Into the holiday we roll...

 It's that time of the year again.  The holiday season has always been difficult.  Many do not have the means to provide and the economy is making that even harder.  I remember as a kid growing up in the recession when the gas was rationed by the last number on your license plate.  Lines around the block to fill up on your even or odd day.  Somehow my mom made it work.  As a parent now, I know how hard it was to keep the illusion real for your kids.  That has always stressed me.

Add to that the loss of both maternal figures within a year and then my prostate cancer!  Seeing all the Hallmark moments/movies brings it all home on how unrealistic Hollywood makes the holidays look.  It is no wonder there is so much depression at this time of the year.

On top of all of that crap, we went to a dinner with a group of friends.  One of the group has ALS and has progressed far too quickly for my comfort.  I just hate seeing anyone, and particularly a friend suffer with this terrible disease.  Seeing all of this, one of the group had the audacity to ask the couple if the diagnosis and everything they have been through had any impact on their lives!

I had to process that comment.  Did I just hear that correctly?  The man is facing his own mortality much faster then anyone else in the room and he knows and lives it daily.  After processing the comment, I immediately became outraged inside.  We know how health issues change things, but had the offending organ cut out and it looks like a brighter future, although not a guarantee.  This man is planning for his family because he knows he can no longer support or see their future.  It took all I had to keep my mouth shut and not blurt out my true feelings.

OF COURSE IT HAS IMPACTED THEIR LIVES AND THOSE THEY TOUCH!!!  What do you think would be the outcome of a devastating diagnosis?

What a stupid insensitive question!  I cannot believe anyone should endure that line of questioning no matter how open the conversation is.  That is highly personal and should not be broached unless the diagnosed person brings it up in discussion.

Even getting this out in writing upsets me still.  How can people be so insensitive to ask such questions, no matter how innocent they feel it is?  It is hurtful and too personal (at least for me).to field questions like that. 

Here is my holiday wish.  

I wish everyone could have sympathy AND empathy to know enough about the situation before they open their mouth.  It would spare a lot of hurt in this world if everyone just stopped to think about it before opening their mouth.

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