About Laura

Introduction

Laura is a former primary school teacher, blogger, poet and jeweller living in Sussex UK. She is a positive thinking, mum of 2 teenage boys and is happily married to Joel. Laura is an IIHer, chronic migraineur, patient advocate and mental health campaigner.

After developing a debilitating brain condition, IIH, in 2014; she sadly had to give up her 14½ year teaching career. Soon after being diagnosed, she turned her life long love of writing into this blog to document her journey with chronic illnesses. This evolved into raising awareness of disabilities, chronic illnesses and mental health.

Laura runs the Mission Migraine Twitter account, which raises awareness that migraine is much more than just a headache. Laura started her own business Paprika Jewellery & Accessories after starting to make jewellery as a distraction from the pain.

She writes poetry to explore her own mental health and well-being. Laura writes about positive thinking and living her best life, despite her conditions. She hopes to inspire others to find their own sense of purpose, whatever challenges they face.

Day 2 #MHAMBC Who helps me hope? A poem

This question has thrown me slightly because the list is pretty endless. I could write a ridiculously long essay about this subject but that’s my normal approach and I have to tackle this blog challenge differently! So I’m going to write this as a poem instead. 
Who helps me hope?

Who helps me hope when I wake with the pain; 

The ice picks stabbing the back of my eyes? 

Who’s there when I need ice at midnight 

or lifting to the loo in pure agony?

My husband and my best friend.
Who helps me get up and face this cruel world;

When I know I’ll wake in pain everyday?

Who’s there to offer cuddles and laughter,

Hope and Unconditional love.

My children and my future. 
Who offers hope when I face a crisis,

When my brittle world crumbles and flounders?

Who calls me, texts me, drives round to see me,

Hugs me, dries my tears, comforts, assures me?

My friends and family I’ve made for myself. 
Who helps me hope when I sit on my own,

When the days turn to weeks; weeks become months

Who knows the same feelings I have each day

Who knows the loneliness, pain and torture.

My online community and new found friends. 
Who offers hope when pain whirls from control

When another treatment plan is binned.

Who helps me fight the bureaucracy , 

Picks up the pieces when specialists fail me.

My GP and confidante.
These help me hope.                                      

  
The Migraine and Headache Awareness month blog challenge is organised by the American Headache and Migraine Association.