Resilience
You’re sick isn’t worthy.
No ribbon, no run.
Not dying, not living.
Just a life come undone.
Tests do not show,
The battles you’ve fought.
Some will believe you,
Others will not.
You’ve lost all your shine.
You’re just not the same.
Your friends all start leaving.
No one’s to blame.
The days become weeks.
Months fold into years.
No cure, this is chronic.
Confirm your worst fears.
Your choice, drown in pain.
And sink really low.
Or fight for each day.
Get your ducks in a row.
Grab on to each moment
And set yourself free.
With grace and some gratitude
Soon you will see.
Self love and acceptance
Is truly the key.
Resilience will bloom
Where cracks used to be.
Written by: Megan
I have been living with ME/CFS since 2017 (diagnosed in March of 2020). Love and blessings to all of the warriors who fight beside me and for me!
This poem was submitted as part of the Reflections of ME/CFS and FM and Long COVID Awareness Day Virtual Event on May 9th, 2023.
#MillionsMissing #MillionsMore #Hope4MECFS #Hope4FM #Hope4LongCOVID

Lucinda Bateman, MD, is a renowned clinician, researcher, and educator. Her Johns Hopkins University Medical School training instilled an approach to care that she has employed throughout her career – the patient comes first and the unknown or unexplained does not equate to a lack of proper and compassionate care. Since starting her own practice in 2000, she has served on six boards or committees, been the principal investigator for 45 studies, authored/coauthored 40 journal articles, served as adjunct instructor and adjunct assistant professor in the University of Utah Departments of Preventative Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Anesthesiology, and lectured around the world.