So very well put... you have a way with words! Thank you for sharing. I have MS and if I had a quarter for every time someone tells me, "You look so great. I'm glad you are feeling better! "... well, I wouldn't be rich, but I could afford to go out for some really, really nice dinners.

Folks do make that association don't they???? and that's okay. And also, sometimes people don't know what to say... I would rather that most of the world not share my whole story. I have close friends and family who know the truth of the matter. So as long as I have that amount of true understanding, that is all I need.

So I do a lot of nodding and politely saying "thank you" and go on.... It actually, at times, gives me a little chuckle of "if you only knew what I knew"... most days we can all stand a little chuckle, even if you have to grimace through the pain to get it.

I am sorry for what you are going through. I am happy you are using you talent of writing as an outlet. Keep sharing with others when you can. It's a way of using you pain to help others. God bless! You are in my prayers!
Take care,
~your Friend~