On this site I tell about my life as queer with a chronic illness. As a passionate storyteller, I exchange information with striking examples and personal experiences. Hopefully you are able to better empathise with my situation. And with that of many others...
For years I have been the happy owner of a cat. Or rather the loyal servant of my house tiger. When he came to me, he was in the prime of his young life. A five-year-old young god who could take on the whole world. Unfortunately I lived in a flat, so that was disappointing: he could only meow to the world from the balcony with his Big Tomcat meow - which he invariably did in the spring.
![Djembes [photo: Barbara]](http://www.jochemverdonk.nl/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/field/image/drum-by-barbara_350.jpg?itok=r45yK6YA "Djembes [photo: Barbara]")
Recently I was at my queer pagan camp, where I have been going for years. As usual there were also djembés and some of us started playing the drums. Usually that doesn't bother me, but one of the drums had a high pitch that hurts my ears. So I took some distance, and one of my friends asked if that has to do with my autism. Autism?! Which autism??
Living with a severe disability or chronic illness, such as ME, can be a challenge. Yet I find my life in balance: the happy moments sufficiently outweigh the more difficult moments. In short, for me my life is definitely worth it!
![Ńew moon [photo: JB]](http://www.jochemverdonk.nl/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/field/image/new-moon-by-JB-small.jpg?itok=C1k-baXN "Ńew moon [photo: JB]")
On a cold Saturday in January I drive back home after a pleasant evening with friends. I drive that route more often and I know the way like the back of my hand. In any case, the road mainly goes straight on, straight on and then even further straight on. This evening, that is especially convenient…
For more than 20 years I have been listening to people, thinking along with them and giving advice about possibilities. Setting up my own coaching practice was a logical next step. I found that thrilling, but I was also very excited. Until life decided otherwise…
International Day of Persons with Disabilities is to raise awareness that people with disabilities often are seen as pitiful or ‘broken’. Too often we are thought about as we need to be fixed, and if that isn’t possible wehey need to be taken care of. This attitude towards people with disabilities turns us into marginalised people.
When I became chronically ill, I had no idea I would end up in a new world. A world with its own rules, its own standards and even its own jargon. Where groups usually come up with these things themselves, in Disability Country these are imposed by society. In this column you will read four words that apply especially to people with disabilities.
An article about hidden poverty in the context of the Day of Hidden Poverty.
Seven years ago I suddenly became chronically ill. My life changed completely in one fell swoop. An accident never comes alone, because I could no longer work and ended up on welfare benefit – and that was my biggest disability. Living in poverty is degrading and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy! Rescue came completely unexpectedly.
The Special Mobile 4 Days was held in Meijel from 25 to 29 July. Wheelchair users Dieuwertje and Jochem participated with their electric add-on bikes. “It was great fun. Beautiful routes, beautiful environment and warm people. We will participate again next year!”
About 2% of people with ME develops very severe ME. These are the people who are in bed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Who can't do anything anymore. Who lie in a dark room, because normal daylight is overwhelming. Who wear headphones, because everyday noises are too much.