# @mercphotography on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DMT4NVJPAOS
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/32662583-mercphotography-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/309743be40.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-07-20T01:08:09.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** MERC (@mercphotography) — https://gondola.cc/mercphotography

## Caption

These past few weeks have been tough. After finishing radiation, Elias struggled with intense back pain that made things really difficult. Thankfully, we’ve gotten a little better handle on it, though the pain still flares up from time to time.
Some days are filled with deep pain and sorrow, while others are touched by love, hope, and laughter. Through it all, Elias fights with quiet courage, relying solely on integrative treatments and strong meds to manage the pain.
His morning shower is non-negotiable, even though it's often the hardest part of his day. With his collapsing spine and weak legs, it takes everything he has, but he does it.
Each day, he looks for something to enjoy, a walk through the neighborhood, a visit to the mall, or a trip to the Bricks and Minifigs store to add to his Ninjago sets.
Lately, he’s been ending his nights with a gratitude journal. At first, it was hard for him to find anything to write, but now it’s becoming more natural, a quiet victory each night.
His heart is set on a summer getaway, especially a special pokemon event in Anaheim this August. #pokemonworlds

-Anyone I know got a plug for this?-

Paul and I are doing everything we can to make that dream come true, though it’s not easy to figure out. It’s generally hard to do anything away from home, but when he wishes for something so much ~ we just want his dreams to come true.
We are so grateful for his strength and light. He inspires us daily to keep going, even when we feel like falling apart. We are fiercely committed to giving him the best days possible. We’re taking things one day at a time and continuing to focus on comfort, rest, and small wins. Thanks for keeping Elias in your thoughts—we truly appreciate the love and support.

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 121
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 6

## Credits

| Name | Username | Profile | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| MERC | @mercphotography | https://gondola.cc/mercphotography | Photographer |

## Tags

pokemonworlds

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