This week has been a truly humbling experience for me. And it has helped me to understand my mom and a lot of people in my life more deeply than I ever could have. 

Yes, I have an autoimmune disease or two. As annoying as they are, unless I’m having a pretty bad flair up, they are not debilitating. This colitis thing…it makes my flair ups seem like a walk in the park. 

The exhaustion from a major organ being inflamed and infected is no joke. A short trip to BJ’s…or to the ATM…that’s enough to take me out for 12 hours. I have to pace myself in a way that I never have before. I mean…I’m no ball of fire 🔥 but now I have to choose how to spend my energy even more precisely than before. 

¿Dondè esta el baño, por favor? I have to re-learn what I can and can’t eat and drink. Today, I learned that diner food and coffee are on the banned list. I don’t know why that’s shocking…lol…but I won’t be testing those waters again. I can also tell you where the bathroom is anywhere in Philly. Who knew that would be in my wheelhouse? 

I have also learned that I need my tribe. We’re a motley crew…but even I need support. I’ve cried a lot. I’ve snipped a lot. Man have I issued a lot of apologies. I’ve also learned that until you walk in someone’s shoes, you truly don’t know what they’re feeling. 

So…for all of the times I got frustrated with you mom, for being tired and cranky because you don’t feel well…I am sorry from the bottom of my heart. 

Until next time…God bless you!