Hi Chris, your post was beautifully said!!! @ea1, welcome to Connect! I know you will find the support, understanding, compassion, empathy, wealth of information, inspiration and friends that I have here on the blog.
To go along with what Chris was saying, most of us suffer brutal and often unrelenting pain. It's amazing how we keep pushing through day after day.
I hope and pray your journey is more than tolerable. Keep reaching out and we'll all try to be there for you.
Many blessings and prayers, Sunnyflower