Columns Patiently Awakened - A Column by Teresa Wright-Johnson When the Sun Sets — Chronic Illness, Advocacy, and Mortality When the Sun Sets — Chronic Illness, Advocacy, and Mortality by Teresa Wright-Johnson | November 6, 2018 Share this article: Share article via email Copy article link Life. It’s fragile, fleeting, beautiful, and heartbreaking. It is the most precious gift we have. Approximately one month ago, the senior columns editor for BioNews Services received her wings. Her name was Serena. Ironically, I never met Serena. We communicated only online. As I think about my journey thus far, several people have entered my life and heart virtually. The gist of this week’s column is to emphasize that we never know who will cross our path or the footprints they will leave along the way and after they are gone. Each time I completed a column, I sent Serena a message. I would tell her to have a great week. She always returned the sentiment. As I recollect, the last message I sent to her remains unanswered. Days later, I learned that she was no longer with us. I was traveling with a fellow advocate the day I heard of her death and the news saddened me. The sense of loss remains. The reality of knowing I will never read “have a great weekend” again. Serena had words of encouragement if I was ill or endured a loss. She emanated empathy. In addition, if I asked her a question or needed guidance, she did so without hesitation. It must also be said that Serena lived with chronic illness. She had pulmonary arterial hypertension. I knew this and read several of her columns. She wrote about her emotional and physical pain and her moments of joy. She wrote about her fears and frustration. It was Serena’s transparency I connected with. Serena was a young woman. I identified the time in my life that invoked the same feelings and concerns she expressed. Serena had a place in my heart and many others. I can’t imagine the thoughts that Serena must have had accepting her impending death. My condolences and prayers for strength are with her family, friends, and followers. Join the Multiple Sclerosis News Today forums: an online community for people with MS and their caregivers. From everything I have read about Serena through her columns, from her followers, and most recently from her friend, BioNews columnist and editor Bradley Dell, her spirit was greater than the illness she endured. Serena lived with intention, and although she struggled, she rejoiced in her joyous moments. I will always remember her smile. Serena is flying free, no longer afflicted by a limited, sickly earthly shell. Her untimely passing serves to remind me that it is the lives we touch and the manner in which we live that sustain legacy. As an advocate, living out loud is complex. It is both liberating and debilitating. Existing from such an open space obliges vulnerability. It consists of confessing your fears, dreams, and wishes in real time. It is ponderous work. For this, I admire every single advocate. It is extremely challenging to confront our mortality. As a person with multiple sclerosis and heart disease, facing my mortality has never been an easy task. My faith gives me hope of an enduring life, not on this side of Earth, but rather in eternity. As I have written before, death is not my greatest fear. In closing, as an advocate, we are often unaware of how intertwined our lives are. We struggle, laugh, cry, and triumph together. In times of loss, we mourn together. Rest in peace, Serena, and all others from the chronic illness communities who shared, cared, and impacted the lives of many. I will never forget you. I will see you at the sunset of this life and on the dawning of the next. “What we do now echoes in eternity.” –Marcus Aurelius You are invited to subscribe to my website at: www.teresawrightjohnson.com. *** Note: Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Multiple Sclerosis News Today or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis. Print This Page About the Author Teresa Wright-Johnson Teresa Wright-Johnson is a congenital heart disease survivor and an MS warrior. Diagnosed in November 2014 with MS, Teresa relies on her faith, family, and friends. As a person with chronic illnesses, Teresa has learned the importance of being both patient in nature and present in each moment. It has also led her to boldly live her truth and walk in her purpose. Teresa’s column will focus on her personal lessons and experiences with MS. Teresa hopes her column will inspire and encourage others to stand in the midst of adversity. She believes that even in the course of illness, we can find greater meaning to our existence and use our light to shine through our darkest hour. Tags mortality Comments Karen Jackson You are spot on Teresa. You describe so beautifully how our communities interact. Advocacy is another tool that allows us if we choose to participate in our own care. Thanks you for the gift of your voice that you bring to all of us. Reply Teresa Wright-Johnson Hi Karen, Thanks for taking the time to read the column and for your lovely words. I appreciate you! Reply Martha Diaz Teresa, l love reading your articles. You are so wise.MMsy Reply Teresa Wright-Johnson Hi Martha, Thanks for making my heart smile. I appreciate your kind words and encouragement. Reply Debi Wilson Beautiful, Teresa. Serena touched my heart also, as she did so many. She was so young, talented and kind. A bright shining star! Thank-you, for writing such an emotional and compassionate tribute to share with all of us. Reply Teresa Wright-Johnson Hi Debi, We know all too well how our lives intertwine. Thanks for taking the time to read the column and for sharing your voice with all of us. Blessings to you. Reply Jersey Girl This is a beautiful article. Life is fragile and we should not take it lightly. Its the little things you will miss. Just light your Friday email. I truly enjoy your articles. Reply Teresa Wright-Johnson Hi Jersey Girl! Thanks for reading the article and for your response. You are encouraging and uplifting. I hope you will continue to enjoy the articles. Take care of yourself. Reply Leave a comment Fill in the required fields to post. Your email address will not be published. Your Name Your Email Your Comment Post Comment
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