For I know the plans I have for you,”says the Lord.” They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and hope. Jeremiah29:11 NLT
Photography by: Tiffany Simmons
The past two years, felt like a nightmare I could not escape. Emotionally, mentally, and physically I felt depleted. It seemed like everything that could go wrong, did. I did not give myself time to process the global pandemic, aging parent(s) , illness, relationship transitions, and an uncle with stage 4 cancer.
When my uncle arrived to PA from Miami, my family and I were hopeful the cancer would be treatable but on January 11, 2022 we were told the cancer had already metastasis. The only option was chemotherapy to help slow down the process.
I felt like the world stopped, but I kept moving. I was “catching flights”, driving long distances, working two jobs, all while trying to be supportive to family and friends. When I began to experience stress and depression, that is when I realized I was putting myself on the backburner. After talking to a friend, I decided to give therapy another go and all I can say is “Hallelujah” ! ‘Jim Butcher once said : “ Sometimes the only way to carry a heavy burden is to share with another.
After a few sessions of therapy it was as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I was more willing to have difficult conversations with family/friends. Therapy gave me the tools to help redefine what family can be or look like.
Written by: Natalie Jean-Hilaire