I have been having this conversation with a friend and family member! Yes! I’m so glad that you wrote this. Well said, too. Spoken gently, but spot on.
I have dealt with autoimmune disease for over 30 years. It's a difficult road, especially when you look healthy. People think you are a baby and cannot tolerate pain. If they only knew. My disease doesn't even make sense to me, so I know it doesn't make sense to others. One day you can do something, the next day, you cannot. The hardest part for me is having to cancel plans all the time. Or not being able to do what others do so easily like attend normal events or travel. Thank you for this article. I understand your thoughts.
It really is a specific type of suffering, isn't it, Kate? Because it's hidden. People can't see it. They think you're "fine." They expect you to walk and behave and think and feel like everyone else thinks you should when you look "fine." I feel this with you and want you to know I appreciate your vulnerable sharing here today. Thank you.
Jeannie, you put so much that I’m going through into words. The power of a kind word or a heartfelt smile is sometimes beyond comprehension, in its ability to ease someone else’s pain and anxiety. You’ve put forth a concept that I’ve never thought possible: that we all can be “healers” or even “doctors” in our daily lives. The choice is ours. Thank you.
Truth!!!! This is what I love about your writing. You tell it like it is. You write what I wish I could say. Thanks Jeannie. And I’ll keep that in mind when I see others too.
Thank you for this writing about this topic. You inspire me to consider writing about it as well. Invisible illnesses are so very challenging. Perhaps we can create a list of things to say to folks we know who deal with them.
I have been having this conversation with a friend and family member! Yes! I’m so glad that you wrote this. Well said, too. Spoken gently, but spot on.
Thank you so much.
I have dealt with autoimmune disease for over 30 years. It's a difficult road, especially when you look healthy. People think you are a baby and cannot tolerate pain. If they only knew. My disease doesn't even make sense to me, so I know it doesn't make sense to others. One day you can do something, the next day, you cannot. The hardest part for me is having to cancel plans all the time. Or not being able to do what others do so easily like attend normal events or travel. Thank you for this article. I understand your thoughts.
It really is a specific type of suffering, isn't it, Kate? Because it's hidden. People can't see it. They think you're "fine." They expect you to walk and behave and think and feel like everyone else thinks you should when you look "fine." I feel this with you and want you to know I appreciate your vulnerable sharing here today. Thank you.
Jeannie, you put so much that I’m going through into words. The power of a kind word or a heartfelt smile is sometimes beyond comprehension, in its ability to ease someone else’s pain and anxiety. You’ve put forth a concept that I’ve never thought possible: that we all can be “healers” or even “doctors” in our daily lives. The choice is ours. Thank you.
I'm glad you found comfort in this essay, Rafael.
Truth!!!! This is what I love about your writing. You tell it like it is. You write what I wish I could say. Thanks Jeannie. And I’ll keep that in mind when I see others too.
You are one of my biggest cheerleaders, Michele! Thank you.
Thank you for this writing about this topic. You inspire me to consider writing about it as well. Invisible illnesses are so very challenging. Perhaps we can create a list of things to say to folks we know who deal with them.
That's such a wonderful idea, Teyani. I'm grateful to hear from you and that reading my article inspired you to share your own story. ❤️
I just published it. https://open.substack.com/pub/stayingtogether/p/so-what-can-i-say?r=37ixbd&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Thank you so much for sharing, Teyani! I had thought later about going back to ask you to tag me. I'll check it out.