Dr. Stoff was a
compassionate man who really seemed to understand what a CFS sufferer
was going through. Here is a passage from his book that I thought was
beautiful and still makes me cry. The journey inward is like a quest to
the top of the mountain that rises above the chaos in your life and
body. The trek is not by way of an escalator. It is a long, hard climb.
The only way out of this mess is through it. Together we will walk the
path, guided by signposts. The climb to the top, beyond illness, is
worth the effort. When we have reached the summit you will have learned
more about yourself and grown more than you ever dreamed was possible.
There will be many hills and valleys along the way, and there may be
times when you wonder, "Why bother?" Just remember this: when you are
ascending the mountain you can look back down and know what was. But
when you're deep in the valley you can't look up through the fog to see
what will be. Trust.
When you cross a small valley along your trek, the
memory of what you have already seen and learned will sustain you. If
you stop along the way to really take in the signposts, then you are a
special person indeed, for you are ready to put aside the fear of the
unkown, of yourself, and really examine who and what you are. You are
ready to love, accept, and appreciate yourself for who and what you are.
You will learn to listen to yourself and to your body to fulfill its
needs. When you reach the summit, you can pause and reflect on what you
have learned and re-create yourself. the power to do so is yours. And
with your new strength you can now bring greater love to your family and
friends.
You will have gained a sense of maturity and perspective with
which you can offer them a hand. THIS IS WHAT I WILL SEE WHEN I LOOK AT
YOU ON THE MOUNTAINTOP: A PERSON WHO CAN LOVE, A PERSON WHO CAN LISTEN.
AN AUTHENTIC HUMAN BEING. When you look back, there
will be no regret and remorse over lost time and opportunities. Instead,
you will see that the greatest opportunity of your life is the illness
now before you. Give me your hand and let us begin our journey.
Dr.
Stoff quit his practice and went into research only.
