DOING WHAT I CAN

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. ~Theodore Roosevelt

Over the past few months, I’ve been sharing some stories about the Lyme diagnosis my sons and I received a year ago. My writing reflects my personal experience and my honest feeling about our treatment since our diagnosis: the depression, the anger, the feeling of hopelessness and wanting to give up.

Emotionally and physically, some days are better than other and despite the variations, this journey has allowed me to learn something new about myself and about Lyme; I get to take what I’ve learned so I can help spread the awareness of Lyme.

Last year, a friend referred her friend to me: “Hi Karen, it was suggested I hook up with you; I’ve had Lyme for 13 years…”

A few months later, another friend sent one of her friends my way: “Hi Karen, we noticed my 2nd daughter having a bullseye rash today, after camping….and we also live in an area with lots of deer on our property. I am looking for friends who have friends or family with Lyme.”

The other day, a friend texted me: “Hi Karen, I have a co-worker just diagnosed with Lyme…”

I’ve often said, “If I can help one person, I’ve done my job” as I continue to write and share our family’s journey. Writing about and sharing my story is all I can do to get the word out; based on the texts, messages, and phone calls, I am having an impact.

People ask a lot of question. “Lyme? But you look so good? You take good care of yourself. How did that happen?” but the one that always gets me in the gut is “Will you ever get over it?” I never know how to answer that painful question, however, I do know that I am doing the best that I possibly can to ensure our family gets well and am confident that one day this will be behind us.

In the meantime, I will continue to write and hope that people will read and share my story with others. The support and comradery help me get through each day and knowing that I am not alone, makes it easier to share, educate and continue to advocate for Lyme awareness.

For more information, please check out www.bayarealymefoundation.org for resources or to donate.