For a long time
I felt that no matter what
No one would ever back me up
That besides my mom
I was truly on my own

Be it with this illness or through
Other hardships
I've had people betray me
Turn their backs on me
Because it was easier
And made them happier

And then something started
To change
Total strangers
Started to climb the walls
Break through the strongholds
I put up around my heart and soul

Just to take my hand
In real life or virtually
Prove to me they were there
That's when I knew
I no longer was alone
I no longer walked alone

With each development in my health
As the suffering grew and
The prognosis got sketchier
As things were ruled out through
Painful tests and experimental drugs
To my amazement, the amount of
People didn't disappear
It grew

Now as I lay in bed post OP trying to
Heal as things continue to pile up
Because as many know,
Bad things always come in threes somehow.
I have support from people that fall into
3 categories that I'm now combining into one.

First, there were those I met at the beginning (including my froggy sisters) who have been there from the onset.

Secondly, there are the number of people that I chose to open up to that aren't ill and who still walk, side by side and got my back. Most of whom I was afraid to open up to.

Thirdly, the new people I've met through eating that darn jalapeño and becoming an invisible advocate sharer person for finding a cure.

So these three groups of people, now one are large, helpful, make me laugh, and remind me of the most important thing out there:

I do not walk alone.

I have back up; I do not have to be the strong one all the time. Vulnerability is my weakness or showing it is rather but when I did, the response of love has been overwhelming.

I am allowed to be sick and weak and vulnerable and no one will judge me on that basis. It's so awesome that I've even forgotten about those that threw me away.

This poem I dedicate to all of them but there's simply not enough room to name everyone but I doubt that's necessary; they know who they are.

And for that
For being there
I love you
And always will
I do not walk alone
But then neither do any of you
For I walk by your side too
With my arm around you, always.
G-d Bless You.