I Am Not Pitiful
This past week a friend asked about my health. They were sincere in wanting to know how I was doing, and I gave them the capsule overview. That is when my friend paused and commented about how he felt bad for those with crippling arthritis. Then he said in an off-handed way he thought those of us with RA are pitiful. Pitiful? I am not pitiful. He corrected course immediately when I reminded him; I am doing well for a guy with three autoimmune conditions.
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Thank you for sharing this post. I loved the part where you talked about the cards showing what’s really going on. I feel the challenges of living with invisible illness too. When people say well you look great! when I am in so much pain etc…
Many of us are faced with the invisible. Like many (including my friend Carla from Rheumatoidarthritis.net) says sometimes it is good diabetes or RA is invisible and sometimes not. I know when someone says just the dumbest darn thing about me being pitiful it all gets real visible real quick. Well, OK it got visible that day anyway. 🙂
You’re a very long way from pitiful. You’re a ray of sunshine to those of us who know you. You’re the only reason why I still allow comments on my blog because I can count on one person in the universe to leave one, reminding me that I am not writing to the wind. You were a hero. Your smile is bright and your laughter is strong. You are a mentor. You are an example of how to keep going when others would quit. You are a friend and a blessing. You’re da bomb! The opposite of pitiful.
Oh shoot now I am all embarrassed. Thank you so much for the most kind words. I am always thrilled to support other bloggers. Plus like your blog, I get to read the very best writing around. It is always such a great pleasure to keep up with everyone in the RA and Diabetes communities. Your incredible blog keeps me up with what is happening in the type 2 community. We certainly need more type 2 voices.
Pitiful? Ha! As one of my dearest friends, you are so much more than your health conditions. When I think of Rick Phillips, I think of a person who is always learning, always trying out new things. I admire that about you. Plus, you are always willing to help whatever community you are in at the time. You are our sunshine!
Thank you Cathy. I love trying new things, sometimes I try to many things but for me it is the process of learning to makes things fun. I so appreciate you Cathy!!
You most surely are NOT – but I love the postcard analogy. You know, I think most (all?) of us are guilty of doing that slotting into pigeonholes and superimposing our ideas on people one way or another, so it’s good to forgive ,,,once! I wouldn’t keep a friend long who made the same mistake twice!
I also think that sometimes we do slot people into areas based on preconceived notions. I am guilty of doing it as well. However, one of my favorite stories is about a wealthy farmer who was in NYC. He went to a store and wrote a check. The manager called his bank for approval. The banker asked how much was needed? When told the amount the bank manager responded that the farmer was good for the check and that in fact if he wanted up to 10 million dollars he would cover the as well. Oh said the store manager, what if he wants over 10 million? Then the banker said, you should ask him if he would not rather just buy the store, seems he was good for that amount as well.
Beautifully written. This should be required reading for, well, pretty much everyone! We are not pitiful, or to be pitied. A little support, understanding and belief sure wouldn’t go astray though 🙂 Thanks Rick
Oh I so agree, and thanks for stopping by.