Weekend Chew & Stew - March 22 & 23, 2008

 Weekend Chew & Stew - March 22 & 23, 2008

 by Marilyn Mackenzie

 Whether you agree with the concept or not, everyone needs to be able to vent from time to time.  That's especially true if you're one of the many who suffer from an invisible illness.  We have whines and rants about pains, medical professionals and prescriptions, just to name a few.  Perhaps our families listen; perhaps they don't.  Even if they do, they get tired of our complaining, even if they claim to understand our constant struggles.  Or if they don't get tired of our "negative energy" we think they do or will.

So here we all are, gathered to whine, rant, complain, stomp our feet, throw tantrums and shout, "Oh shuckie darn!"  Let's take turns, shall we?  No pushing or shoving.  Everyone will get a turn.

Then, before we leave, let's also remember to share one ray of sunshine.  Surely each of us has one thing - one small thing, perhaps - for which to be thankful this day.  Let's remember those small things or if there are larger joys, let's join in the "Yippee skippy" dance with our friends.

 

Food for thought:

When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares.   ~  Henri Nouwen