Funny, you don't look ...

[hiddenmuse]

As someone whose chronic conditions are largely internal - except for the rare moments that they like to rear their ugly heads - I do hear that statement a lot.

What is someone with high blood pressure "supposed to" look like?

What is a person living with severe depression "supposed to" look like?

What is an asthmatic "supposed to" look like?

What is an epileptic "supposed to" look like?


Should I be *harrumphing* around town under the burden of the occasionally overwhelming despondency?

Should I be wearing a crash helmet and a padded bodysuit in case I have a seizure?

Should I be weak and vulnerable, like Mikey Walsh in The Goonies because I have asthma?

Should I be 65 years old with blue hair and arthritis before I deal with the bad genetic hand of high blood pressure?




If you haven't guessed - that's me on the right, and Kellie on the left. :-)

Comments

[mom-o-cass.livejournal.com]

you two are so lovely. i wish i could hug you both.

your post reminds me so much of this essay.
http://butyoudontlooksick.com/spoons.htm


love,
jenne

[hiddenmuse.livejournal.com]

I'd read that essay - you'd shared it with me in the 13_steps blog, actually! :-)

It makes a lot of sense, too - some days are easier than others. And, most times, those of us with illnesses or disabilities, don't *look like* we have those conditions. It usually only comes up when I discuss it openly, or if it's part of a conversation about something else.

[mom-o-cass.livejournal.com]

sorry to give you a re=peat!
sometimes i forget things like that.

[hiddenmuse.livejournal.com]

No worries, m'dear - it happens! :-)