Our American Stories: The Bathroom Was My Refuge And My Prison

[SeaQuest]

I often listen to stories on a web service called Our American Stories. The stories are non-political and can range from the background of why a song was written (think of Cole Swindell's My Dad's Old Number) to a 40-part series on Lewis & Clark (a really enjoyable discussion on America's early 1800's westward movement). I heard a particularly moving one one this morning about the struggles of a young girl growing up with an unknown ailment and how she was able to overcome it only after she was diagnosed as having Crohn's. It is about 35 minutes long but, I think, is well worth listening to as most of us will relate to portions of the speaker's struggles. If interested in listening to it, the web address is:
http://www.ouramericannetwork.org/story ... -My-Prison.

Also, just in case anyone is wondering, I have asked the station that aired this if I could post their link and received their permission.

Thank you!

SeaQuest

[Jimbob]

I have heard this also and it is very moving. It strikes right at the heart. You must watch it. Thank you Seaquest for posting the link.

As an aside, Lois Fink who is the speaker is a great advocate for UOAA.

[To Dream a Dream]

Yes, thank you Seaquest. I believe I've read some of Lois Fink's writings in past issues of The Phoenix. Although my own experiences with Crohn's disease from childhood varies a bit from this presentation, there are enough similarities to provoke my emotional response. Hearing another's story willingly delivered so graphically & eloquently gives me a much better understanding & appreciation of my own fortitude. Her dad's response as a combat survivor was especially effective for me as over the years I have found parallels with the Vietnam vets of my generation. Merely a shared PTSD? Empathy? I think it runs a little deeper for those of us who have been pushed into the abyss & struggled back into the light.

[Diane C]

Good to know! Thank you. And definitely have time to see/hear it now...