“I turned to Instagram. Right before my eyes was a ready-made group of soulmates. Women who advocate with such ferocity for their children, who live on 3 hours of sleep, who know reference numbers and caloric values and fio2 conversions off the top of their heads. My people.”
‘As a bereaved mother of a medically-fragile, premature twin, I can finally say I’ve met my ‘people.’ And the funny thing is, I’ve never actually met any of them.’: Mom thanks ‘Insta-Village’ for ‘being my source of strength’
Teen Bullying Victim Turns Pain Into Purpose, Donates 600 Handmade Blankets To People In Need
“I was told I don’t matter. When I saw their smiles, I immediately forgot about the rest of the world around me, because the only thing that mattered was making that person feel loved.”
I Gave Birth To Twins, And Both Have Autism
“I started noticing red flags. The pediatrician reassured me, ‘They’re twins, it’s expected! They just take longer to learn skills.’ I took my concerns to Google, and all the ‘bad things’ and ‘never will be able’ sentences popped up.”
‘When I think back to 2020, I’ll remember the anxiety and fear. But I’ll also remember the camaraderie of my coworkers and time spent with family.’: Nurse pens goodbye to 2020
“With every dark memory, there is light too. When masks and food were left at my doorstep. The way my sister never failed to include us in her grocery trips. The way our teachers persevered. There’s a silver lining to take away from it all.“
‘We’re the only American family on the block. ‘Dear Neighbors, we’d be happy to see you tonight.’ They took the time to include us.’: Military family finds community during deployment, urges ‘make others feel welcome’
“We air-toasted our warm drinks in one another’s direction and voiced pleasantries across the cobblestones. The soft notes of Christmas music played through those open windows. You have no idea the impact even the smallest gesture can make.”
‘All I have to do is lose weight, and I’ll be happy forever.’ I had no idea what I was getting into. I wasn’t strong enough to live this way.’: Woman recovers from eating disorder, ‘It’s a battle’
“I knew I had a purpose. I knew it extended far beyond eating salads and running on the treadmill, and I just had to find it. It was the small bites of chocolate, the rest days, the drinking a fruity drink and not thinking about what was in it, and the freedom of knowing my eating disorder did not have me wrapped around its finger anymore.”
‘I’m not disabled! That doesn’t apply to me.’ I was the only one who couldn’t see how ill I truly was. I don’t know how I’m still standing.’: Chronic illness warrior urges ‘you are SO worthy’
“I felt like I had the flu most days. I could never get warm, and I was getting severe migraines. I saw every specialist imaginable. I ended up housebound and bedridden.”
‘You have lesions in your eye.’ I ran out, crying hysterically. I thought I was going to die.’: Woman with Multiple Sclerosis advocates for invisible illnesses, ‘Be proud of who you are’
“I told my boyfriend to wait in the car. ‘I just need some eye drops.’ My vision was off. ‘We need to send you for an MRI.’ I stood there, thinking, ‘Am I dreaming?’ I was going blind in my left eye.”
‘Your baby has a funny eye.’ I looked down and saw it. The folded ear and almond-shaped eyes. The world froze.’: Woman advocates for special needs moms, ‘Our path is unique’
“Our daily lives have an element of ‘extra.’ Extra appointments, extra judgment, extra advocating, extra support. It also comes with extra love.”
‘Maybe this isn’t going to happen for us.’ We prepared for bad news. Then the doctor yelled, ‘There’s two!’: Couple welcomes rainbow twins after infertility journey, ‘I’m still in awe’
“We went through one more round, knowing this would be it. The doctor came out to the waiting room and our hearts dropped. Instead, she said, ‘I hope you’re ready for twins.’”
