Book club by

2024-02-11 21:38:38 UTC

A diagnosis of a chronic illness must be devastating. It seems like Mallory came from a pretty privileged SES and was able to see multiple specialists and frequently visit Hawaii to improve her health. How does someone without those resources manage?

2024-02-11 21:40:01 UTC

The challenges of having an illness that allows you to still look healthy. It seems like Mallory frequently had to explain herself and justify the severity of her situation.

2024-02-11 21:44:01 UTC

Her list of "wants" on page 68....really gives me an appreciation of my health and that my life has so much possibility. She speaks of wanting to HOPE for things in her future. There's so much uncertainty in life, but the ability to hope, dream, feel like you have options....that's not necessarily something I've thought to be grateful for before. (also blown away by how eloquent she is throughout this)

I am wondering if she sees herself as her friend and other see her? Meaning why she is being selected as prom queen and as keynote speaker.

2024-02-13 18:32:20 UTC

She is "diesel!" She is one tough cookie! It is no wonder she is a source of positivity, grit and perseverance to everyone! I kept thinking of what my mom and dad have told me from a very young age - "Health is wealth. Do not take it for granted!"

2024-02-13 18:35:14 UTC

I was wondering the same thing- we have many students at Davidson who struggle with silent illnesses who don't have the resources that Mallory had access to. The fact that she got to go to Hawaii as part of the treatment that her parents were able to provide was crazy to me!

kristen_clausen — 2024-02-13 18:36:10 UTC

Pg. 30. The scavenger hunt. "It was an eye-opening experience....because the rest of that day I was just so grateful that I could see." She is mature beyond her years. She gets it. The more I read the more I like her, but my heart breaks knowing what will happen.

2024-02-13 18:38:56 UTC

I love the idea that "health is wealth." So true! Mallory's perspective as person who LOOKS fully able and healthy is important to keep in mind, especially when a student is having mental health concerns. We can look healthy and of course, not know anything about what's going on under the surface. Another note- she has a really lovely writing style and even with the journal style, it reads in an elevated way.

2024-02-13 18:50:23 UTC

2024-02-13 18:50:29 UTC

I wondered the same as stated above. If Mallory still had it that bad but was able to have that type of access (doctors, places, etc.), I wonder what it would look like for someone who was barely scraping by in a polluted city.

I too thought of a student that attends Davidson with a chronic illness in that how not only her diagnosis affects her, but all the other added elements that Mallory describes are a part of her life as well.

2024-02-13 18:51:37 UTC

What a perspective Mallory had gained at the young age of 15. She had life goals like everyone else and wanted to be treated in the same way as others. She just needed understanding for time missed.

2024-02-13 18:52:54 UTC

2024-02-13 18:56:54 UTC

I notice that Mallory is just like any other kid in so many ways. She has the same wants, needs, insecurities and dreams. She has the same insecurities as any girl that age but her needs, wants and dreams differ because of her unique perspective. Each of our students has a unique perspective that we should notice as well.

Several times so far, she has mentioned that her doctors/parents allow her to do things for her psychological health. This has occurred even when she wasn't officially discharged from the hospital. I wonder if her age (teen) has influence on this choice.

2024-02-13 18:58:10 UTC

2024-02-13 19:24:29 UTC

"In the delicate labyrinth, the network of frail scarred tubes

That is at once sustaining me and failing me."

This is from her poem in the beginning. It stuck out because on a long enough timeline this happens to everyone. With Mallory, though, the timeline is much shorter than it should be.

Heartbreaking

2024-02-20 21:26:25 UTC

Even though I know how the story ends, I keep hoping for more highs than lows. The sheer honesty of all the emotions, frustrations, fears, and even hopes gives great insight as to what others students may be experiencing. I wonder if she would ever make a different choice about her hospital stays knowing what she knew after the fact.

Parents

2024-02-20 21:31:45 UTC

I notice that her parents gave her great advice and would move heaven and earth to give her more time on earth. They continue to share her story with others and the CF community. I wonder how many others with a chronic disease have been inspired by them.