type1tootsie

Well, I almost missed it…er….not really the truth – I knew about it on Tuesday but sat on it and thought about it and now I’m blogging about it. This week, September14-20, has been National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week.

My illness, my daily challenges can be invisible to the rest of the world.  In fact, for many years I preferred my illness to be invisible.  I certainly don’t look “sick”.  Five years ago I lived in Northern Italy.  During a visit from my parents we all made a quick trek to the beautiful city of Florence.  It was such a busy place; people were everywhere.  I remember walking through one of the piazzas where vendors were selling their wares.  One of the vendors was selling bonsai trees for Aids research.  I politely said “no, thank you” when she asked for my patronage.  She assumed I was from America and quickly added that they would ship the trees to my home in America.  I smiled and told her that I lived in Italy and said again, “no, thank you”.  I thought that was it but no, it wasn’t.  As I walked away with my Mom, the vendor made a snide comment about my selfishness. I stopped in my tracks and did a 180.  She was completely surprised and, I think, knew something was coming.  I asked her to repeat what she said.  She stammered a bit and when I knew she was sufficiently uncomfortable I informed her that she had no clue what I dealt with on a daily basis.  I asked her how she knew I wasn’t dealing with a debilitating disease that she couldn’t see.  I mean, really, who did she think she was?  All of a sudden the emotions of my invisible disease were very visible and very angry.  When I was satisfied with the tongue-lashing I gave the young woman I rejoined my Mom who visibly put her arm around me as we walked away.

Even though the official awareness week is coming to a close, I hope you choose to be very visible with your support of those who deal with invisible illnesses on a daily basis.  Sometimes all it takes is to put your arm around them and walk by their side.