Tag Archives: suffering

CFSAC Public Comment, January 2017

Posted on January 18, 2017 by Jennie Spotila

I prepared comments for the January 13, 2017 CFS Advisory Committee meeting, but when my time arrived I decided to wing it. Below is my best reconstruction of what I said, a mixture of my prepared and spontaneous remarks. Start … Continue reading →

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Another Reason to Stay

Posted on January 11, 2017 by Jennie Spotila

My Mom played the cello every day, even while enduring chemotherapy. Her last lesson was less than two months before she died. Mom loved the cello, but I never really understood her dedication. Even when I took piano lessons as … Continue reading →

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The Wall of Nope

Posted on December 7, 2016 by Jennie Spotila

I have reached a new low in life with ME. I call it: The Wall of Nope. The Wall of Nope is not a physical crash. It’s an inability to deal with obligations and necessary things. Here’s an example: I’m … Continue reading →

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Tasha

Posted on October 14, 2016 by Jennie Spotila

There are many beautiful, powerful images from the September 27th Millions Missing protests. My friend Tasha spoke at the #MillionsMissing New York City event, and I’m proud to share her comments with you here. Hi, my name is Tasha and … Continue reading →

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Still #MillionsMissing

Posted on September 27, 2016 by Jennie Spotila

Today is another, larger #MillionsMissing protest, and I am missing it. I miss a lot of things. One of the best things I ever did in my life was to drive cross country, camping in national parks. It changed my … Continue reading →

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Pretty Much the Worst

Posted on September 9, 2016 by Jennie Spotila

One of the worst things someone said to me recently about my disability was: With all the stuff you’re doing, you work just as hard as someone working full time. The charitable and loving way to interpret this statement is: … Continue reading →

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Brilliant Scientist Among the #MillionsMissing

Posted on May 25, 2016 by Jennie Spotila

My friend Barb opened a window into the extraordinary loss she has endured because of ME/CFS. Please read her powerful statement, and count her among the #MillionsMissing. If you want a tiny peek into what I live with every day, … Continue reading →

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I Am Among the #MillionsMissing

Posted on May 25, 2016 by Jennie Spotila

I miss hiking. Getting into the woods, to the enveloping strength of nature, was my favorite thing to do. I wanted to through-hike the Appalachian Trail. I miss more weddings, graduations, and funerals than I can count. I miss having … Continue reading →

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CFSAC Comments, Terri Wilder

Posted on May 18, 2016 by Jennie Spotila

Editor’s note: Terri Wilder made these remarks at the May 18, 2016 meeting of the CFS Advisory Committee. I’m pleased to publish her complete comments, with her permission. For new readers, ME refers to myalgic encephalomyelitis, a neuroimmune disease.  Good … Continue reading →

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Epic Eye Roll

Posted on April 2, 2016 by Jennie Spotila

I had a shocking experience at a doctor’s office yesterday. It was my first visit to his office for an issue unrelated to ME/CFS. After breezing into the room and making a sarcastic remark about the quality of doctors’ notes … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Commentary, Occupying | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 30 Comments