Gratitude is a heavy burden. "At least it's not" is often an insult or a curse more than a comfort. I spent years sick, dragging a body that took more strength to lift than its weight indicated, hearing "at least it's not cancer.
I'm Ella, a disabled, queer, and proudly Ohioan writer. (I'm also a career and benefit guide - for all that, head to CareerHealthWorkshop.com.) I write essays, fiction, and poetry, often featuring disability, hope, and perseverance. These topics are inherently political, even when politics is not