
Photo by Min An on Pexels.com
true love is not easy, in fact it is down right hard.
loving someone when everything is going well is easy, so easy it makes me laugh.
real love is when you stick around for the hard stuff.
the real hard stuff isn’t financial troubles or family squabbles…..
if you are physically well, you can work two jobs, it might be hard but, if you are healthy it is doable.
family issues can be worked out if you have the health to endure them or capable to physically pick yourself up and move.
but illness………it shakes you to the core. lives are transformed in an instant, roles change, individuals get lost in the symptoms leaving the caretaker to fed for themselves in a sea of uncertainty.
only with true love do you have the freedom to heal.
Today, may you experience a sense of healing, no matter how small.
Unauthorised use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.
~ wendi, under the pen name Charlie, is the author of Frugal Seeds: 501 Ways to Make, Save, or Stretch a Dollar.
How well you have described the difficulty of loving in hard times and in ill health. Beautiful poem
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Bless you Sadje, you kind and and thoughtful comment is extremely appreciated………
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You’re welcome 😊
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beautiful words…very true…very honest…but very hopeful…xxxx
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thank you so very much…..it is one of those days. bless you for taking time to stop by and visit, I really appreciate it. 🙂
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Thank you Wendi, this is lovely!
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Bless you Eddie 🙂 Thank you so very much for stopping by.
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Beautifully written. My wife and I have been through this and it does take a special, selfless commitment.
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thank you so very much for your kind words and insightful comment…………yes, it really does take a special commitment. bless you for stopping by and taking the time to comment, it is deeply appreciated.
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🙂
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I know somewhat of your pain. Unlike a relationship of any type, you can’t walk away from health issues. They follow you because they are a part of you. Many times I’ve found myself in your predicament. High blood pressure has been a long fought battle. A-fib is a more disturbing issue, but anxiety attacks are the ultimate issue I’ve had to face. I wanted to run away, but my inner self asked me why, so I had to fight that battle directly in my face. It creates a whole new perspective of life ahead of you. Forgive me. I’m a long-winded sort. When I feel the pain of someone, I feel to reach out and give hope away. I sense there is hope in you. Bring it to the forefront and make that your display not only to the world but for yourself. There had been speculation as to what the Apostle Paul’s thorn in his flesh was. Some say it was a chronic disease. Some say otherwise. No matter though. He suffered something that he wanted to be removed, but God saw different and yet he wrote most of the books of the New Testament. You said you’re not a writer, yet you convey your thoughts well. Continue on.
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Thank you so very much Jim for taking the time to read my post with your heart and soul. I am so very sorry that you know the pain and discomfort of chronic illness and I have said a prayer for you and yours.
Thank you for your encouraging words……..you have no idea how deeply I appreciate them. May God bless you as you bless others………
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What a beautiful poem Wendi dear.<3
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Bless you Laleh!
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<3<3<3
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This is so true ………love is about togetherness….. about loving someone with heart and soul ……. about being with each other in illness and health………🤗❤️
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yes, true love really is all the beautiful things you listed Sakshi. thank you so very much for stopping by and commenting, it is deeply appreciated!
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My pleasure Wendi 😊❤️
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Bless you!
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🙏🙏🙏 heaps of strength to you
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Amen! My wife has been an incredible blessing through all my suffering with Celiac. She is filled with the love of the Lord and I am forever grateful! God bless!
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So thrilled to read this Ryan…………what a blessing it is to have someone who cares about you in your corner! May God bless both of you.
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Blessing dear Wendi. xoxo
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Thank you so very much! I deeply appreciate all blessings! 🙂
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What a beautiful read. They say the hardest of the times defines the roots of a relationship. Enjoyed reading it.
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such profound words Shantanu, thank you so very much for your kindness and thoughtfulness.
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My absolute pleasure, Wendi. Always a pleasure to read your work
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Bless You!
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To you as well my dear friend
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🙂 thank you 🙂
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😊🌸
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This is so beautiful and insightful Wendi. As you said, it’s easy to love when things are easy, but real love “sticks around through the hard times” and “gives us the freedom to heal.” Blessings to you sweet friend!
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Ah Terri……..your kind words mean so very much to me……..deepest thanks for taking the time to stop by and visit! bless you.
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Healing of the spitual heart is thru Christ Jesus Thru Grace(given freely) is all incompassing Love. Never limited or lost. With this healing, understanding of physical healing can be dealt with. Our God can and will take care of everything. Ty :))
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Thank you so very much for leaving such a beautifully thoughtful response. It is greatly appreciated.
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:))
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Dear Wendi, your words here ring so true, yes living with chronic illness is bad enough for the person living with it.. But when that family unit gets really tested is when others have to live with those who are suffering from it.. That requires TRUE love..
I have been fortunate in that I was supported throughout by my true love.. 🙂 and understood by those I love..
Good to see you Wendi, sending continued well wishes my friend..
Love and Blessings ❤
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Oh Sue……it is such a pleasure to read your kind, thoughtful and uplifting words! I am thrilled to know that such a lovely person, as yourself, was loved as she should be! This makes my heart sing!
I haven’t been around for several weeks so it is good to be back. Bless you my friend. 🙂
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Sending my healing well wishes your way Wendi… Know I am thinking of you. ❤
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bless YOU………and many, many thanks!
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So true. We know that Death walks at our shoulders but don’t really believe it until a threat to mortality, to life as we know it shows up at our door. Love is always and everywhere but harder to find when I feel life shouldn’t be the way it is, it should be the way it was. Having lost my beloved of almost fifty years, one year ago on Valentine;as Day, now it is my work to open to that love coming in from many channels and not just from the station I was intimately tuned into. How sweet to discover more every day. Working at it. Judi B.
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Judi………such powerful words you have blessed me with in your comments and I want to thank you. I am deeply sorry to read of the loss of your beloved, I cannot imagine your pain. I can feel your deep love for him in your words……thank you for sharing.
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Wise words. 🌸 Chronic illness brings down around 83% of relationships…something like that. It’s staggering. It takes everything out of everyone, until there’s nothing left for anyone. It’s absolutely lovely to see spouses out there still adding special touches to their partners day, even after years and years of illness. The only explanation is love. Thank you for sharing this with us. 💕
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It is so good to “see” you today as you have been on my mind these last few weeks.
You are so right…….it can lead to nothing left for anyone………your words hit my soul as such truth. Thank you so very much for taking the time to visit and comment……..I deeply appreciate it!
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Thoughtful post. 🙂
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thank you so very much……..
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I really enjoy your blog and appreciate you. 🙂
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Ahhh…..thank you so very much, I am truly humbled. May your day bring you smiles 🙂 as you have brought one to me!
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Thank you, my friend. Such a lovely message, and wise!
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Bless you Nika!
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Yes ma’am. It’s those hard times that prove true love!
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🙂 you are so very right. thank you for taking time to stop by and leave a comment. it is deeply appreciated.
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You’re welcome!
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Bless you! 🙂
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It’s a daily journey, I know it well. Nicely said, Wendi.
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Yes, you are so right Warren, it is a daily journey. Thank you for the kind words.
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You’re welcome!
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God bless you!
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Enjoyed reading this and it resonated with me. When first diagnosed I didn’t believe my husband would stick around and stay with the new me (I didn’t like myself much and the new life thrust on me). However ten years on and we are better now than ever. I had to learn not to push him away while he was only trying to help. Trusting and loving has lessened my anxiety about my illness and I can open up and be truthful, allowing us to both have the love and support, and that in itself has helped us find ways forward to help with the chronic pain and fatigue. Another lovely piece of writing. Hope you are well x
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Oh I am so very happy to read that your marriage has and continues to weather the storm and you have learned to trust the process. Bless you for sharing this with me (and others 🙂 ) as it gives hope.
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I’m thinking of you this morning, dear Wendi. ❤️🙏❤️
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thank you so very much……….I deeply appreciate your kindness 🙂
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Glad to see you posting again, Wendi!
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Hi Ken, thank you so very much for your kind words……..yes, it has been a few weeks. Thank you so very much for stopping by, I really appreciate it. 🙂
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As you had been quiet for a while I was concerned in case it might be due to illness. So felt reassured to see you back.
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God bless you Ken. I appreciate you thinking of me.
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My dear sweet friend Wendi, this was so beautiful!! The messages you send are nothing short of brilliant!!
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Oh Alyssa, thank you for always being so very kind and encouraging. I deeply appreciate it. 🙂
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I do wish there was more I could do for you. Always remember I am just an email away! Lots of love!!
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you are so kind………..your friendship is a gift, thank you.
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sadly seen it too often and no doubt you speak from personal experience … we must all support one another the best way we can 🙂
Love is Action, not words …
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such beautifully true words Kate…….yes love is an action word. bless you for taking time to stop by and comment, I deeply appreciate it.
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always a pleasure I assure you Wendi 🙂
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Bless you Kate 🙂
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You speak from a place that you know very well, and those of us who are also caregivers know what it means to give and receive true love, for it is the wellspring of life that nourishes our souls.
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so beautifully worded…………thank you so very much for taking the time to stop by and comment, I deeply appreciate it!
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What a beautiful post, Wendi! my dear friend, I have nominated you for the February: What’s On Your Heart Tag. Please don’t feel pressured to do this, or hurry if you do. Just sending a little of God’s love your way. God loves you!
https://gaillovesgod.blog/2019/02/23/february-whats-on-your-heart-tag-2-23-19/
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Oh Gail, thank you so very much for all of your kind words and encouragement. I deeply appreciate all the love to bring!
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❤ God is so good!
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amen!
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This is so true and beautifully written Wendi! Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you and your family now and always! 🙏🤗
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ahhh….thank you so very much Christy! I am humbled and thankful for your kind words. God bless you too!
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How perfectly true your words are, Wendi. When illness strikes the entire family structure is shaken and sometimes smashed. True Love is tough when the going gets tough. Been there time and time again. Yet the benefits one reaps when that one sticks it out through those tough times …. Life-changing!!! Awesome post! Thank you! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
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AmyRose, I am humbled and thankful for your kind words. I am sorry you could personally understand my post, but i appreciate your encouragement. Bless you!
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Bless you in turn for your empathy. Neither one of us has chosen an easy Path. (((HUGS)))!!!
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ahhh…..thank you. no we really haven’t.
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This is so true Wendi. Your true support system only comes to rescue and you get to know your real friends and family when you are sick and down and out.
A very moving poem.
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Thank you so very much Megha for taking the time to feel the words I wrote. I deeply appreciate your time and humbled by your words. Bless you.
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My pleasure Wendi.
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Oh Wendi how beautiful! You have summed up the depth of true love perfectly and sincerely 🥰 XX
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thank you so very much for your generously kind words……….i appreciate it.
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Gorgeous words about unconditional love, Wendi!
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ahhh………bless you Christy for taking the time to stop by and leave such a kind and generous comment. I deeply appreciate it.
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You have a beautiful spirit, Wendi!
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ahhhh………….thank you so very much for your kindness, I am truly humbled by your words! Bless you.
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So true. I knew my husband loved me but it was only when he walked with me through a tough battle with cancer did I discover how deep and faithful his love was.
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I am thrilled to read that he was faithful and helpful during your tough battle. Stories like this make me so happy to read.
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So beautifully written. True Love goes beyond the surface, it weathers the storm, endures the test & trials, takes on the pain. The will stand with despite anything.
Yonnie💜
InHisCare🙏
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wow………..so beautifully stated. Thank you so very much for taking the time to leave such a lovely comment. Bless you.
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My pleasure indeed!
Humbled and totally honored! You are most kind.
Yonnie🤗🌸
InHisCare🙏
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it is truly my pleasure…….may your day bring you smiles Yonnie 🙂
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Indeed…Thanks for the kind words…May you have the same
🙏🤗💜
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🙂
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🤗🌸💜🙏
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That is where so many relationships go wrong. So many couples quit when things go sour instead of sticking things out and healing together.
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you are absolutely correct……..the hard part of life is, well, just plain difficult and there are too many selfish people in this world.
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Wendi, your wirds are just so very true. When chrinic and se ere illness hits you, your life is just totally turned around. And I totally agree with what you say about the Caregiver. My husband bears the brunt of everything, and he is not healthy himself. We manage alone. Our love has stood the test. But it is hard. Really hard, sometimes I hear other people moaning about their problems, which are minor really, and I feel very upset. I shouldn’t but I do. All that you say Wendi is so true. Much love to you x
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Thank you so very much for your kind and understanding comments. Yes, chronic illnesses turn your world and all of those around you completely upside down and it never really uprights itself. I have no idea how you and your husband deal with all that is on your plates but I am thrilled to know that your love has stood the test of time. It makes my heart fill with joy to read and hear happy stories like this.
I agree, it is difficult when you struggle each day to live a semblance of a normal life to hear people whine about completely insignificant things. Bless you and yous!
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Thankyou so much Wendi. We will have been married for 50 years in September, and we have gone through a LOT of illness together. I think we stoid the test of time lol. We are not slushy, but the love is tbere, so strong. God bless you Wendi. Xx
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that is so completely awesome. you should write a post on love………..50 years, you know what it takes to keep a marriage together under difficult circumstances. i am sure you have a lot of valuable insights you could share!
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Lol we can have rows as well though. But it makes for growth having s row lol
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yes, rows are just a part of growing as a couple 🙂 but I am sure you have so much wisdom to share!
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I might take you up on that idea of writing a post about love Wendi. Thankyou for the idea. Bless you
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I will be looking forward to it! God bless you and your beloved.
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Xx
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So Beautiful… And it is absolutely true
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Bless you for your kind words………
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You wake in the morning and take an accounting of your condition for the day. Perhaps you can do some work. If you are in too much pain, you understand it. It is the inability to recover from the most mundane tasks the body lacks. “It’s because I did to much yesterday.”
For some people, that is their growth pattern. It doesn’t change the soul, the part that other people love.
There is something mitochondrial that is plaguing our people….and there are too many contributors to say it is any one thing.
I hope you and yours are managing your pain(s) well. Hopefully there is still joy.
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Mark, bless you for stopping by and leaving such a beautiful comment, I am truly humbled. I hope my soul has remained in tacked after all these years……….I work hard at it.
May your day bring you smiles. 🙂
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I read up on your conditions and it must be very difficult. My wife has been battling the CF/Fibromyalgia spectrum of autoimmune inflammation and we all see how it takes a toll on one’s body (and spirit sometimes).
Peace to you
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Thank you so very much Mark for your kind words. Yes, it is difficult, and some days are better than others. After so long it does take a toll on you mentally, physically and spiritually. I am so very sorry to read that your wife is struggling too. I am sure it is very difficult to watch your beloved suffer. Blessings to both of you.
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Wendi, this is so true! Love endures all. It never fails! This post reminded of the vows that my husband and I took over 24 years ago…for better or worse, in sickness in health…in the good times and the bad! Love endures…
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Thank you so very much Renee for not only taking time to visit but for also leaving such a precious comment, I deeply appreciate it. Yes, true love is such a beautiful thing and can sustain us through difficult times. 🙂 May your day bring you smiles.
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I’m smiling, as we speak! 😄🌷
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YAY! 🙂 🙂 🙂
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