Hope.

Hope. Hope holds a different meaning for each of us. One’s definition of hope might change over time. Our present circumstances may dictate our idea of hope.

Lupus tries to steal hope from us.

“Hope is the thing with feathers

That perches in the soul

And sings the tune without the words

And never stops at all.”

― Emily Dickinson

For me, hope was tied to my desire to finish my college degree. I attempted to earn my Associates degree in 1996, 1997, and 2001. My multi-system involved lupus ripped hope away from me. My twenty something year old body was in full protest.

“But I know, somehow, that only when it is dark enough can you see the stars.”

― Martin Luther King, Jr.

Your life is not defined by things you did not accomplish. Rather, by the attempts you make, in whatever ways you make them. You tried because your hope burned, even as an ember sometimes or as a brightly lit flame. For me, hope became reality when I earned my Bachelor’s degree in 2021.

“You can cut all the flowers but you cannot keep Spring from coming.”

― Pablo Neruda

For us, things happen alongside our lupus. You never know what is waiting around the corner, even two decades later. So, what does hope hold for you? Your light is still shining. I can see it for you. I hope you see it, too.

“It's amazing how a little tomorrow can make up for a whole lot of yesterday.”

― John Guare

Written By:

Jiwa Farrell

Jiwa started her patient advocacy after she lost her baby when she was 5-1/2 months along. She is an advocate, along her husband James and mom, Sharon, with the Lupus Research Alliance. Jiwa continues to fight for those who are unable to have their voices heard, including those like her sister, Felicia, who are no longer with us.

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May 2022