7 p.m.

I’ve heard it said that “you’re judged by the strength of your enemies.“  If that is true, and perhaps it is, then Irene stands tall.  She’s faced this horrendous battle with more poise, dignity, grace, patience and faith than I can hardly imagine.  In fact, if I wasn’t observing her response first hand, I wouldn’t believe the manner in which she defies and lives above her circumstances…with victory and joy.

Having said that today was REALLY difficult.  She was not able to get through dialysis, again, and is scheduled for a 2 hour make up session tomorrow.  The pain in her arm was so intense that they terminated after 2 hours of treatment.  Most people on this planet cannot even begin to understand the emotional challenges related to the ongoing physical FIGHT that Irene endures on a daily basis…and has been for now going on 5 years…and magnified on dialysis days.  Her bouyant spirit on non dialysis days conceals the true anguish of what I would define as emotional terror or what our friend, Wayne Connell would describe as invisible disabilities.  It even becomes more pronounced when judgement is cast by the casual shopper who questions Irene’s disability placard in the windshield of her car.  Have we got some stories that could be shared someday…

Needless to say, Irene’s “enemy”, this unrelenting disease with accompanying complications, is daunting.  It is Irene’s FAITH that allows her to navigate the terrain so thoughtfully.

YOU be the judge.

Dave