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Yvie Johnson

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Illography 4

Illography Week Four, the ME Debate week.

Categories: IllustrationTags: Illog · Illography

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Illography 1

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Yvie Johnson is an illustrator, book cover designer, and writer working on a memoir, a historical fiction novel and illustrated short stories. Yvie lives with Bipolar Disorder and ME, and is supported by her partner, three children and puppy in the Welsh countryside.

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The choice was simple: either stay at home with Nel the Collie for four whole days, without support of any kind, or embrace the challenge of leaving the house and travelling to Pembrokeshire, dealing with the inevitable pain and discomfort as it arises. It was more for Nel's sake that I told Tom he'd have to take me with him. In truth it felt a dire situation for me either way. The subject was finally addressed; that of acquiring a wheelchair. Mostly because I don't hold that the family requires a glorified float to stand on more than I need to get out of my house without putting my health at greater risk. I can barely walk a hundred metres without needing rest, but perhaps I can sit for that distance, and more. No measurements taken, no style discussed. And then it was here. I hated it. The idea of it. The fact that it was necessary and so contradictory to my character and dreams. It's good to share your fears, sometimes they are irrational, or lopsided, and I feared being stared at as people would inevitably look for what was wrong with me, making assumptions about who I am or what I was capable of. Syd simply said: You just have to own it. How could I argue with that wisdom? Nobody else is really bothered, it's only for my benefit, so it's pointless worrying about using it when it could actually bring some quality of life to my present situation. And so it came with us, and I went with them, to Pembrokeshire. To the site of the Wales Coast Path, the very place I had planned to cycle and run twelve months earlier. Another dream swallowed up by this disease. It wasn't great, I used extra cushions for comfort, the chair felt like it was ready to fall apart with every bump. But it was wonderful to be somewhere else for a short time. To feel the wind, the sun on my face, in my hair, whilst I marvelled at the changing colours of sky, sea and sand. It all reminded me of a Ghost Train ride at a fairground—scary, rickety, thrilling. Worth it. #Wheelchair #Mobility #OutwardlyMobile #JourneyToJoy #SeekingPeace #FindingMyPlace #BeachViews #CoastalVibes #WheelsAndWaves #DearDisability #ChronicallyChallenged #Pembrokeshire #WalesCoastPath #TakingUpSpace #pwME

Latest Musings

Exposure: be body kind
The measure of a person
The other me that I know
Running with Bipolar: go your own way
Running with Bipolar: the first step is the boldest

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Illography 4

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