So, those of us living with debilitating chronic illness know just how rough the road of chronic illness can be. Let's face it, we go through things well people can't even imagine. The pain, the sick, the "cures" that often make us sick. All the appointments and tests and bad news. Then there's everyday life and the world that goes on around us, that just doesn't stop because you can't get going. It all can be so overwhelming. If we are very lucky though, we have one or two people in our lives who we can count on to be there through it all. Those people that have seen our worst, and are still there pulling and cheering us through it. Our Angles in Disguise.
These are the people who have been there for EVERYTHING. The good, the bad, and the downright ugly. And let me start by saying, the "EVERYTHING" is as far from glamorous as it gets. We're talking about holding your hair after a night of Jager Bombs type messes. Hauling said drunken body (or in our case sick, broken body) off the bathroom floor, changing you into pajamas (or at the very least stripping your soiled clothing and tossing them somewhere you won't trip on them) type jobs. These people have spent hours sitting in the emergency room with you. They can rattle off your drug allergies at triage, and know where exactly your med list is. They know to tell the nurses to try hot blankets before starting an IV because it's probably going to take at least three or four tries to get that winning line in those junky veins, and can tell the nurse what your record is for failed line attempts. They also know which area is more likely for a successful hit. They tell the lab tech who comes for blood to use the butterfly needle, and not to be afraid to tie the tourniquet too tight for the very same reason. They sit there and hold your hand and distract you while you wait for the pain meds to take hold. They know exactly when those meds are wearing off just by looking at you or listening to you breathe. They sit there with you for hours waiting for the final bag of fluids and meds to go in before they can finally bundle you off home. Likewise, they also sit there for the hours it can take before the room you are to be admitted to upstairs is ready for you. They will be the one to go home and know exactly what supplies to gather to bring you in that room. They will hold the universe together until you can come home and slowly try to get back into "routine". They just know, and they just do.
Our Angels often are not only our saviour in times of need, but they are our sounding boards. They are there for us when we have those really disappointing appointments. They wipe our tears when the news isn't what we have been hoping for. They hold and squeeze your hand with a reassuring smile when you hear that the drugs you are being put on might feel worse than the sickness. They cheer and celebrate with us when we get the good news. They get excited right along with you when, after years of misdiagnosis and doctors who have no clue, you finally get a proper diagnosis from an amazing doctor. They will be right by your side, doing the happy dance, if you are lucky enough to hear the word "remission".
We often forget that our Angels are going through just as much as we are with our illness, if not sometimes more, as they take care of us and manage lives of their own. Although we don't mean to at all, these amazing people can sometimes be taken for granted. It is sometimes a thankless job. My point? Remember to say a very heartfelt thank you to your Angels. Do what you can to show them you appreciate every single thing they do for you. Take them out for a meal or a movie on your good days. Make them a special meal at home when you can. Give them a token of appreciation. Whatever you do, make sure you look them in the eye and say a very sincere, heartfelt thank you. Make sure they know that without them, many aspects of your life would be impossible to manage. Make sure they understand just how much you appreciate them. Let them feel like the Angels they truly are.
This post is dedicated to my Angels.
My husband Chris, who pretty much holds life up in our house. These last couple years have been pretty bad for me health wise, and he's been the one holding all the pieces together. He makes sure the kids have lunches for school, keeps the house clean, makes sure we all have clean undies.....pretty much everything. When I fall apart, he gathers me up and puts me back together. It's so cliché to say "I don't know what I'd do without him", but its nothing short of the truth. I hope you know you truly are my Superman.
My mom Rhonda, who will drop anything, anytime to do anything for me. She's sat with me through many long ER visits, and rarely misses a day visiting me when I'm in the hospital. When we need help with the girls she's there, no questions asked. When I'm feeling down she scoops me up. She's my mom, but she's so much more. I hope you know just how much everything you do for us is truly appreciated. I can't thank you enough for EVERYTHING. I am so lucky to not only have you as my mom, but also for the fact that I have you as a friend in my corner.
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