When Learning About Others Teaches You About Yourself
Last installment in the Face of MS series....
It’s hard to distinguish guilt from grief. And too often, it is easier to project our emotions onto those we love to try to protect our vulnerability.
I feel guilty that I can’t do everything Rob does. I feel that he deserves someone who can. But he accepts me as I am. Why can’t I?
I still grieve the person I thought I would be. No, let me rephrase that. I grieve the career I thought I would have someday. But without the totality of my experiences, I would not be doing the meaningful things I do today.
I am very lucky. I touch people. I help to shape the future of children through music. I use my words to reach out to others. People reach back to me. I make a difference.
And...I need to forgive myself for having MS, while staying open and vulnerable to the joys and opportunities THIS life offers up to me. Thank you to everyone who has helped me to see that. I am truly grateful.
Read this post in its entirety:
The Face of MS: The Vulnerable Patient
You're so right, Lisa. We must remember first of all to separate who WE ARE and what MS does to us. Grief is a natural emotion, and I grieve on a regular basis for the THINGS I can no longer do -- teach, be a principal, do my hobbies... But I try to keep in mind that I am not my MS.
ReplyDeletePeace,
Muff