/28/2011 at 12:02 AM
Awww, Kathy, that is a delightful compliment...thank you!!!! I am so pleased that we connected at a time you needed it most....funny how that happens...my philosophy is "there a no mistakes"!!!! And yes....we will share more and more laughs...I cannot talk or breath without laughing....hee, hee....It would be like telling me not to exist!!! :-)
Posted by: Cindy | 03/28/2011 at 05:38 PM