JOYS AND PAINS Rheumatoid Arthritis “Unrelenting pain and - TopicsExpress

JOYS AND PAINS Rheumatoid Arthritis “Unrelenting pain and never-ceasing fatigue. Hurts and aches in every place. Wondering at times, “why is this? why me?” But putting on a happy face. Prone to sickness and infections, too Difficulty sleeping at night. Limited on what we can physically do, Trying hard to see the light. Living with swelling and joints on fire, We wonder how this could be real. But when we get past the negative thinking, We can rise above it and heal. Maybe our physical struggles will stay, And it’s true that there may be no cure. But if we choose optimism to lead our way, It will be easier on us, for sure. Yes sometimes it feels like our bones are all broken And our heart, sometimes, too. We have so many internal struggles unspoken That may, at times leave us blue. But the support that we get from others like us Can make this an easier ride. We can help to lift each other up, And learn to take our sickness in stride. Sure at times we feel frustration For all the things we cannot do. And there are times we’re in desparation Because it seems no one else has a clue. “You don’t look sick!” “You’re too young for arthritis” Makes this journey even more tough. But with it all comes a strength deep inside us, a compassion for when times get rough. “I have arthritis, it doesn’t have me!” We need to learn to make do with what we’ve gotten. There will be tears and struggles and adversity And we may even at times feel forgotten. But the important thing is we rise above. We do what we can when we can. By surrounding ourselves with support and with love, And by accepting it as best as we can. No one wants to be sick, yes this is true, And no one would choose this life. There’s things we give up, and things we can’t do, and trials, tribulations, and strife. But realize this – you are still blessed! Every day you wake up is a gift. So open it with kindness and try not to stress - You have a life – so LIVE!” By Ashley Boynes-Shuck Copyright ©