In my case, I've long accepted my illness, along with its subsequent complications and consequences. I had my share of depression, pain, and suffering, but after six years of fighting, I'm still here, willing to continue the battle for as long as it takes. If you could see me today, you would never think I suffer from kidney failure or undergo dialysis treatment, but the truth is that deep inside me, all that remains is a weary traveler.
If somebody dear to you suffers from the illness, give them your love and support. There's no appropriate time to give these so just give it anytime. Neither must you expect them to tell you that they're in need of your attention, for this is not likely to happen. Simply reach out at any time and at any moment.
It's hard enough for us patients to cope with our ailment, harder for us to brace ourselves each time we endure the rigors of treatment, and hardest for us to think that every time we go to dialysis, there's always a possibility that we might not be getting back. Morbid? Yes it is, but it's one of the uncertainties that we patients must learn to accept and live with.
We need a simple reminder that someone is always there; a simple touch of care, a simple pat on the shoulder for encouragement, a simple nod of assurance that everything would be all right, even if it were only half-true. These simple things make a great difference to a suffering mind and an aching body.
A warm embrace for a weary soul.
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