Accomplished

I was speaking with a person familiar with OI. In fact it is a person that knows someone with OI. In my 30 years of life I've learned alot of things. There are so many fears, that go along with having this disease. So much is still unknown, and undiscovered. When I was first diagnosed, nothing was known. There was no genetic testing. I said this morning I have no actual "proof" that I have OI: but I do, and Doctor's didn't need a test to conclude I, in fact, have OI. 


When I  speak with the newly diagnosed, or parents of diagnosed children, I hear the. I recognize the uncertainty. There's this bleak picture that bursts into the forefront of our minds, when we hear 91 broken bones, or ten Orthopeadic surgeries. I know that all sounds scary, but I feel it is a blessing. 


Sure every broken bone hurt, Some surgeries were so unbearable, that I didn't think I'd get through it. My last surgery, was corrective, and took two years to be completed. This was an elective surgery, and I found myself often saying: "if it aint broke, why'd the hell did you try to fix it!" But the outcome of that surgery was amazing. I can stand straighter, than I've ever stood before. That, alone, has relieved so much pain.  


There's accomplishment. - Always an accomplishment to be had. 


Think of every time, you score an awesome job, move into a new apartment, learn to do something, you've always wanted to learn, have a child, get married, buy a puppy - All those are accomplishments: big or small, you get to be proud of. I get to have that feeling, all the time. 


Every time a cast come off and I've "rehabed" the injury I get to be proud. Surgeries I've come through, make me feel so accomplished and full of pride. Missing weeks of college, and graduating on time, felt amazing. 


I have the everyday accomplishments, as well. But, it's the ones that I'm used to, that feel extra special. 


It's not all roses. It WAS real hard. So for the "newbies" move from the fear, and move towards the "WAS." Bones strengthen, and so does spirit. Embrace the little things, as major accomplishments because by rite, they are. That's how you avoid feeling bad for yourself, or your spouse, or child. 


Of course I've had moments of feeling bad. You can't help, but feel bad when: a potential employer gives you that quizical look when you walk in for an interview. (you can be pretty sure they've already counted you out) or when the love of your life looks at you, and says "I love you, but I'm too superficial for you." or when someone is yelling when speaking to you. (Dude I'm 4' tall, not deaf!) And then there's my all time favorite: being given a CHILDREN"S menu! I'm learning to feel bad for those offenders, instead!