We're All On The Same Team, Aren't We?
I recently wrote a post about my journey of diagnosis and how I first came to understand the importance of body, mind and soul and if the three are in alignment our bodies move closer to better health.
In the world of Multiple Sclerosis there are four classifications of MS, and the "type" I have is the "best" kind. My issues are mostly invisible to the naked eye, but every day is still a struggle that I still have to manage as best as I can.
Others in the MS community don't have invisible MS.Their issues run the gamut from inability to walk or speak clearly to cognitive dysfunction and/or bowel and bladder issues. Some are forced to retire, and others rarely leave home. Their world is more difficult than mine.(You can read more about MS here on the National Multiple Sclerosis Society website.)
When I began to blog about MS I didn't know how I'd write about our disease, wondering how to be all-inclusive about every type.
I always try to do my best by keeping the entire community in mind. But as any writer knows I have to WRITE WHAT I KNOW.
It's impossible to be all things to all people. So I took the plunge and began following the old adage. I wrote about my life experiences, hoping that what I write will resonate with readers. Then I remembered a quote by Winston Churchill:
But hell hath no fury like a reader who feels scorned. After my post appeared about the benefit of the mind/body connection, I received an angry comment that went something like this:
"I am SO happy HER world works. It depends on her severity, but it doesn't sound too extreme. I'm strong and push through the pains in my world. But I can't work and sometimes I can't walk. Maybe your words will help someone. Except your sort of sounding like the cheerleader, all fit, perfect figure, great husband, kids, works out, has a wonderful job and is blessed her MS is under control from one MS medication. SERIOUSLY? Nice try drug company to use her for your prop. How much did you pay her? Does she really have MS? Yep, I've got some issues with people's happy "Oh look at me!" stories."
I was stunned and felt a little hurt. But after reading it over again (and again) I felt this person's anger. It wasn't necessarily toward me, but toward MS and her situation. Being unable to walk or work is a terrible burden to bear.
In my reply I told her that we are part of a great community and need to embrace, support and empower each other. We are on the same team and need to recognize the value in that.
In writing to her it reminded me of the women I've met in my online blogging community, the midlife bloggers who have become my good friends. We embrace, support and empower each other. That sense of community is powerful and has lifted me up for the past two years.
I also adore my MS community. The people I've met empower me with their constant strength and kindness, helping me to become a stronger person every day.
My hope is that the angry reader will realize that being part of a caring community is healthier than wallowing in anger. As with everything in life, being part of a team, any loving team, is better for us. Don't you agree?
