To clarify something, I was not looking for the incredible amount of accolades I received from that post when I posted it. I posted it because I have an incredible support system surrounding me that I don't thank nearly enough for all they do and now and then I like to acknowledge them. A lot of people feel they haven't really done much for me over the years because they live so far away or they can't fix me or they aren't in a financial position to send me get well gifts. I want to put a stop to people feeling that way because you DO help even when you might think that you're not. The well wishes and love and support and yes even all of the prayers I receive (as most know I'm not the most religious of people) do me a tremendous amount of good and I accept all of them with open arms and the knowledge that they are each genuine.
My situation is not an easy one. It's not easy for me. It's not easy for my family. It's not easy for the people in my life that I see and spend time with and it is not easy for those of you too far away to visit. I realize that because when a person is sick or injured it is not simply that person who is dealing with the side effects of all of it. The people around us go through the pain and the worry and the hurt as well watching someone they love and/or care about struggle with nothing much they can do to take away the hellishness. Everyone in my circle is effected by what I've been living through.
I was always somewhat aware of that but became incredibly aware when my oldest sister was diagnosed with glioblastoma (the same brain cancer Ted Kennedy fought and John McCain is currently fighting) and then when she died from it. Until that time, I'd always been the patient. I'd always been the one in the bed hooked up to tubes and stuff and then suddenly out of nowhere the tables turned and I became what Michaeleh had always been to me...the sister of the patient. I learned the hard way and very quickly in her last two months that it's not just about the sick person and that care taking, whether it's being a physical caretaker like my parents doing dressing changes or friends sending gifts and cards and keeping tabs waiting anxiously for the next update, is incredibly taxing and scary.
So with al of my heart I once again say thank you for EVERYTHING each and every one of you have done to help me through the years. Again, I'm not looking for pity or recognition or to put myself on any kind of pedestal. I'm simply saying something I often think but don't say nearly often enough.
THANK YOU
