I See You, Chronic Illness Fighter

I see you, pushing yourself, day after day, to get up and out of bed, fighting through the tears. I see you slowly crawling your way to the bathroom to get yourself to the next room. I see your smile, the one you muster up in front of family and friends, saying you’re fine, looking at the clock and just wanting to go home. I see you cancelling plans with friends, a night out with your significant other, again, while buckled over in pain on the floor. I see you, warrior.

I see you. I see you trying to pay bills, still living at home and trying to take things one day at a time. I see you get frustrated, repeatedly asking your doctor, “Is there anything else you can do?” I see you breaking in your car, screaming, “I can’t keep living like this.” I see you, fighter. I see you.

I see you, making an effort, going to holiday gatherings and listening to everyone say how great you look, that you must be doing so well. I see you trying to hold a conversation, trying to seem like you are enjoying yourself, even though you’re in such terrible pain. I see you posing for pictures, smiling, trying your hardest to appear fine. I see you. I see you, warrior.

I see you working, going to school, juggling a family. I see you closing yourself in the bathroom, tears streaming down your face, taking your medication and telling yourself, “You can do this, you can get through another day.” I see you going back to your desk, to your classroom, to pick up your child, wiping away your tears and putting on a smile. I see you. I see you, fighter.

I see you. I see you fighting, every single day. Each and every one of you. Trying to hang on, to get through another day. You are not alone, we will get through this fight, together. Your illness may be invisible, but I assure you, you are not. I see you. I see you, warrior.