Christy Eatherly

Daughter of the King, wife and mom

Christy blogs at The Salty Zebra on travel, chronic illness, and everything God is teaching her.

Hi, I’m the Salty Zebra and I use the pronouns she/her. Like everyone, I am a collection of experiences and relationships. I am a wife, mom, daughter, sister, cousin, auntie, niece, granddaughter, and friend. All of these relationships matter to me, and some of the more unusual ones further define me.

I am also a Spoonie, someone who deals with both chronic illness and disability. I have a genetic disorder called Ehler’s-Danlos Syndromes that affects my connective tissues as well as chronic Lyme disease and many of their comorbidities (yes, I hate that word too, but it’s what they call them). In addition, I was diagnosed with a Pilocytic Astrocytoma Brain Tumor in February of 2023. This affects the way I interact with the world and the way the world interacts with me. I have had seasons of needing to use a wheelchair, cane, crutches, braces, and other visual indicators of my disabilities, but much of the time my disabilities are “non-apparent” or as other spoonies put it “invisible”. In addition, I deal with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. I know what it is to feel pain every day, physically and emotionally.

I have been a homeschool mom of fifteen years, a yoga instructor, and, for a brief time, a computer programmer and a travel agent. I love to travel and experience new places, cultures and foods. I am also someone who is usually confined to a restrictive diet due to ever changing health issues. I am an introvert who prefers to order in than go to a restaurant and craves time alone, but I also desperately love and enjoy the people that are in my life.

I am drawn to water. Near it I find rest, peace, refreshment. At the same time, I don’t swim, and rarely actually get IN the water.

My life has a soundtrack. Music is my heart language and I have it playing nearly all the time. I love nearly all genres of music and my playlists are extensive and varied. It’s pretty standard for me to listen to more than a thousand different artists in a year according to Spotify, and a significant percentage of them are small, indie artists most have never heard of.

I’ve always been drawn to fiber arts – from crochet and knitting to spinning wool and felting. I find joy and comfort in following a pattern and creating things for others to enjoy.

I’ve saved the most important thing for last, I am a passionate follower of Jesus. He has changed my life, drawn me to Himself, and given me hope and a future. He’s my best friend, the first one I turn to in joy or sorrow. He provides for and protects me. Most importantly, He loved me enough to die for me so that I can be with Him forever. He did it for you too, and if you’d like to learn more, please feel free to reach out to me at saltyzebrablog@outlook.com .

~Christy