When Lance is away, Dr. Amy has pal's night! This is a special episode for many reasons. First, we have our first-ever guests! Please welcome the A-TEAM (different A-Team) to the NEVERTHELESS, PERSISTING podcast!

Dr. Amy's friends, Amy (different Amy!) and Alyssa pinch hit for Lance and we have quite a time. There are haiku, which we've used for connecting (with each other) and coping (with sh!t). We reflect on how we've managed to support each over the decades and across the miles. Someone digs up poetry prosed nearly two decades ago (are there laws against that?) and one of us gets roasted. Through it all, what remains is a steadfast love for one another that we'll never doubt. It is this that most gets us through the hardest of times. And I'd bet it is something akin to this that works best for Dolly, too.

WHAT WOULD DOLLY DO?

I am one of those fortunate souls who has been gifted with more than my fair share of loving people in my life who truly get me. They accept me and the wild wacky unpredictable world that is chronic illness.

I, together with two of those particular peeps, make up what we call the A-Team. Most deets are top secret but what I can share is that we are an elite team of awesomeness, love, support, and understanding. And we're really f*cking good at sh!tty haiku.

In the years since I’ve been sick, both A-Team members have sent me a variety of incredible, nay INSPIRATIONAL, gifts. Two such gifts were t-shirts honoring Saint Dolly Parton. In honor of her holiness and my A-Team pals, I present to you, a bit of haiku poo.

WHAT WOULD DOLLY DO?

What would Dolly do?

Whatever the hell she wants!

Dolly, take the wheel!

Continues at ⁠https://substack.com/@neverthelesspersisting/note/c-109421285