In an effort to emphasize that we ALL come with a little extra baggage, I’ve encouraged friends and family to open up about their own stories. If I can talk about shitting my pants in a grocery store, I believe others can share what weight they carry and how their baggage impacts their daily lives. I don’t mean for this blog to be a platform for burden or heartache but rather adversity, perseverance and honesty. And in doing so, we may build further, stronger and broader connections with one another through empathy and kindness. Let’s be open to hearing others’ stories and also build each other up with encouragement to share those stories with confidence. Your baggage is what makes you who you are, and by sharing it we can develop a community of understanding and compassion.
So I’d like to introduce Sara: My best friend. My person. I’ve mentioned her several times throughout my own postings considering she’s been there for me throughout my UC journey. But now it’s time to share her story, as she struggles with an incredibly rare and debilitating disease of her own. I’ve witnessed first hand her tribulations and she too offers a story of hardship dealing with chronic illness. I’ve offered my site as an outlet for her to share what her baggage is, in hopes of helping her connect with others who may also face similar challenges, but also to remind my own readers that “baggage” does not always mean an ostomy pouch.
Continue reading “A Hard Pill To Swallow”
IBD Baggage Claim 