I like to share different experiences from my childhood when I can. It not only helps me to talk with others, but might also help others to ponder their own problems and experiences that they have faced while dealing with a sick child or family member.
I remember when I first became ill and wanted to continue playing outside with the neighborhood children. It was very difficult for me to keep up with them as we ran around playing tag, hide and seek or even something simple like hopscotch or jump rope. I was weak, frail and always struggled to keep up. My parents were concerned, of course, for my health, but also concerned that I would be chastised for my weaknesses. Luckily I was able to, shall we say, “dance around the issue” by not letting anyone know I could not really keep up, or so I thought, but eventually I realized I was not up to the challenge of some of our childhood games. It makes me sad when I think about what I missed out on, but I also realize it was part of my illness and I did deal with it the best that I could. I learned to modify my expectations and do only what I knew I could do. There may be someone else out there who is experiencing similar issues, and I want them to know that they are not alone. I understand their need to feel “normal”, and I hope that my story can help them realize that everything will be okay.
