From Dani The Great, a suggestion on a blog topic:
"Beginning and sustaining a relationship while maintaining a challenging illness."
FIRST of all, this is one hell of a challenge, because I write SOUTHERN HUMOR-type blogs. This topic sounds about as funny as a root canal.
At any rate, I view this as a challenge. So, here goes:
___________________
So, I met this dude...
...when I was a baby.
Our fathers once worked together and our parents were friends with each other.
I hung around his sister because we were in the same grade. I had no idea that he was actually my age, and the sister was older than me. So, I viewed him as 'my friend's annoying little brother.'
Fast-forward to modern times...
I added him on Facebook and then pretty much ignored him. I remembered him as he was when he was a little boy and hadn't seen him since WELL before puberty.
He messaged me a few times, etc., but nothing much came of it.
One day, my WONDERFUL friend, who knows this guy well, told me to give him a chance. I resisted a bit, but gave in.
WTF was I thinking when I was ignoring him all this time?!
He took me out on an amazing, romantic first date and we hit it off instantly. That poor guy, he's not gonna be able to get rid of me. He's been claimed. And, I suspect, he's pretty damn OK with it. He's already been to my family reunion AND met Dani The Great, and he hasn't run off screaming into the night, so he's not easily scared off.
That said...
He had no idea I have Multiple Sclerosis before we went out. And, frankly, I had to ask him (Hereby referred to as 'Hot Mess', a name my MADD BFFs have coined for him, because they think he's hot and has to put up with my mess) when and how he found out about the MS. His reaction was so minimal that I didn't even remember telling him.
He told me that, as long as I take my meds, he's totally cool with it all. He even said he'd take care of me if it ever came to that.
Considering the fact that I needed a cane to walk about two months ago and quickly eliminated my use/need for said cane, I don't foresee me needing ANYONE to take care of me ANYTIME soon. I'm much too stubborn and independent for that crap. Also, as I've said to more than one person... There is a lot to be said for prayer and steroids.
It's nice to have someone to remind me to take my meds, though, as I tend to be a forgetful soul.
What was I talking about again?
Oh, yeah...
Hot Mess.
As much as I hold dear my ability to rely on myself, I have to admit that it's awful damn nice to have someone to lean on in my dark, weak moments. I'm not sure humans, in general, are meant to walk this world alone. I have a big ass load to carry (y'all don't be thinking I'm talking about my ACTUAL ASS, smartasses) and having someone to help me tote all this is pretty sweet.
My basic take on the whole thing is this:
If someone TRULY cares about you, it doesn't matter WHAT is wrong with you. All that person sees is what is RIGHT with you.
