my 7th friend

 

 When my diagnosis was made, my first friend came and expressed shock by saying, "I can't believe you have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia Syndrome.  You’ve always been so active and you look so good … so healthy."  He left and I felt alienated and somehow different.

  My second friend came and brought me information about treatments used for CFS/FMS and said, "Whatever you do, don't take prescription drugs.  They’re poison.  Try this product I’m selling.  It will make you feel better."   He left and I felt scared and confused.

My third friend came and laughingly replied, "I feel tired all the time, too," when I
told him that I had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.   I knew I wasn't being taken seriously because of the name of my illness.  He left and I felt hurt and frustrated.

My fourth friend came and told me, "…if you’d only exercise and take better care of yourself, you’d feel better.”     He didn’t understand how hard I am trying to get well.  He left and I felt misunderstood and frustrated.

My fifth friend came and told me to remember "All things work together for good."  He left and I felt depressed.

My sixth friend never came at all.  I felt sad and alone.

My seventh friend came and held my hand and said, "I care, I'm here.  I want to help you through this."  He left and I felt loved.

                           Adapted from “The Victory in the Valley” by Linda Mae Richardson