To the People Who Don't Get It

If someone you know has a chronic illness, you should take a minute to walk in their shoes. First of all:

• They are not able to rest today so they can do something exciting tomorrow. They are going to rest today and then again tomorrow because that is what they need to do.
• They are not going to get a miracle cure at their next doctor appointment (that is why it is called 'chronic'). Its a lifelong struggle.
• Their chronic ailments complicate everything - from grocery shopping, laundry, leaving the house, to medical tests and procedures, sitting, standing, walking, and lying down. 
• They are not contagious (most of the time) so don't avoid or shun them.
• They are human beings and should not be written off. They still want to see and hear from people. They still want to do things. But maybe just at a slower rate or for a shorter period of time.

How would you be doing if all of a sudden you were living in a lot of pain and could never get comfortable, never mind sleep well? Or became dependent on multiple medications to be able to function as a semi normal human being? Or had to plan every second of your life to allow for rest between trips to the grocery store and the library? Or spent more time home alone because you were not able to go out and do things?

Think about it. And then call someone who has a chronic illness and just say 'hello'.