Member Voices
A look at life with chronic illness — the realities, the insights, the creativity, and the little glimmers that make a difference. Written by our members, in their own words and in their own way. If you would like to contribute to Members’ Voices, please contact [email protected].
“The Trying Place” – A Poem by Phil
You’re trying. Of course you are. That’s what you’ve always done. Trying to feel better. Trying to be present. Trying to do it right. Trying not to try too hard. (That one’s tricky.) You carry so much hope in your effort. But maybe it’s time to rest the effort, too....
Severe ME/CFS – Writing by Raquel E. Parackal
ME/CFS is the merciless unravelling of your humanity — where even the simplest acts, like speaking, sitting up, or thinking, become impossible mountains to climb. In its severe form, it traps you in darkened rooms, silences your voice, and steals the very sensations...
”Meeting Fear” A Poem by Phil
The fear came—that’s what fear does sometimes.It arrived like weather—uninvited, real. It wasn’t mine to control.But how I met it—that was mine. So I paused. Yes, I flinched at first.Old habits stirred.But then I remembered—I could choose to stay. I didn’t need the...
Everything I learned I learned from books
Some of you may know, because I harp on about it constantly, that I’m a big fan of science fiction author Becky Chambers. In particular, A Psalm for the Wild-Built holds a special place in my heart, because it helped me through some tough times, and I thought I might...
Poem – The Path Forward is not Back
By Phil Jones There comes a moment on the healing pathwhen we realize —we're not going backto who we werebefore the crash, the illness, the unraveling. And maybe… we're not meant to. Because who we werewas often surviving on momentum,living with our foot pressed to...
My Story of Parenting with Long COVID
This is my story of being a dad to two young kids while having long COVID. It's a thank you to my wife, and to the many people who have helped us. Also, it's sharing some thoughts on the things that got us through. I’ve had long COVID for two and a half years now. In...
Hero’s journey
By PhilLife’s journey can often feel like a winding path filled with unexpected twists and turns. For those navigating the challenges of chronic illness, this journey can resemble a hero’s quest—one filled with trials, lessons, and ultimately, profound transformation....
When Good Things Are Scary
by Rebecca Erlewein I recently had an easy appointment with my extremely gentle dental hygienist, and it threw me completely off balance. Not because it was terrible, but because it wasn't. For the first time in my life, my body and mind remained relaxed while someone...
Speaking Up as a Chronic Pain Sufferer
Written by Amanda - A CCI Support Member
Tracey’s Journey of Self-Discovery
Many of you know that I have been supporting the ME / CFS / FM community for nearly 10 years now and I think it is fair to say that I know a little bit about how to live with these complex conditions we support. However, this year, I have learned the difference between knowing something at an academic level and knowing something through a lived experience.
