Pilgrim Pathway

Life is moving and grooving.  You’re out and about doing your thing.  You have a personal life, a professional life, a spiritual life, and more.  Then you get the news about your health challenge and for some reason, you’ve become like a loose high-tension wire.  There is a distance created not because you’re not loved, but those around us don’t know what to say, even though most are thinking loving and supportive thoughts.

When I facilitate groups for those facing health challenges, I often ask the group about the most ridiculous things people have said to them.  The interesting thing is they didn’t come up with the best list.  The best list came from the caregivers’ group.  Perhaps they were more attune in trying to protect their loved one with an illness.  

Obviously, we can’t live in a plastic bubble-like John Travolta did in an old movie.  We can live in a bubble of love and compassion.  We become emotional and spiritual farmers.  We need to cultivate a community of understanding.  We need to be willing to educate people about the challenges we face.  We need to tell those around us it’s ok to ask questions.

Don’t get me wrong, people will still throw a lot of stupid at you.  One of my medications interacts seriously with alcohol.  I haven’t had a drink in over thirty years, not because I’m an alcoholic but because I value my liver and kidneys.  I can’t tell you how many conversations I’ve had about not drinking.  You’d think I was committing the crime of the century.  I’ve been tempted to tell people I’m in recovery, so they stop asking or asserting ridiculous commentary.

As a creative arts practitioner (I’ve been a quilter for over thirty years and a collage artist for the past five), I’ve found supportive communities in creative groups.  I’ve been able to develop my own narrative.  I’ve felt the emotional and spiritual release of “not knowing.”  I’ve found others who are willing to challenge me on my assumptions while supporting my decisions.

For more art and prompts (I’ve posted over 1,000 collages) follow me on 

Instagram/Threads: @drfiber

For commentary on the art read my blog: www.manofthecloth.wordpress.com