Have You Learned Anything Good From This Disease?

[Guest guest]

Recently, I was thinking of the positive things I have learned since

being afflicted with this illness. And I was wondering if anyone in

the group has had similar thoughts and experiences.

For example:

I am more patient. Having to depend on people to help me bathe and

dress because of my disability has made me much, much more patient

with others and myself as well.

I am more spiritual. I have to draw on my faith to strenghtened me

on a DAILY BASIS! Without my faith and dependence I would not have

made it thus far. Somedays are so difficult, that I can only just

cry out for help, mercy, comfort, compassion and relief. And it sees

me throught it all everytime I call out.

I am more humble. Before this disease I was a very arrogant and

confident person. But not anymore. This illness has taught me

humility on a level I have never experienced. No longer do I look

down or talk down to people or elevate some people over others. This

has been a extremely needed and valuable lesson for me that I will

never forget.

I am more compassionate and understanding. Before my illness I had

developed a hard exterior in life for several reasons. But now I

have returned to the days of my youth when I was tender at heart and

loving even to a stranger. And for this I am thankful.

I am more faithful. Coming from a very scientific background I

tended to not believe things that I could not see, test for or prove.

What a mistake that was for many years. Since my illness I have

learned to have faith in certains things in life and move on without

question. My faith has grown a lot considering my arrogance and

conceit of my pass history.

I think I have made a point here. I am not trying to convince anyone

to " look for the silver lining " or make " lemonade out of this lemon

we have been given. " I am simply saying that after searching my mind

and my heart, I can see areas of growth in my life as a result of

this illness that I do not know if I would have grown in these

particular areas if I did not have this disease.

No, I am not thankful for having this illness, but I am thankful for

the growth in the areas of my life that I painfully needed. And for

this I try to give thanks.

Won't you too think about it along these lines? Give it a try and

see if it doesn't put a smile on your face. And that my friend is

the best medicine of all, a warm, sincere smile.

Your brother and friend,

Ron (Smiles to you all)