HOLDING ON TO DIGNITY

Everyone has heard the saying that there is always a "silver lining," in any difficult situation if you look hard enough. One of the gifts that has been given to me is living with far more clarity BECAUSE of my daily struggle with chronic pain. 

It may be a struggle or a windfall of some sort, either way- these events will clarify every relationship in your life. People seem to always reveal their true character and heart when faced with adversity, success and/or with money. People that win the lottery will often complain that they have loved ones, distant relatives, friends and even complete strangers that will  come out of the woodwork trying to become close enough to be gifted as well.

Certainly, I haven't found "extra friends," because of my constant pain but it has revealed who will still stand at my side with compassion. If you have a relationship with a loved one that is fractured, chances are that this new physical challenge will sadly widen the cracks. In most marriage vows, we say quite cheerfully "In sickness and in health," for better and for worse, " but it will soon become apparent how strong your relationship is when tested.

I often feel that I am in the midst of a storm with my partner, the skies are dark and the waves are immense but once in a while, we surface to take a breath and see the light before we are sucked under again. I can certainly empathize how difficult a journey it is to continue to walk along side your wife who now is very different because of her daily struggle with pain. And despite my obvious need for help, I would rather crawl than ask for help from someone who maybe doesn't want to be there.






So, we tread carefully on the path together and despite my body becoming more dependent....

 I can feel my spirit rise up REMINDING ME OF MY WORTH!! 

Losing my husband's shoulder as my "soft place to fall," would definitely crush my heart but Losing My Dignity would break it into a thousand pieces.