The Journey Think of a time when you had to do something that you were dreading. The task or activity might be something that was necessary because of cleanliness; your desire to stretch out of your comfort zone; or even a work, school, or medical need.  In my group of friends and family, I’m known as the “lunch” girl. Many tasks can seem overwhelming, especially with constant pain and fatigue as my standard state of being. But lunch . . . there’s just something about it that seems possible. It’s long enough to have a good conversation but short enough to enjoy even on a down day. No wonder why…

The Journey When I was a sick little girl my grandpa told me something that has stuck with me, not only in name, but deep in my soul. He said, “Sara, when people look at you, they see you as weak and frail. But you’re my little pine knot.” He continued, “Did you know that people see pine knots as imperfections? They think the knots weaken the wood as a whole when they are actually the strongest part. And so, Sara, you may struggle physically but your strength is boundless.” Today I counted 27. Twenty-seven surgical pine knot scars covering my body. Although, you won’t see them because I’m not…