Brave

Well, here we go. 

This is my little girl attempt to make some small difference. A good, and I hope a beautiful and brave difference. 

Once upon a time, there was a young girl. She dreamed of great and strong adventures. She dreamed of exploring, singing, sharing, dancing and loving. She dreamed of being strong and brave. She was a little girl, but she had giant plans. One day, her body became very sick and weak. Pain began to plague her body. She was so determined to not let her illness take away her dreams. For years, she and her loved ones searched for a cure. They searched, pondered, prayed, learned, cried and grew. The little girl's heart was broken countless times, and she has cried countless tears because of her physical challenges. She still has a hurt heart because of her painful body, but has decided to feel hope everyday. One day, a doctor gave her a miracle. An answer to call her pain and illness. She also saw a path to take to fight it. This girl is determined to fight. This reminded her that her illness is real, very real and very hard, but it is also possible, and in it's own way, beautiful. Her dreams are still possible. She is still searching for relief, and she is still chasing her dreams and her light. And that is where the story leaves off for now. 

I'm still writing this story, because it's my own. :)

Hi. My name is Caitie Graves. When I was 15 years old I began to have chronic pain and illness. Seven years later, that illness remains. I have been diagnosed with chronic pain disorders called myofacsial pain syndrome and central sensitization disorder and a stomach condition called irritable bowel syndrome. Essentially, my muscles and joints are in aching pain every day when I wake up, from when I lay down to sleep. They are very debilitating and hurtful. Every step hurts. Despite this, I am very, very, very grateful for them. They teach me. They teach me how to be brave. While they are life long lasting conditions, they are teaching me to be chronically brave. They will teach me how to be brave my entire life. While they make me weak, through my God and my hope and my faith, I can be brave and strong.

Why start a blog? Because I want to share my story. I know that I am not alone. I know there are many, many others who have these and other "silent" and "quiet" chronic illnesses. These illnesses may sometimes be invisible to others, but they are real, hard, heart wrenching, dream shattering, life changing problems. I want this to be a place of hope for others who are suffering. I want to share with them, and I want them to share with me.

The truth is, there is hope, and there is light. It is my prayer that as I share my experiences dealing with chronic pain and illness, others can feel brave, even when they feel weak and scared. I am here to tell you that is possible. Happiness and peace are possible in a life of pain and illness. I know it. Please, share this blog if you or any of your friends and loved ones deal with any kind of chronic pain or illness. Even if you don't, I would love for you to join me in writing the rest of my story and hear about your story in return. 

My story may not change the world, but it will touch it.