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MsCowgirl 
1:31pm, October 25, 2009
I love my family and friends dearly and have been very select in who I tell about this unfolding RA to date; but opening their lovingly wrapped gifts yesterday, gave me cause for quiet heartbreak. Maybe it's just I'm being too sensative, maybe too cynical or maybe just too ungrateful - (my mum always taught me to thank others no matter what the gift, and I'll no doubt get struck down by lightening for saying this) but:
I am now the proud owner of not one, but three Handygrip Sticks - has a trigger handle and extended arm for picking things up, reaching for things etc.
Along with these, I also recieved :
-A magnetic bracelet to relieve "arthritis pain". I wore it yesterday, only to have my pain increase in my wrists/hands as the day went on, of course.
-A bottle of "Arthritis Pain-Away". A gel made of eucalyptus, emu and lavender oil- smells lovely but....
-A J-shaped pull-top can opener
-A key holder to aid opening your locks
-A telescopic magnet for picking up small metal items such as pins, keys etc.
-I have to admit that my 85yr old mum is the worst offender of all, bless her. Because horror-or-horror she has brought me a wheelchair. Can you believe it???? I cant believe it! I don't wish to believe it! I know she wants to give me things that will only help for the future, but the whole gift-scenario is making me feel physically ill and is stretching my brain into an area I don't actually want to go just yet.
So there I go - destined for the scrap-heap already! If anyone would like to borrow these aids/appliances, I will be more than happy to send them to you. At the moment I just want them out of my sight!
In the meantime, I'm preparing my gift list for next Christmas and determining who will be recieving incontinence pads in their Christmas parcel !!
Comments
WOW...I can't believe your family gave you those as gifts!!! I admire you for not throwing them back in their face lol I'm sorry you had to be reminded of everything :(
And a wheelchair??? wow...
I'm so sorry dear!!
lizard3536
That road to hell is paved with good intention. You work hard to not let RA define you and bam, they all give you this stuff for Christmas. Ugh. Know they mean well, and try to get a laugh out of it (or else it will make you crazy). Wow, what a story. I don't know these people, but it seems kind of shallow, well, not shallow of them, it just shows how LITTLE they understand about what you are living through.
This might be a good opportunity to teach them more. (?). Good for you getting the list together for next year!
Take care,
B
Bistro
WOW peace.
tomorrowisnow
LOL! LOL! LOL! Oh, Gosh your sense of humor kills me sweetie! I am still laughing! LOL! That really is hilarious....I didn't even read what anyone said....I was busy laughing.
Well...I guess they love you and don't realize they just took all your dignity away. They really have no clue. They were trying to be kind. Just because they do not see how well you are coping and managing to stay active under circumstances...do not give up and go to the chair.
If able...which I would say you are...because it ticked you off. You wish you had got something pretty or special...They did think they did that.
They just can't see that forest for the trees!If they were in your position with your personality they would understand and have got you a pretty nightie...of course...LOL! You can not think that they would give that for your last dying days in bed...or for your funeral. LOL!
They see how much you did before and don't see how much you are able to do. They want you to take care of yourself and take it easy...and you say . HECK NO! I AM NOT A CRIPPLE!
Remember though..they are not in your shoes so they have no idea that their gifts would hurt your feelings.
Just laugh it off. We do understand. Been there and have received similar. LOL! Keep your sense of humor about your limits, and don't let them turn you into taking the easier route and get in that wheelchair. Stay strong and detremined.
Love you girl.
Rhea
tiredtiredtired
So sorry to hear that people gave you those gifts. You have to try to remember they are trying to be helpful. But I understand that getting those items or even seeing those things is hard.
vchen
Sometimes, I wish my family would acknowledge that I have an illness that hurts. Probably they do, I don't make a real point of it to everyone, it is kind of noticeable. But I had to laugh at your decision to make a list for next year, heck, make a birthday list while you're at it! he-he. Hang in there, I'm sure they mean well, and with a little coaxing with the gift list, they'll catch on. Good for you for not constantly telling everyone how sick you are. We will never get better with a poor outlook on life--now we get down at times, but it sounds like you are using your sense of humor to maintain a sense of well-being in this crisis.
Many hugs.
PJamela
Sweetie - I agree with the other posts - oh my God! My housekeeper got me a cane (I don't need one!) They mean well but have no clue.
Lynne
lycesq