Let’s see, I am happy because I have my job, family, health, basic needs satisfy (wish I could afford that Coach handbag though!), friends…My sons bring me much joy and meaning in my life. Every day being around with them is a blessing for which I am thankful. My mom, well in my younger days, I just did not get along that well with her. My dad who has departed for quite a number of years is the one I looked up to and still missed terribly. I absolutely think he is the greatest. Now that my grey strands are showing, I have started to appreciate and understand my mom. Yes, I am happy but…
My younger son who has Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis for more than 2 years is still under medication. I cannot bear to look at his wrist. Why is it still swollen despite consuming medication and having injections for so long? How long must he go on like this? I cannot imagine children with Polyarticular JIA. (five or more than 5 joints affected). My son has Oligoarticular JIA which means 4 or fewer joints affected. I should be thankful he can still play and run like others but when it comes to specific movements, he has limitations and he will feel the difference with other children when he is older. Or perhaps he already is feeling now…
Also because looking around I am aware there are tons of people elsewhere suffering, countries in political turmoil, families torn apart by earthquakes, floods and other catastrophe..There are people scavenging for food, their basic needs like shelter, meals, medical aid denied. Then, there are those women and children suffering in silence the physical and emotional abuses in the confine of their house. Why is all this happening? Thankfully my country is at peace and hopefully in the future too.
We have become immune to all this in our daily grind. We see these happenings in the newspaper, TV and other media but we just don’t feel the shock anymore. Perhaps for a bried moment, our mind emphasize with that deplorable incident. And then, we move on to other things that need our immediate attention.
So, there you are. I am feeling happy and sad at the same time.
Thank you for sharing….I understand this feeling. My little brother has JIA — I’m 20 something years old, I feel happy & lucky because life is treating me well, but at the same time, I feel so sad and selfish knowing that he constantly has to take medication and have injections everyday…
You wrote this post back in 2011. I hope your younger son is doing much better now, now that it is 2014.
What were some ways to keep him happy? And active? My little brother seems fine most of the time, but it’s during the injections that really breaks my heart….
Hi there, thanks for your comment and sorry to hear about your little brother. However there is still hope. So glad to let you know that my younger son has improved tremendously since then. He no longer has to go for occupational therapy and we are keeping our fingers crossed that he will be taken off his medication this coming hospital visit. He hated this medication because it made him feel nauseous. The doctor has warned though there is a risk of relapse but well, we are hoping for the best…
I understand how you feel looking at your brother’s suffering. However there is no need to feel selfish because his condition simply has nothing to do with you. You should live your life the best and happy way possible. It is tough but with the correct treatment, medication, support and attitude, surely your brother will get better.
I am lucky in the sense that my little boy is the active and positive type. He does not let his condition stands in his way of fun! It is very important to be active and you can helped your brother by playing with him or taking him to the parks. Playing ball and catch will help his mobility. Swimming is good too. You can find what his interests are and encourage him.
I always give my son a treat after his regular blood test so that he has something happy to look forward to. He hated it because everytime the nurse has to prick him couple of times at different places due to his blood does not flow out easily. We are not sure why…
Take care and praying helps a lot..