Dear Caretaker,

Whether you are a mother, father, friend, significant other, you all have one thing in common, you have helped me through one of the darkest times. I know that it is not easy watching someone you love suffer from an illness that no one else sees, and I don’t say thank you enough.

For all the times where you have canceled your plans to help me through a “flare up” day. For the times where I have lashed out in pain at you. To the times where we were all expecting good news, but that never came. To the moments where you are left speechless when someone asks you why I am not around anymore. For all these times I want to thank you, for showing selfless love to me that shadows and emulates the love of Christ.

Thank you for showing me that I am not my illness, and that it is not my identity. Thank you for pointing out the sunshine at the end of the tunnel. Through what seem like little encouragements, and reminders, it helps me keep my focus on the positive things in life.

I know that sometimes I overreact at things I shouldn’t be, but yet underreact at the things that I go through, and it can be confusing. But thank you for pointing out gently how I should be reacting.

Thank you for standing beside me during my tiny victories that seem pointless to others. Thank you for standing beside me when I feel completely great. But most importantly, thank you for standing beside me in times of weakness.

When you do not understand how I am feeling, and question if you are truly helping me, know that you are a blessing. Know that you are an encourager to someone who is capable of doing big things. Know that you, yourself, are capable of big things. Know that you are the person who ushers in an atmosphere of hope into dark situations. Be aware that your generosity is far more than I could ever express with words. Know that you are worth more than gold.

Love,

An Overcomer of an Invisible Illness.