Tag Archives: crash

“I have cancer”

Posted on November 20, 2023 by Jennie Spotila

I told my husband last week, “It’s just as hard to tell people you have cancer as it is to find out you have cancer in the first place.” So, let me take a deep breath and say: I have … Continue reading →

Posted in Occupying | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 56 Comments

How You Doin’?

Posted on June 1, 2020 by Jennie Spotila

How are you in these quaran-times, my friends? My husband and I are doing everything possible to avoid infection because we know how scary COVID-19 can be. I have not left my house for anything except short walks in more … Continue reading →

Posted in Occupying | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Sacrifice

Posted on April 23, 2020 by Jennie Spotila

I’ve lost count of the number of masks I’ve sewn. More than sixty, at least. I was sewing even before the CDC recommended that everyone wear masks, because I knew that my husband and I needed them. When the official … Continue reading →

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Better Late Than Not At All

Posted on November 23, 2017 by Jennie Spotila

Last night, I was really struggling to come up with anything to be grateful for. I can’t say that no one in our family died this year. I can’t say my husband is getting closer to returning to work. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Occupying, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 16 Comments

Viral

Posted on February 28, 2014 by Jennie Spotila

I had it all under control. After coming down with a virus (mild flu?) in January, I got the message and seriously scaled back my activity. Joe Landson, Denise Lopez-Majano, and Claudia Goodell all came through for me in a … Continue reading →

Posted in Occupying | Tagged , , , , , , | 20 Comments

Guest Post: Frustration

Posted on February 17, 2014 by Jennie Spotila

I continue to struggle with the crash from hell, but Denise Lopez-Majano has graciously provided a guest post. Her thoughts on ME-frustration are right on target for me this week! As a caregiver for her two adult sons, Denise is … Continue reading →

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The Finger

Posted on February 3, 2014 by Jennie Spotila

Last week, my body gave me the finger. I can’t even say I didn’t deserve it. After more than 19 years, I still don’t always listen to my body and this makes her very, very angry with me. I’ve previously … Continue reading →

Posted in Occupying | Tagged , , , , , | 44 Comments

I Thank You

Posted on May 2, 2013 by Jennie Spotila

When I uploaded my Crash Day 3 video on Monday, I was scared. In fact, I almost didn’t do it. I can’t control the fact that I have crashes, but I can control who sees me that way. Like most … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Occupying | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

What a Crash Looks Like

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Jennie Spotila

On the suggestion of my friend Claudia, I recorded a video of myself on the third day after the FDA Drug Development Workshop on ME and CFS. I had to swallow my pride to do this. Even some members of … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary, Occupying | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 31 Comments

Imperfect

Posted on September 7, 2012 by Jennie Spotila

I’ve had a craptastic week. Three crash days, including one that involved a three hour “nap.” I don’t understand what triggered these crash days, but I never do. Usually, crash days take me by surprise because whatever activity I’ve been … Continue reading →

Posted in Occupying | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments