Everyday as I read post on Facebook, read messages on Inspire, read other's blogs, and read "tweets" I am reminded of how many unique, compassionate, and strong people I truly know. The majority of these brave warriors I have never met in person, and most likely never will. However, our connections, our discussions, our prayers, our tears, our frustrations, our support for each other is so much greater and more in-depth than with our other "in-person" friends. It doesn't matter if they have Gastroparesis, Crohn's , Colitis, or some other chronic digestive disorder, we truly understand each other. And understanding is sometimes all that we desire. These connections, these friendships, are more meaningful than most even realize. We can truly "see" each other's invisible battles and help each other fight through them. We don't have to hide. We don't have to put on a mask. We don't have to pretend to be feeling well. We don't have to pretend to have control over our condition. We can be "real" again. We can openly share our troubles and gain strength from others while at the same time giving hope to one another. We can be honest about what is bothering us (medically, physically, emotionally, etc) because we know someone is truly listening, someone that can relate. We can cry and laugh together over situations that others can't even imagine. We can share and receive the best possible advice. We can work together to bring awareness publicly. I never truly grasped this until recently. As a part of our advocacy group (Gastroparesis: Fighting for Change) we started sharing our stories via email, letters, and openly on the internet. (Yes, this frightened me more than anyone will ever know.) I knew it was for a great cause. I admit the public, including medical providers and researchers, needs to be aware of Gastroparesis, so hesitantly I began sharing my story. Now most, especially those that are not affected, are probably sick and tired of reading my post. But that's alright. What I didn't know was how much it would help me and others like me. Melissa and her idea of this advocacy group found me at a point when I was in despair. I had begun giving up hope. I was depressed and felt alone in my suffering. I knew my family wanted to understand, they just couldn't. I knew my family wanted to help me, they just couldn't. And knowing how helpless they felt just made me feel more helpless and alone. That's when I was asked to join the newly forming advocacy group, which at that point had no name. I was weary and skeptical, but at that point figured why not? Now, just a few months later, I see the blessing. I see the rainbow in my darkest storm. God has set me on a path, which I am trying my best to understand and follow. Being a part of the advocacy group led me to sharing my inner most battles with Gastroparesis for anybody in the world to read. At first, there was too much fear for me to grasp. But now, I am enlightened. I am empowered. I am a peace. Yes, I still have my struggles with Gastroparesis. Yes, I still feel awful. I am nauseous and fatigued to levels that only other GPers can understand. Yes, I hurt. Yes, I still want to eat but instead am struggling to receive adequate nutrition in my feeding tube. But you know what - that's ok! We all have our battles and we will eventually overcome them. I may not have all the answers. I may not like my options. But I can't sit back and drown in misery over the unknowns or the things that are out of my control. I have to do my best to "live", however it may be, until new treatments become available. I will not let Gastroparesis win, and neither should you. I hear constantly how strong I am and how I am a ray of hope. I hear about how stories like mine and other GP friends have helped inspire others. I have received messages about how reading my story provided strength at a time when they were considering ending their life. I have been told that reading about the faith I have has improved their faith. That if I can still stand strong after what I've been through, then so can they. You know what? My strength has not come solely from within. I have gained a lot of strength from God. What's ironic is the same people, people surviving with Gastroparesis and other invisible illnesses, are the ones that inspire me. You are the ones who provide me strength with your posts and stories. You are the ones whose struggles, push me to fight even harder for awareness. I am not strong alone. I am just as weak, torn, and frustrated as many of you. But we have to stick together. As a team, we are no longer alone! As a team, we can help each other up! As a team, we can fight for a cure! As a team, we can win! Quitting is not an option! If you feel weak, reach out and we'll catch you! We will not let you fall. Just reach out, please. You're a warrior! Keep up the great fight! `
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Trisha,
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Trisha Bundy
6/11/2015 08:46:22 am
Thank you for your kind words, Deb. I would not be here today, if it were not for Melissa, you, and a few other members of our GP group. God has a plan set forth and HE has definitely connected me with some amazing people to take this journey with.
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Thank you Trisha I feel very honored to be in our small passionate group of dedicated workers for the greater good of our community and more importantly future generations.,,, like our children and their children! May they never travel these paths we have cleared and toiled before them ! Thank you for being a friend, teacher, and inspriration on our Gastroparesis Fighting for Change with Ms Melissa!
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Trisha BundyA proud mother, educator, Gastroparesis & GI Motility Disorder Advocate, Like my content? Want to thank me with a small token of appreciation? https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1LH7R639ORBML?ref_=wl_share
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