Just As I Am

In 2024, both of us now in our thirties, my brother and I were diagnosed with a very rare genetic condition called ACPHD (Ataxia, Cerebella and Peripheral with Hearing Loss and Diabetes). This explains a lot to me and has made it easier for me to understand the person I have grown to be. I am able to love myself the way I am and hope to help others to do the same. For this reason, I want to share this collection of my difficulties, experiences and my own advice to others, along with things and people who are close to my heart and give me strength through trying times. Growing up, I had a number of health and other challenges to deal with and found solace and a sense of acceptance by writing down my thoughts. During Covid, I started sharing my poems on-line, hoping to cheer up other people who might be alone and fearful during the lockdowns. Two years ago, I also had a close encounter with critical illness; this gave me a renewed sense of being and purpose, as I came to terms with my own needs and the needs of others, when on my journey to recovery. More recently, I have joined the Brampton Poetry Group, which has helped me and motivated me even more.