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An Open Letter to My Family - Page 2

© Cynthia Webber (Jausten)

It is as though you are allowed to live your lives as you choose, but when you want me to do something for or with you, you want it on your terms. I will no longer give my time and energy to meet your needs. Rather I will give my time and energy to those who care and understand me. I know that these are strong words, but they are my words and my feelings.

I am no longer going to clean, cook any meals, shop for groceries, make a grocery list out, do any laundry except for my own. I will not be doing towels, sheets, or any other household laundry except what I choose to do. I will not fold any laundry except for my own. I will not feed or walk the dogs. If I choose to walk the dogs, it is my choice. I will no longer drive anyone anywhere. If I am going out somewhere, and I choose to ask someone to join me then I will, but I will not drive anyone anywhere if I am asked.

I will not accept any interruptions while I'm on the computer, the phone, or if someone comes to visit me. I do not want notes handed to me during this time either. It is my time, and if I choose to be on the computer all day long, then it is my choice. I will not pick up any clutter around the house except for my own. I will not turn the dishwasher on at night, and I will not clean the dirty dishes left on the counters or in the sink, except for my own.

I will not be responsible for the dogs tracking mud into the house unless it is I who lets them out and then opens the door for them again. If the door is left open by someone else, then the mud will remain for someone else to clean it up. The housekeeper is to only vacuum, dust, do the floors, and clean the bathrooms. She is not here to clean up as a maid. She is here because I have chosen to have her here to help me with the things that I can no longer do.

Until I am treated with the respect and understanding that I deserve as a human being, I will continue to be unavailable to all of you. Hopefully, you will do some reading and inner soul searching to come to accept the fact that I have a disability. I am tired of being treated as though I am a nobody. I do not need to be told what to do for my life or for my fibromyalgia. I know what helps me and what doesn't. I have fought this condition for five years. I accepted it two years ago. It is time for all of you to accept it.

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