If you've been a follower for a while, it may have come up that I have hEDS (hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome). This is a rare genetic condition that, effectively, means the "glue" holding one's body together is more like a sticky Jello. My version--one of thirteen--does not affect my life expectancy, but others are not so lucky. While this has had a massive and resounding impact on me from day one, I was only diagnosed within the first few months after leaving to college.
Beginning in October of 2021, I began feeling lightheaded and dizzy. My condition quickly worsened, and I ended up getting my diagnosis shortly thereafter. There aren't any treatments for the condition itself, but we were able to address my symptoms, which were actually a result of nutrient deficiency brought on by the condition. However, just before Christmas, I caught a horrible case of food poisoning, which shocked my nervous system into placing me in a state of constant, debilitating pain. I quickly became room-bound and a prime candidate for the RAPS program at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.
In summary, the program was a unique kind of hell I would not wish on anyone. It was necessary, but it was agony, regardless of how amazingly beneficial it has been to me and many others. What brought me peace during my time there were two things: the weaving involved in the included art therapy, and the wonderful people I met at the Ronald McDonald house I stayed at (whom I will discuss in more depth in a later post).
The weaving was simple. It used a basic mini frame loom and your standard Red Heart Super Saver yarn. I made mug rugs, and it kept me sane. One of the few things my loved ones could convince me to go out and do was pick out a new small skein of yarn to add to my stash. Inara, my beloved cat, couldn't come with me to the program, and the privilege of taking the loom home to use meant I was able to have something of comfort.
When I finally returned home after the program, weaving was something I knew I wanted to continue. I found out a local fiber non-profit--an endangered species--was in my home city. I quickly signed up for classes and, well, one thing led to another. The lessons and people meshed together perfectly, and I gained a network of supportive individuals who have been huge contributors to my success, passion, and growth as a fiber artist and person.
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