Abstract
In a previous story (“On Blindness and Blind Spots”)1 I sought to understand the psychological causes of a long-time patient’s myriad of seemingly inexplicable symptoms. Since then, I learned more of her story, which helped me understand my patient with a new perspective.
Dana shared with me, and now with the readers, short poetic pieces she has written to describe her traumatic experiences as a child—and the efforts she makes as a grown woman to heal, like the phoenix rises from its ashes. The value of belief in one’s patient, alongside patience and the opportunity to build a trusting relationship over many years—as the truth has a pace of its own—are underscored.
- Received for publication April 21, 2019.
- Revision received June 24, 2019.
- Accepted for publication July 17, 2019.
- © 2020 Annals of Family Medicine, Inc.