Amanda Doulos is a digital editor for Love What Matters based in New York City. She will graduate from Binghamton University with a Bachelor of English Literature and Spanish in Spring 2023. She loves staying involved as vice president of the mock trial team and secretary of Spanish Honor Society. In her free time, she loves reading, traveling, and spending time with friends.
“With every new life accomplishment, my wife has always stuck by my side.”
“I heard my mother’s pleas. It all went in one ear and out the other. Until I was scared, too. A new Gavan was about to rise from the dust.”
“I knew when I left school I’d never be a doctor or lawyer, so I used my knowledge in being kind and helping others.”
“I thought I was crazy. I KNEW something was wrong, but after being told it was ‘all in my head,’ I started to doubt myself because of the medical gaslighting. Now, I’m FINALLY getting help.”
“I never thought the ‘pesky problems’ would become an illness. I felt like I was going CRAZY. No one believed me! I can’t control my circumstances, but I CAN control how I handle them.”
“I’m finally at home in my body.”
“Would my son end up taking care of me? I went from moments of being emotionally sound to breaking down. It took MONTHS, but I finally understood my life was NOT over.”
“I was constantly told I was a hypochondriac. ’Just drink more water.’ But the pain didn’t go away. I looked in the mirror and realized just how sick I was. I barely recognized myself.”
“My face feels like I’m pressing it on a stove burner. The pain stops me in my tracks and I’m unable to talk. I was told to ‘power through.’ I decided to advocate for myself.”
“No reservations of nerves played on my mind. I tasted the salted air and strode into the ocean. You begin to realize nothing really mattered but your mind, your focus, your control. ‘Until next time, my love. I will be back.’”
