 |
Deal,
Accept and Live |
 |
| |
Over the years and through many personal set-backs
and failures, I came to discover what I call the
three stages of chronic illness, Deal,
Accept & Live.
As I reflect back over the 22 years I have been
on kidney dialysis I have come to realize that we
all have our  own
unique experiences, and each one of these experiences
contribute to the sum total of who we are; individually
they comprise our own story, but within these stories
are a collective of experiences that make us brother
and sister, that make us a community.
I believe that we all experience the same universal
emotions when we receive our initial diagnosis,
anger, fear, panic, a loss of self... I know that
I personally struggled with these emotions and led
a self destructive life for many years. Many would
tell you that I was a difficult patient and they
would be telling the truth! I can't pin point the
exact day that it all began to change. I can however
think back to the events that put this all in motion.
It began with two words, Realization
and Perception. I realized that since my
diagnosis I had lost my ability to dream and I was
ruled by fear, and anger. I felt hopelessness and
a lack of self control. I had given up on life.
This realization was painful but it allowed me to
perceive the world around me and that was the first
step.
| "Realize
that you are more than your diagnosis and
your perception will begin to change. Realize
your goals and dreams, ask questions, seek
answers, and strive to achieve; your world
will transform right before your eyes."
Shad Ireland 8/04 |
Realization and Perception were the building blocks
that helped me to become the first dialysis patient
to ever compete in and complete an Ironman competition.
They were the first steps I took in a process that
consists of three stages. I have learned to Deal,
Accept & Live and I am healthier because
of the experience.
It is my hope that these words offer some comfort
and inspiration. A road map to take with you along
your journey because to acknowledge where you have
been is to grow, and to acknowledge where you have
yet to go is to take control.
Giving
up is easy,
living is the challenge |
|
|
|
|
|
