I decided when I was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis that I wasn't going to keep my feelings to myself. When someone has a life ending disease, everything changes. ....in oh so many ways . The first year after my diagnosis was fairly normal. The only big change was that I had to start sleeping with oxygen at night. By the end of the second year though, I found myself using oxygen 24/7. That's was big. I am now hooked up to something that aids in my breathing, and I can't be without it. Doctors appointments and pulmonary re-hab appointments consume a good part of my life. I go to re-hab 3 times a week for 2 hours at a time. I never realized how much free time I had until it was gone.
Going to the grocery, the mall, out to dinner are all exhausting. It's just easier to stay home. Thank heavens for supermarkets that gather your order for you. All I have to do is unload, and that can be done at my pace. I'm good at entertaining myself, which is a blessing....maybe I'm just naturally lazy:). The thing I miss most though, if I am really honest here, are my friends. Several have been great about keeping up, but there are a few who have just disappeared. That cuts to the bone. So if you are reading this and you have a sick friend I have two words for you........be there.... In phone calls, cards, visits, whatever. Don't think about what you will say or how this makes you feel. Suck it up and BE THERE. Don't wait until they are gone to miss them. Dying is lonely, be there.
Going to the grocery, the mall, out to dinner are all exhausting. It's just easier to stay home. Thank heavens for supermarkets that gather your order for you. All I have to do is unload, and that can be done at my pace. I'm good at entertaining myself, which is a blessing....maybe I'm just naturally lazy:). The thing I miss most though, if I am really honest here, are my friends. Several have been great about keeping up, but there are a few who have just disappeared. That cuts to the bone. So if you are reading this and you have a sick friend I have two words for you........be there.... In phone calls, cards, visits, whatever. Don't think about what you will say or how this makes you feel. Suck it up and BE THERE. Don't wait until they are gone to miss them. Dying is lonely, be there.
This wasn't in your life plan. Who plans for it?
ReplyDeleteBeing a supportive friend is important.
One of my buds, who also have pulmonary fibrosis, along with a few other problems, just entered a rehab unit yesterday. I'm going out there this afternoon.
Another life-long pal is in the memory unit of a local assisted living community. I try to get there once a week. My mom is nearing the end of her life and in hospice care so I'm focused on her right now.
No worries, though. These are people that are very important to me.
People are funny, though. They have the best intentions but sometimes drop the ball for whatever reason. It hurts.
When your world gets smaller with more restrictions, it's a rough go. Please know that I'm here for ya, buddy.
Ellen, I just want you to know that you are the best friend I have never met, in person. I love you for lots of reasons, You have a beautiful singing voice that makes me happy when I view one of your videos. You write a witty,homey,
ReplyDeletedown to earth blog, you love beads, glass ones, paper ones....
whatever! I know if we met in person we could easily talk away 3-4 hours, with just maybe one pee break :) I am grateful for your positive thoughts, your encouraging words, but most of all your kind heart. I am so thankful that our paths crossed, and that you have my back :)