It is easy to overlook unconditional supporters who cope with your illness right along with you. They too feel stressed, shed tears, ask questions and advocate for your health.
This is an especially heartfelt job for a mom.
I have no clue how my mom managed the medical intricacies and emotions of having a daughter who needed ten surgeries and full-time care before she was two. It is much easier to be grown-up dealing with illness than having to watch your child endure things you pray would be different.
My childhood, despite the health challenges, was filled with abundant joy. My mom and I laughed all the time. We made fun of just about every exam and medical procedure I went through. We explored, played dress-up, sang loudly to our favorite Wilson Phillip’s songs, did art projects, camped, and cooked.
I always felt loved and safe.
I know that the latest turn in my health status is hard for my mom. She wishes we had caught things earlier. She wishes it were her and not me needing a transplant. She wishes for a miracle.
I want so badly to fix this for her so that she doesn’t have to watch me in pain and care for me during recovery. It is hard to ask your loved ones to climb into the muckiness of life with you. Yet, you are so thankful that they willingly jump in.
My mom always made me feel that it was OK to have a chronic illness. Illness wasn’t a curse or burden. It was simply a part of my life, here to teach us about compassion and love. Knowing that my challenges had a purpose was instrumental in helping me to accept them.
It was her lessons, her love, her grace that I return to when I need an example of how to compassionately care for myself. What would mom do?
I know what she would do…
Make carrot-apple juice, tuck me in and then lay down next to me to watch funny movies.
And I love her to no end for that.
Happy Mother’s Day!! xo
Shared at:
