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I Hate Seeing Others Suffer From The Same Chronic Illness I Have

What it feels like to see other people with disabilities be treated badly when you have the same disability

Gabrielle Elkas

Sep 16, 2018

Rhode Island College

184

I Hate Seeing Others Suffer From The Same Chronic Illness I Have

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A little over five years ago I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, and a little over 15 years ago they discovered my mom also suffered from a chronic illness. Though we have the same illness, she has a more severe form of the same illness and every day I watch people treat her like less because she moves slowly in stores, has a rash on her skin, and has trouble with basic fine motor skills.

Every day I defend her, advocate for her, and support her but I secretly am worried that one day I will face the same inequality that she does. It can be difficult when you see someone you love in pain, but it is even scarier wondering if you are watching into a magic mirror seeing your fate.

But at the same time when I look at my mom, I see grace, class, and strength in the way she handles herself. She holds her head up high, stands up for herself, and moves on. I did not just inherit RA from my family, I inherited the same spirit as them. I get to watch my mom make the best of what she was given daily, and for that I am grateful.

I get to say that I am an overcomer because my mom showed me how to fight for my rights, stand tall, and be proud that I get to represent thousands of people that have the same illness as me every day.

One day I will have to choose to become a victor over my illness, or do I let it define me. I will chose the first option because that is what my mom taught me to do. She teaches me daily to take the higher ground, to smile and pray for the people that make comments about us, because if they are complaining about having to wait an extra 2 seconds to get past us, they have it worse off in life.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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I Hate Seeing Others Suffer From The Same Chronic Illness I Have

What it feels like to see other people with disabilities be treated badly when you have the same disability

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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