4 comments


  • Jennifer Ruth Jackson

    I hope the next set of specialists are the correct ones and you get the diagnosis (and treatment) you need.

    I’ve been disabled since birth. The world isn’t made for us. You’ll find out soon that most of the writing conferences/retreats/and so on (including the big ones) stink at accessibility. That’s one of the reasons I’m trying to start an online organisation.

    As for longevity, I wish I could promise you sixty more years. I relate to what you said about poetry so much. I’m 32 without even a chapbook to my name and seem to almost die every few years because of infections. All you can do is forge on and believe in the work you produce.

    A tape recorder might help with typing issues, though it will be harder to arrange poems that way. Sometimes, letting ourselves heal is the best thing we can do for our art.

    September 13, 2017
  • Jeannine Gailey

    thank you! I have a friend with a different neurological problem that is a truly feisty advocate for the disabled, esp. in writing conferences (cough, AWP.) She is an inspiration!
    I haven’t had to do the talking typing thing yet, though my fingers are sort of clumsy on the keys. Just for your inspiration, my first chapbook came out when I was 32, my first book a year later, and now at 44 there are five full-length books! So don’t give up on your hard work yet! I know it seems every time we face a serious illness we have to re-adjust our expectations with work and life.

    September 14, 2017
  • Jeannine, such a beautiful, moving post. Just wanted you to know I am thinking of you, and sending hopes for all sorts of goodness (poetry, health, life!). What you wrote about poetry and anxiety and achievement felt completely familiar (as if you wrote it just for me! which I know you didn’t! but thank you!), very close to the bone – and so helpful because of that and because of your generous, heartful, honest expression. I also hope that you find the right doctors and the right treatment very soon. Please keep posting (when you are able) and writing and being gentle with yourself. Sending hugs and healing thoughts.

    September 14, 2017
  • Deborah Kate Hammond

    One of the things I love about you is your ability to bring us into the moment, and don’t you ever, even when it’s hard to stay there yourself! I have to say that I believe, truly believe, that your body of work is already stellar and memorable and unique. And I believe it will last and you will be better known. That said, I’m a greedy woman and want more more more. Even if you weren’t one of my favorite poets, I’d be rooting for you, Jeannine, because you’re such a good and gracious presence in the world. I will have a word with the dream goddess about getting that awful man out of yours!

    September 16, 2017

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