V.J. from One Woman’s Quest II has nominated me for the Chronically Hopeful Award, created by Pamela from There is Always Hope.

I am so honored V.J. thought of me for the award.  Since meeting V.J. here, on WordPress, I have admired her strength, even in the face of adversity.  Being chronically ill is no simple task to conquer.  Yet, she does it with such grace and vitality, in her art, in her words, and in just being herself.  I am proud to know her and to call her my friend.

These are the questions she has asked to be answered:

What has been the greatest gift that illness has given you?
An appreciation of life. So many of us go about our days, (me included before TM struck), without giving it a second thought. But we all need to slow down, to breathe, and take in the world around us, before we have returned to ashes. I’m only sorry it took me getting sick to understand this.

What personality trait do you think has helped you cope?
I’m a fighter. And I’m stubborn. I refused to allow this illness to define me. I am one of the lucky ones. So many with my condition are wheelchair bound. It’s not to say I won’t be some day, but right now, I’m thankful for my legs, my arms, and the amazing doctor I credit with saving me from further damage to my nervous system.

Favourite gripe?
This one is easy! Don’t help me unless I ask you to! The worst possible feeling I get is when someone tries to do something for me. I want to be able to deal with it on my own. If, after ample time, I cannot do it, I will ask for your help. Please don’t assume I cannot do it. Let me try!

If I could bring you something to make your day, what would it be?
Pepperidge Farm Coconut Layer Cake. And two plates. One for you and one for me. The coffee’s on. I’ll be waiting.

Tell me a quotation or affirmation that keeps you going.
I have always loved this quote, “Though my soul may set in darkness, It will rise in perfect light, I have loved the stars too fondly, To be fearful of the night” – Sarah Williams

These are my nominees.  Please do not feel obligated to participate, just know how lucky I am to have found you.  🙂

Alyssa Duclos (Alyssa Duclos) – While she hasn’t posted to her blog in quite awhile, I’m hoping this gives her a little nudge to do more.  Most of you know this is my daughter, but you probably don’t know that she is also my rock.  I was truly blessed the day she was born.

Walt Page (Walt’s Writings) – You all know him as the Tennessee poet, but to me, he’s Sir Walt!  He fights his battles in a quiet way, in a valiant way, and he does so  with a strength I truly admire.  I’m so blessed to call him my dear friend.

N.F. Mirza (Stoner on a Roller Coaster) – Affectionately known to me as DP (inside joke), N.F. has shown courage by revealing a very deep part of herself to the world.  Her book brings you closer to her, and teaches you that not every day is sunny.  She makes me smile, laugh, and cry, and I’m grateful she has touched my life.

Here are the rules:

• Thank your nominator
• Recognize Pamela from There Is Always Hope as the creator of this award and link her URL – https://pamelajessen.com
• Use the Chronically Hopeful Award logo somewhere in your post
• Copy these rules onto your post
• Answer your nominator’s questions
• Write 5-10 of your own questions (they don’t need to be illness related)
• Nominate 5-10 other chronic illness, mental illness, or disability bloggers
• Comment on each of your nominees’ latest posts to tell them they have been nominated

I found V.J.’s questions to be quite interesting, so I am asking my nominees the same ones:

1. What has been the greatest gift that illness has given you?
2. What personality trait do you think has helped you cope?
3. Favourite gripe?
4. If I could bring you something to make your day, what would it be?
5. Tell me a quotation or affirmation that keeps you going.