University of California - Berkeley

“What’s your pain like today?” Asked our librarian, Ms. Courtney. She looked strong in front of the books, lining the wall behind her, her stature, enhanced by stories of tragedy, resilience, and love. She handed me a chocolate protein shake laced with sodium and vitamins, knowing that the chocolate was the only way I could choke down the required medication to ease my symptoms of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. I braced myself against the back of the wheelchair, and shrugged in response to her question, not wanting to give the full answer. Nevertheless, Ms. Courtney’s smile…