THE WOUNDED WARRIORS

Many of you are aware that I have some recurring health issues. As I write my column this week, I am doing it from bed, have had some issues flare up, and I’m feeling far from my best. I know that there are many of you who also have chronic medical issues and can relate to what I’m dealing with. Health issues can make living your life as you would like to very difficult. I have learned so much in the thirty plus years of living in the midst of illness and pain. It makes you tough and strong, not weak. It gives you courage to face all the challenges you deal with usually on a daily basis. It also gives you a strong dose of hope and faith, because without them, we would most likely give up because in my case there is no magic pill or treatment that will make them go away. It causes you to be able to bend easily when the forces assail and hit you the hardest, otherwise you could easily snap and break. Please understand, I am not looking for sympathy, and I understand that you are not either, whatever condition(s) you are facing and battling through. Those of you dealing with chronic health issues, remember these things. You are a warrior. You are Brave. You are the strongest people that I have ever known. You inspire me and renew my faith, hope, and courage. For those of you blessed with good health, be kind, courteous, and helpful to those you know who are the walking,wounded warriors among you. Lend an ear, a helping hand, and In-Courage (misspelled on purpose) them. We all get by with a little help from our friends.