Day 20: Invisible Disabilities Week

Today I am going to write about something different than blessings.  I think it is important that I write about it.  

Did you know about Invisible Disabilities Week?  It is October 19-25.  Just because you can not see something does not mean it is not there.  We may look fine on the outside, but inside is a totally different picture.  

What would it be like to have an invisible disability?  Most people have no idea what it would be like because they are lucky enough to be completely healthy.  Anyone can have a disability.  It does not matter what age you are.  

I am disabled.  I get looks when I use my handicap parking sign, which I got just like everyone else, which was by a doctor signing the paperwork for me.  If you think someone should not be parking in a handicap parking spot, before you speak to them, please think of what you want to say.  Try to be understanding.  Put your feet into their shoes. We do not need to tell you what our disabilities are.  You do not know who is disabled and who is not disabled.   With Ashleigh, you can see her disability, but with me, you can not.  I look just fine, but inside I am not.   I have problems walking far distances. My legs don't like it.   

I think we need to be our own advocates.  Plus as a mother to a child with a chronic disease, I need to be her advocate.  I think it is very important to educate people on our illnesses so their ignorance might not happen to the next person.  

The Spoon Theory is an excellent way to explain what it is like to live in pain.  It is written by Christine Miserandino.  It is beautifully written.  If you are in chronic pain, the Spoon Theory is an excellent way to explain how it is to live every day in pain.  We have to pick & choose what we do in order to get through our days. 

If you join the Facebook Event for Invisible Disabilities Week, let me know.  Invisible diseases are everywhere!
Melissa

P.S. The link for the Spoon Theory is updated.