Tag Archives: family

Lessons From My Mother

Posted on January 21, 2026 by Jennie Spotila

Eleven years ago today, my mother died. I can’t believe it’s been that long. Ten years ago, I wrote a list in my journal of some of the things she taught me. It was a brain dump, an attempt to … Continue reading →

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Getting Through the Holidays with ME

Posted on December 15, 2025 by Jennie Spotila

My dad saw me addressing holiday cards a few days after Thanksgiving. “You’re SO organized!” he said, half admiringly and half chidingly. Law school accentuated my natural tendency to be organized, but ME made it more intense. “I HAVE to … Continue reading →

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Enough

Posted on December 22, 2023 by Jennie Spotila

I’ve been waiting until I felt well enough to post about my breast cancer surgery and recovery, about the treatment I will begin in January. I have words to say about experiencing the healthcare system as a person with cancer … Continue reading →

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Ed Yong Made Me Cry

Posted on September 17, 2023 by Jennie Spotila

There I was, reading Ed Yong’s latest newsletter, and wondering if I had the energy to go downstairs for a cup of coffee. Near the end, Yong listed his upcoming appearances along with an invitation: Come say hi; please wear … Continue reading →

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How to Avoid Covid

Posted on October 9, 2022 by Jennie Spotila

For the first time in three weeks, I live in a Covid-free house. Day 0: My husband was the first to get sick. He woke up with severe congestion and a headache, but tested negative for Covid on an antigen … Continue reading →

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Community Gratitude

Posted on November 25, 2021 by Jennie Spotila

Talking about gratitude on Thanksgiving Day (in the U.S.) is cliche, I know. But I have to chime in because this year, I am feeling overwhelming gratitude for my communities. I have been blessed in my family and friends for … Continue reading →

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Do We Ever Stop Counting?

Posted on October 6, 2021 by Jennie Spotila

I have been sick for twenty-seven years, today. My sickaversary gives rise to different feelings every year. Burdened. Triumphant. Heartsick. Contented. Marking the day, here with you or on my own, feels important. October 6th is the day my life … Continue reading →

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#MillionsMissing Book Review: A Still Life

Posted on May 12, 2021 by Jennie Spotila

Today is #MillionsMissing, a day to raise awareness and make people with ME visible to the world. As part of the event, people with ME are sharing their stories on social media but instead of sharing mine I’m going to … Continue reading →

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Vax Me

Posted on February 2, 2021 by Jennie Spotila

There is nothing I want more than to be vaccinated against COVID-19. I know many people in the chronic illness community, particularly people with ME and/or mast cell activation syndrome, are apprehensive about the COVID-19 vaccines. I feel the opposite: … Continue reading →

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Darkness and Light

Posted on December 21, 2020 by Jennie Spotila

Today is the winter solstice, the longest night of the year. It’s a time of darkness in a hard winter, but also a time of light as the sun begins to return. Perhaps it is fitting that I face the … Continue reading →

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