Welcome to The Tonic, a light-hearted, heavily resourced newsletter for folks interested in learning about long COVID, ME/CFS, and other chronic illnesses.
Thanks for sharing the white supremacy post. “Liverpool shows that racism is ingrained in the systems and structures that maintain society.” Literally, in all of our systems. Police, school/education, medical, the lot. Thanks for shining a light on it and giving voice to that which so many either can’t yet or are blocked from doing so. I’ve been researching through reading books (my name is why and the search for belonging a couple off the top of my head) but haven’t yet found myself as being so inclusive in my writing. Something I want to learn.
Heart sorry to hear about your loyal friend and gorgeous colleague. What a beautiful tribute and lovely token to have in her voicemail. And, YES, you are a trail blazer ! Please do not underestimate what you are doing here. Yes you are creating a movement. One that we so desperately need to see in the world. In benefit and directly for many many millions of us suffering in agonising silence.
Oh Amy, I am so sorry. This was such a beautiful tribute to Helen. What an incredible woman! Thank you for sharing her with us. I love the picture of you two together. 🥹 I have enormous respect and love for people who work with domestic violence survivors.
I love that you are trusting the process of grief and allowing it to come at its own pace.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! I I bet you looked/felt ravishing in your green ensemble.
Screaming at the Four Tops story. I hope he gets much more than $75,000. The terror of it all. Ugh.
That was some damn good ASMR with the kitties and the brush 😍
Amy, I ache for the loss of your friend. I am so sorry. And also thank you for recognizing me and my writing during Pride when we can feel a mixture of things.
That’s so true, Natalie. Grief is the price we pay for the capacity to love 😌.
Perhaps it’s because they’re still quite kittenish yet? Zira and Fritzy like it, but Birdie gets a little overstimulated by it. She’s still pretty young. Give it time with your two.
Thanks for sharing your wonderful friend at this difficult time. The pictures were a great reminder to always cherish those who give our lives character and meaning.
Oh Amy, what a lovely tribute to our Helen! You truly captured her essence. I know that she will be with you on this new journey of yours and that she is proud of you! I had forgotten that Helen loved Neil Young - I remember now that she was happy when she learned that I love him too! May your memories of her bring you comfort. ❤️❤️❤️
Oh Amy — so very sorry for your loss. Helen sounds like a phenomenal woman. I hope it’s some comfort to hear how moving and uplifting it felt to read about her approach to life. Thank you for sharing these words and memories.
I am so sorry about the loss of your Helen. She sounds like a remarkable woman and friend. Sending you lots of love and comfort as you remember and celebrate her. And wishing you a 49th year of joy and good health! XOXO
Thanks for sharing the white supremacy post. “Liverpool shows that racism is ingrained in the systems and structures that maintain society.” Literally, in all of our systems. Police, school/education, medical, the lot. Thanks for shining a light on it and giving voice to that which so many either can’t yet or are blocked from doing so. I’ve been researching through reading books (my name is why and the search for belonging a couple off the top of my head) but haven’t yet found myself as being so inclusive in my writing. Something I want to learn.
Heart sorry to hear about your loyal friend and gorgeous colleague. What a beautiful tribute and lovely token to have in her voicemail. And, YES, you are a trail blazer ! Please do not underestimate what you are doing here. Yes you are creating a movement. One that we so desperately need to see in the world. In benefit and directly for many many millions of us suffering in agonising silence.
Thank you for such beautiful affirmations, Amber 🧡
So sorry for your loss, Amy. Thanks for sharing. Grief can sometimes bring a strong breeze of gratefulness for the person we've lost.
Happy birthday and all the best for a new year of life, hopefully growing healthier and healthier, with lots of purrs from your awesome cats.
So much gratitude - thanks for saying that 💛
Oh Amy, I am so sorry. This was such a beautiful tribute to Helen. What an incredible woman! Thank you for sharing her with us. I love the picture of you two together. 🥹 I have enormous respect and love for people who work with domestic violence survivors.
I love that you are trusting the process of grief and allowing it to come at its own pace.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! I I bet you looked/felt ravishing in your green ensemble.
Screaming at the Four Tops story. I hope he gets much more than $75,000. The terror of it all. Ugh.
That was some damn good ASMR with the kitties and the brush 😍
Loss is hard, but the beauty is in all that they gave us and how that remains. Wishing you the warmth of that and peace, Amy. xo
Thank you, Sandra 🧡
Amy, I ache for the loss of your friend. I am so sorry. And also thank you for recognizing me and my writing during Pride when we can feel a mixture of things.
Thanks Robin 😌
Grief is the reward we get for loving - so sorry for your loss, she seems like a truly wonderful person to have in your corner. 🖤
Your cat kids are so well behaved. Mine act like the brush is a murder weapon. Might need to throw some catnip on it….
That’s so true, Natalie. Grief is the price we pay for the capacity to love 😌.
Perhaps it’s because they’re still quite kittenish yet? Zira and Fritzy like it, but Birdie gets a little overstimulated by it. She’s still pretty young. Give it time with your two.
Thanks for sharing your wonderful friend at this difficult time. The pictures were a great reminder to always cherish those who give our lives character and meaning.
Thank you, Shayne 😌
Oh Amy, what a lovely tribute to our Helen! You truly captured her essence. I know that she will be with you on this new journey of yours and that she is proud of you! I had forgotten that Helen loved Neil Young - I remember now that she was happy when she learned that I love him too! May your memories of her bring you comfort. ❤️❤️❤️
I didn’t know you loved him! Look at Helen - still bringing people together from the afterlife 💚
Oh Amy — so very sorry for your loss. Helen sounds like a phenomenal woman. I hope it’s some comfort to hear how moving and uplifting it felt to read about her approach to life. Thank you for sharing these words and memories.
It gives me great comfort to hear that indeed, Marion- thank you ☺️
I am so sorry about the loss of your Helen. She sounds like a remarkable woman and friend. Sending you lots of love and comfort as you remember and celebrate her. And wishing you a 49th year of joy and good health! XOXO
Thank you, Katrina! And happy Pride 🌈
Thank you for reading and for all your kind words ☺️.
(also, I ordered some Encha matcha today - it arrives tomorrow. I’ll give you the full report!).