31 Oct What It Means to be Human

In the Serious Illness Program support groups, participants share their stories. In addition to their stories, they also share questions, resources, and feelings, as well as things that bring them joy, connection, and meaning. It is my hope to feature writing, poetry, and art that offers a glimpse into the experience of living with a serious illness that may or may not be terminal.

I have the honor of spending time creating the space for the support groups to happen and also to be part of the sharing and connecting that goes on. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to be brought into this liminal space, where denial has been left behind, and the very core of what it means to be human is celebrated. By sharing their work, the SIP participants offer that gift to you as well. ~Eileen Glover, Serious Illness Program Coordinator

Together in Serious Illness
For years,  
My body has been lingering in this ending stage.
This continued pain is a conduit
for growing in healing towards authenticity. 
There is a deeper type of living with pain
pushing toward mortality.

My body and spirit has been under siege. 
Now I am being freed. 
The Light has increased.

Love centers in myself now. 
I love me more now, accepting
all of the pained and the glorious self.  
This love connects me to others like osmosis.

We share this pain,  
I am more real now.  
I admit, sometimes desperately, “It hurts”.
I tenderly love my body
even as it corrodes the bowel,
Blocks my basic living.

And I am healed..
with you and I together.
And in healed spirits 
we hold hands with the pained world.

-Anonymous SIP Participant