by Alexis Gomez (California, U.S.A.)
A graphic of a fern on a white background. Some of its’ leaves are blowing away in the wind. Below it is a dark triangle of dirt and roots, also blowing away.
This is your life now.
The burning and belly aches
instigated by none other than Crohn’s,
your forever counterpart.
The burning and belly aches,
the appointments, calls, meds, side effects.
Your forever counterparts are
memories of you in both sickness and health.
The appointments, calls, meds, side effects
force you to advocate for yourself like never before.
Memories of you in both sickness and health
remind you how quickly life can change.
You’re forced to advocate for yourself like never before but
it makes you stronger.
You’re reminded how quickly life can change,
how the world doesn’t pause when you need it to.
It makes you stronger–
the moments of grief and relief.
The world doesn’t pause when you need it to, but
you can savor times of joy and give yourself grace.
The moments of grief and relief
are ever-present with IBD.
You can savor times of joy and give yourself grace.
You deserve it because
this is your life now.