Life-threatening illnesses, like cancer and other diseases, change our life course. This poem is Part 1 of a series about my journey with disease.The plans I had laid out for my future were smashed up against a brick wall in 2023. The wall of a disease that has been building slowly within my body, unbeknown to me, for many years. I did not post poems during the months I was in hospital, receiving treatment and recuperating from my battle with a disease.

Many life-changing decisions can be made once disease interrupts our lives. Changes in relationships, career, physical ability, mental health, and faith to name a few. Some existing values and beliefs are strengthened, and some are weakened and fall away and replaced with new ones—some for the better, some for the worse. There are new challenges to face, such as memory pain that arises from the trauma. This is the one that stopped me in my tracks many times throughout my recovery.

I am in awe and praise of the doctors and nurses who have done amazing work to rescue me from the life-threatening claws of disease.

I wrote a series of poems throughout my journey, not to whinge, moan and groan 'Woe is me' but to describe how pain has become, and still is, my friend and my rescuer. Also, to share how this experience has strengthened me and taught me well-needed life lessons.This poem is the first of that series. I hope they bring you awareness, encouragement, and connection if you have also experienced a journey with a disease. Beverley Joy

You can read my poems at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simply Story Poetry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠simplystorypoetry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Thank you for listening.