Time...

The time has come to really say what it is like, at least initially to quit work.  I've talked/written at length to some about the physical breakdown that lead to my decision.  But what i haven't discussed is what it felt like emotionally.I became invisible.  After 14 years in education, teaching in a small town, having my opinion matter, suddenly I didn't matter.  No one stopped me at the grocery store to talk, there was no one to go to bat for or families in crisis that needed me.Now any woman that reaches the age of 56, knows what it is like to start fading from public view.  Let's face it, fashion isn't designed for us, shoes aren't, movies, books, tv shows,  only the "young" audience matters.  Then add on top of that the needs of a disabled person.  Think there are any designers out there that give a rip about how easy clothes are to put on?  Not that I've seen unless.  Fading further from the public eye.  Now add the final blow in America, no pay check.  Hey, I'm so invisible to society, I could walk through walls! It hurts.  It hurts in places that there is not medication for.  It is one of those "undercover" side effects of RA and it hurts like hell.