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Fall 2003 

Readers Forum
Correspondence with the Chronicle editor

In the Summer 2003 issue, the Chronicle asked readers to respond to this Hot Topic question: "When your CFIDS symptoms flare, what gets you through the day?"

When I have a bad flare-up, I go to the closet and pull out My Comforter. It used to be on my youngest daughter’s bed, yesterday long ago. She loved it because it was so colorful, with bright yellow, red and blue flowers. I love it because it is a reminder of all the wonderful memories of her.

The colors are faded now and the fabric worn and thin, but it is more beautiful today than ever. As I wrap it around my shoulders, I forget about myself and welcome the comfort. The softness caresses my body and shuts out the rest of the world. The laundry to be done, the bills to be paid, the telephone calls to make are all forgotten for now as I retreat into a place of peace, love and healing.

Helen M. Brooks, Arizona

I’m 58 years old and have had CFIDS for 12 years. I have the most loving, 4.4-pound Yorkshire Terrier. She is full of love, and extremely flexible. If I can’t get up for hours, she will curl up with me. Finally she gets hungry and barks at me. I have to get up to feed her. Even if I can barely move, taking care of someone else makes me feel better and makes me feel life is worth living.

Evelyn Lief, New York

I did social work for 19 years before I had to quit because of my illness. At the time I was diagnosed, I had a part-time job for the ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) Association of Los Angeles. One of my responsibilities was to help set up alternative communication systems for patients who needed them. During advanced stages of ALS, patients may lose the ability to walk, eat, talk and even breathe.

On my bad days, I remember the relief I could see in patients after the system was set up and they could communicate again. Some could only move a finger or blink an eye, yet they carried on bravely. This always reminds me that as bad as it is for me, it could be worse. We must go on.

Chaz, California

The power of prayer!

Jane Bradford Thurber, Virginia

Praise for a hero
I have been thrilled to read so much lately about Laura Hillenbrand’s success with Seabiscuit. Three cheers to her for the dual achievements of writing a book and becoming such an articulate voice for CFIDS.

But I want to send up three more cheers for Laura’s partner, Borden Flanagan, who stood by her through all her difficulties and gave her the kind of support we all wish we had. He’s a true hero in my eyes; a fine match for our new heroine. My best wishes to both of them.

Carol Greentree, California