Sometimes I regret not leaving this blog anonymous. I suppose that's the best way to start this off.
Pity.
I hate it. It's like a slap in the face.
Some people can live off of it. They eat it up. They tell you story after story of this and that.. and maybe they don't even realize it, but as soon as you start to show them some "poor you" response, they look relieved.
I'm not one of those people. I don't function well like that. If I'm telling story after story, I probably just need to get it off my chest, and I'm probably already a little bit down in the dumps. When the results are that people pity me, or give me that "look".. I feel a deep sinking feeling, and it just makes things worse.
Anytime someone lends a helping hand, I really appreciate it, but I appreciate it the most when it's spontaneous. When I don't have to ask for it? That's how I know someone really wants to help, and they're not just doing it because they feel like they should.
Maybe I'm not making myself clear..
Be my friend because you like me, not because I have a sick child & you feel bad for me.
Desert me because you don't like me, not because I have a sick child & it scares you.
Talk to me because you want to, not because it's expected of you.
Don't ever, ever pity me or my family.
And finally...
Associating yourself with my child doesn't make you a hero. Period.
(Last line inspired by this wonderful post.)
