Accepting the Unacceptable: Re: missing mind, but providing chuckles to husband

» Carol Wallace - Re: missing mind, but providing chuckles to husband

In response to message posted by energynow:
Most of us have "dropsyness" - although mine comes and goes. Sometimes the connective tissues in one arm or another get weak and I can't depenbd on it. I finally bought some lightwesight wrist braces that seem to help when that happens.

The important thing is that YOU know you're not stupid - and so do those who know you best and that you care about. I know what you're saying, and felt the same at first - as if I had lost my brain power and not just some short term memory. Thank heavens my husband understood what was happening and was always quick to remind me of all the brains I still use well.

The important thing is to keep trying to take that positive approach. It wasn't always easy for me, either. In fact there was a time when I was close to suicidal. But one day I looked at the different points in my life that at the time had all seemed to be tragic - and instead I realuized that they were just turning points that led me in a different direction - and each of those directions was a good one. After that I got more into the habit of assuming that no matter how bad today felt it might only be turning me toward something better. By now it has become a habit. (And one habit for which I am eternally grateful!)

But another thing for which I am really grateful is that you're learning that a label is just that - and that "being on disability" actually just means someone sends you money because you can't go to work - but you can still do lots of other stuff instead.

You said it perfectly, Tamara - that we are still the same people no matter what labels are on us. Essentially, nothing about who we are has changed.

-- posted by Carol Wallace