Uncomfortable in public...

Options
Binney4
Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
edited September 2014 in Lymphedema

It's plain difficult to be stared at, especially when nobody who sees the wrapped arms or garments really understands what they're seeing. It's not like a cast on a broken arm, or a dressing on a wound--there's no explaining it. I've been grappling with that a lot lately and wrote about it here:

http://www.literarymama.com/columns/seniormama/arc...

Just wanted to share it with those who might be interested.

Hugs and chocolate!
Binney

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • BoobsinaBox
    BoobsinaBox Member Posts: 550
    edited August 2014

    you are such a gifted writer!  Thanks for sharing!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • glennie19
    glennie19 Member Posts: 6,398
    edited August 2014


    Binney, that was beautiful!  You made me cry.  My nephew is autistic and I understand the need for supplies and a quick exit plan.

    It's so hard to fathom that family was in AZ and had no car, and trying to get to Missouri. It's a sad situation to see so many homeless people these days, especially families.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • carol57
    carol57 Member Posts: 3,567
    edited August 2014

    Binney, your column this month really touched me.  Thank you for sharing!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bhd1
    bhd1 Member Posts: 3,874
    edited August 2014

    Beautifully written

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Leah_S
    Leah_S Member Posts: 8,458
    edited August 2014

    Thank you, Binney.

    Leah

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Marple
    Marple Member Posts: 19,143
    edited August 2014

    I look forward to each and every submission of yours Binney.  You sure came through with a wonderfully written piece once again.  I've become a Literary Mama 'stalker'. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hugz4u
    hugz4u Member Posts: 2,781
    edited August 2014

    I like it A...LOT! Well written 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited August 2014

    Thank you all! The family we met was amazing, such strong relationships among them all. I asked if they had food, and the Mom said, "You bet! We just bought a loaf of bread and a jar of peanut butter." And the daughter said, "And chips! Don't forget the chips!" How many kids in their situation would be in a celebratory mood with peanut butter and chips? But these kids were.

    Inevitably the subject of my LE garments came up, of course. The Mom said, "Would that be for carpal tunnel?" I said, no, I wear them because of swelling from breast cancer treatment." She nodded and said, "I know about breast cancer--my grandma had it when I was little." So I kind of cringed, y'know, because so many people end a statement like by telling me they died of it. Not this gal. She smiled at me, gave me a pat on the shoulder and said, "You'll be fine, I just know it. My Grandma lived into her 90s, and you will too." I just marveled--if my kids and I were homeless on the hot streets, would I be comforting someone else?!

    Beautiful!
    Binney

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • doxie
    doxie Member Posts: 1,455
    edited August 2014

    Yes, beautiful indeed.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • carol57
    carol57 Member Posts: 3,567
    edited August 2014

    Binney, for the (encouraging) record, my mother was diagnosed at age 38, and we just celebrated her 84th birthday!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • glennie19
    glennie19 Member Posts: 6,398
    edited August 2014

    Awesome, Carol!!!  Happy Birthday to your Mom !!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • luvmygoats
    luvmygoats Member Posts: 2,942
    edited August 2014

    Binney - I was surfing through active topics tonight when I found this. I did not know you wrote regularly. You have a beautiful style. You've left me with many things to think about. Thank you dear sister. As you say - Hugs and chocolate!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pearlady
    pearlady Member Posts: 882
    edited August 2014

    Binney thank you for sharing this.  You are a very gifted writer and have given me a lot to reflect on.

    Monica

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cookiegal
    cookiegal Member Posts: 3,296
    edited September 2014

    Binney this is excellent. As y'all know I really struggle with social anxiety surrounding my "arm sock"

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories