Most internet users are knowledgeable about where to find facts about various medical and psychiatric problems. Writing a website such as this, I've wanted to provide information that is different than "just the facts."  

Many, many people live with almost maddening uncertainties about the outcome of diseases.  Unfortunately, this is the truth of life for too many people who live with chronic illnesses which can be a roller coaster between "good" and "bad" days.  

So, I've wanted to include what it is LIKE to actually live with a certain disorder or disability, like unrelenting pain, and with the uncertainty of whether a condition will ever "get better."  

These may not always make pretty stories, or stories with the typical "happy ending."  Sometimes the most enlightening and uplifting part of living with illness and disability is simply how so many millions of people who have chronic problems continue to get up every day, knowing they will struggle again with the same problems that they struggled through yesterday.  I think it shows bravery and a courageous spirit that many people never recognize when they see someone with a long-tern physical or psychological illness.  

Of course, I have tried to provide some facts or point to other websites that contain information on diseases.  

But much more than facts, I'd like general readers to come away with an emotional understanding of what it is like to live -- despite huge obstacles of illness.  

I would like professionals to gain a deeper understanding of the lives of persons they might treat in the doctor's office, dentist's chair, a therapy office, in long-term settings, or through home care services.

And, this website is intended to honor those persons whose lives are affected by chronic physical or emotional illnesses.  We both know that even though our problems might read like a bad-medical soap opera, that our lives are more than just a disease.  Each person affected by long-term illnesses must dig deep inside themselves each and every day, for strength to struggle through another day, for patience to deal with others who may not understand, and for the grace to not give up on our own lives.   

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Some of these articles are intended as information or education.  Others are intended to give readers a glimpse into other people's lives and specific problems.  Help is offered in articles about coping.  Additional items are directed to professionals.

Disabilities...... Home Health Care...... Sexual Abuse of Children...... Advocacy......... Jump to: Top of Page      If you have corrections to the content of this site or if you find broken links, please email me. The title "Onward ~ and ~ Upward" is a "motto" I used as a teenager and young adult --- then forgot about for a number of years.  I feel it is a fitting motto to strive for and a fitting title for the topics of this website.   (c) Judith Ann Florian 159 E. Main St. Girard, Ohio 44420 Disclaimer: This website is intended to convey information and discussion ONLY, on a variety of topics, and reflects the views of this author and submitters to this website.  The information provided on this website is not intended as a substitute for a medical opinion or diagnosis.  If you are suffering from an illness, injury, pain or other symptoms, please seek help and diagnosis from a medical professional.  If you are feeling suicidal or are thinking of harming yourself, in any way or by any means, call your therapist, your local 911, your local police department or other law enforcement, your local hospital emergency room, and your local crisis numbers. The webmaster of this site will not reply to emails from any person in a crisis situation. Copyright Notice - Information provided is for personal use only and may not be used on any other website.  All graphics and content on this web site are under copyright.  No portion may be reproduced, in part or in whole.  Contact the webmaster for information about publication rights.  © 2005-present, Judith Florian, Copyright - All rights reserved. Credit: Visit "The Art of Penny Parker" for elegant backgrounds and images.   This page was last updated on Wednesday, May 10, 2006 18:10