Home Base = everything else, right?

Oh, it's a nice bit of writing, don't get me wrong. Its just that Bruce has been quoting some kind of sad things lately. Usually, he's a bit more upbeat, that's all.

[ladysycamore]

Wow, that was great. Loved the raw honesty.

I have one too, just written a few days ago. Inspiration came from a talk that I had in my chatroom about how many renal patients feel about their situations.

"I Understand"
(aka The Renal Patient's Declaration of Independence)

On those days when you feel empty and alone,
I understand.
On those days when you are not as compliant as you should be,
I understand.
On those days when you feel tired and you feel you can't go on,
I understand.
On those days when you don't have a high regard for yourself,
I understand.
On those days when you are tired of the seemingly endless medications,
testing, appointments, etc.,
I understand.
On those days when you just want to scream and break things,
I understand.
On those days when you have done everything right but things
are still going wrong,
I understand.
On those days when you try to talk to friends and family, and they
still don't "get it",
I understand.

I understand, because I've been there.
I'm STILL there, and I may always BE in that place.
I don't know the future, because my future is unclear, unknown.
Nothing is guaranteed.
Who knows? Only time will tell and situations will dictate.

This isn't "negativity",
this isn't a pity party,
this isn't a cry for attention or help.

No one gets to determine what my feelings are and are not.
Only *I* do.

This is real...raw...honest emotions and feelings.
This is a part of me that can be controlled
when all else feels like it's out of my control.
A part of me that I can still call my own
while everything else is left up to the hands of fate.

I just know that when I have those days, I don't need or want
any advice, cliches, words of wisdom or suggestions.
To be told how to feel or what to feel.

I...we...just want to be...
Understood.

Understand?

"Unless you are walking in my shoes,
You don't have the right to map out my route."
Dr. George Keller

[xoxoxoBruce]

I understand.

That was very, very good, Lady Sycamore. Those words apply not only to renal patients, but ANYBODY who is forced to deal with a chronic condition. I sooooo UNDERSTAND! Thank you for sharing that.