Wonderful piece. Profound and poetic. Reading it, I got angry at the universe. Then the sections on waves, rain, birds and sky eased that anger a bit. Get that book done, man!
Even knowing this story couldn’t have prepared me for reading how you recount it — through a beautifully vulnerable, painful truth you allow us to feel. Your words took my breath away, brought me to tears, made me question and hope and hurt all at once. The world is so lucky to have you in it. Your words are undeniably special and deeply impactful — and yet only amount to a fraction of how special and impactful you are as the one who crafted them amidst your suffering. Thank you for sharing so honestly. I will keep looking out for more of your words to come.
Will this has me in tears. Not just because of the brutality of this disease and your experience, but your incredibly honest and raw recounting of it all. It’s something that even with all the awareness + countless interviews I’ve seen you give I don’t think I’ve ever really felt like this. Your writing is that powerful. You of all the people I know really don’t deserve this. But I do hope you know what a true writing gift you have and what an inspiration you are — I’ll be the first one at your book signing.
This is what AI cannot mimic - the soul of a person peering out through their words and entering your subconscious. I felt it all as I read it: your apathy, your heartbreak, your hope and disappointment in turns. Chronic illness is such a burden to carry and your writing shows that you have carried it with grace. Thank you for sharing this grueling experience of your life.
Will, thanks for sharing this horrific experience. I remember when you worked at Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church and led reading groups on ecological issues. You mentioned your dialysis to me, but I had no knowledge of what you had been through. It’s good to read your work after all these years.
I’m eager to read more of your writing. Thank you for sharing your perspective and the dark moments. The thin line between gratitude and such hard suffering is so difficult yet so real and common, and something we in the American and sometimes Christian culture (and medicine) often struggle to grasp and certainly struggle to find the right words to respond to. Thank you for your words and for sharing your experience. This was humbling and strangely encouraging to read.
Thanks for reading and for your kind words. I have a poem in JAMA you might be interested in (there’s a link in my bio, the poem is “Considering the Isenheim Altarpiece at Dialysis”).
Such a difficult journey for you, beautifully chronicled. I love that you have - in the midst of it all - appreciated glimpses of nature's beauty. Very best wishes.
Wonderful piece. Profound and poetic. Reading it, I got angry at the universe. Then the sections on waves, rain, birds and sky eased that anger a bit. Get that book done, man!
I’m working on it! Much appreciated!
Even knowing this story couldn’t have prepared me for reading how you recount it — through a beautifully vulnerable, painful truth you allow us to feel. Your words took my breath away, brought me to tears, made me question and hope and hurt all at once. The world is so lucky to have you in it. Your words are undeniably special and deeply impactful — and yet only amount to a fraction of how special and impactful you are as the one who crafted them amidst your suffering. Thank you for sharing so honestly. I will keep looking out for more of your words to come.
❤️
Will this has me in tears. Not just because of the brutality of this disease and your experience, but your incredibly honest and raw recounting of it all. It’s something that even with all the awareness + countless interviews I’ve seen you give I don’t think I’ve ever really felt like this. Your writing is that powerful. You of all the people I know really don’t deserve this. But I do hope you know what a true writing gift you have and what an inspiration you are — I’ll be the first one at your book signing.
Lizzzz!!! Thanks so much friend!
This is what AI cannot mimic - the soul of a person peering out through their words and entering your subconscious. I felt it all as I read it: your apathy, your heartbreak, your hope and disappointment in turns. Chronic illness is such a burden to carry and your writing shows that you have carried it with grace. Thank you for sharing this grueling experience of your life.
Thanks so much for reading and your kind words!
Both beautiful and heartbreaking. Wishing you all the best.
Thank you!
Will, thanks for sharing this horrific experience. I remember when you worked at Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church and led reading groups on ecological issues. You mentioned your dialysis to me, but I had no knowledge of what you had been through. It’s good to read your work after all these years.
Thanks so much Autumn! Grateful to reconnect on here!
I’m eager to read more of your writing. Thank you for sharing your perspective and the dark moments. The thin line between gratitude and such hard suffering is so difficult yet so real and common, and something we in the American and sometimes Christian culture (and medicine) often struggle to grasp and certainly struggle to find the right words to respond to. Thank you for your words and for sharing your experience. This was humbling and strangely encouraging to read.
Thanks for reading and for your kind words. I have a poem in JAMA you might be interested in (there’s a link in my bio, the poem is “Considering the Isenheim Altarpiece at Dialysis”).
Such a difficult journey for you, beautifully chronicled. I love that you have - in the midst of it all - appreciated glimpses of nature's beauty. Very best wishes.
Thank you!
This essay was so honest. I continue to pray for you and your beautiful family.
Thanks Charlene!