Who are you without your disease? What makes you more than just your disease? How have you adapted these aspects of your life so they're not completely overcome by your illnesses?
In 1st grade, I was basically the only kid in my class who would talk to one of the girls, simply because she was going blind. Maybe it scared them? All I know remember is that when I was (randomly) assigned to sit next to her, and we were supposed to be learning our colors, and she was already color blind. So I would help her find the right colored crayon so she could color in the petals of the flower we were working on. I talked to her, treated her as my equal from the beginning, and as a result, we became best friends. That was awesome.
Oddly enough, it is because of my disease that I am who I am today. And I'm OK with that, as I like who I am, and what I am: a blind friend. I do not judge people on their appearance, race, creed, or breeding. Rather, I accept all people with open arms. I don't know what baggage they must carry, just as they don't know, initially, what I carry.
Some people are shocked at the diversity of my friends, on different points of all the spectrum. They don't understand how I can see all of them as a friend, and relate to them, when they're so completely different. But I don't see the differences, I see the similarities. They're all hardworking, good people who are trying their best, in their own ways, to make it.
If a person becomes my good friend, I will go to the mattresses for them when they need it. I will stay up late, get up early, or just be there in the day for them when they need me. I also know, however, that sometimes what people need is space, and I respect that as well. I know that I need some space, to deal with my personal demons (and migraines), but there's a standing invite.
In 1st grade, I was basically the only kid in my class who would talk to one of the girls, simply because she was going blind. Maybe it scared them? All I know remember is that when I was (randomly) assigned to sit next to her, and we were supposed to be learning our colors, and she was already color blind. So I would help her find the right colored crayon so she could color in the petals of the flower we were working on. I talked to her, treated her as my equal from the beginning, and as a result, we became best friends. That was awesome.
So even when my migraines were just beginning to get serious, I already had the ability to treat all people as equals, and look for their good qualities, not superficial traits, or the baggage that they were forced to carry, as that was how I wanted to be treated.
Quantum in me fuit,
Gretchen
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