6 'Faces' of My Support System Who Are Always There For Me

Aside from a team of doctors, specialists and psychologists, the most crucial aspect to surviving any type of illness is a good, unwavering support system. A person with a chronic illness may need a group of individuals with a wide range of characteristics and qualities that you can depend on during your times of need.

Here are the six most important faces in my support system:

1. The Shoulder to Cry On

They are your shoulder to cry on, even if sometimes that means answering the phone to listen to you cry so you don’t feel all alone. The one that holds your hand during painful procedures and sits in the waiting rooms at every doctor appointment to make sure you know they’re here for you. They’re the person who texts you at least five times a day, so you never feel forgotten. They’re also the one who sleeps with their phone on their pillow, just in case you have a bad night. And because I don’t always show it, here’s a special shout out to my mom for being my number one support person.

2. The Pep Talker

The person you turn to when you’re having the “poor me’s” and know it’s time to stop feeling sorry for yourself. Or when you just need a good pep talk and to feel strong and brave. The one who may not always grasp what you’re going through, but they will never stop trying to understand. They’re the person who will be there to lift you up when you feel like you’ve lost the strength to stand on your own.

3. The One With The Best Advice

The one who might as well be a mental health professional (or maybe even is) because they give the best advice. They somehow always manage to make you feel less stressed or overwhelmed, every time you talk. They’re the one who really gets you on a different level than everyone else and would never ever judge you. They’re at their best when you’re being true to you.

4. The Second Mom

They are there for you in a heartbeat. They sub in when your mom can’t make it to something important, and they are almost as proud and excited as your real mom during your happy moments.

5. The One Who Makes You Smile

There’s that person who can always make you smile, even at the worst of times. They seem to always know just the right thing to say or do. They love you unconditionally, despite having truly seen you at your worst.

6. The One You Relate To

The person you can relate to because they are either going through something similar or have gone through something similar in the past. They’re the one you can share your most irritating complaints with, or laugh with while swapping war stories.

And most importantly, they are the one who makes you feel loved and cherished, and they will always be there for you no matter what.

To the many faces in my support system, thank you. You each hold a very special place in my heart.