RE: Strangers Have the Best Candy
I don't know your details, but I can tell you that my husband @briancourteau and I have walked a similar path. We have always been givers and worked hard to take care of ourselves and many others along the way. He was diagnosed with cancer and a few other things that landed him on the full disabled list too, and it's been a constant struggle since. We packed up and moved from Canada to Mexico about a year ago because the writing was on the wall for him, and in the process found steemit and began to share our story...something not easy for either of us. We have been overwhelmed by the love, support and concern from people here; in fact, there was a fundraiser of sorts held for us by a friend here (we had no idea and at first were somewhat embarrassed by it all), but soon discovered that we alone carried the shame, because no one here did at all. It's been an eye opener on so many levels, and it's all something I will never forget.
We really are all one in this world, on steemit and off, and I'd venture a guess that our paths crossed for more reasons than to judge a contest together, although that is a pretty awesome reason in and of itself :)
I just starting following your story in depth after reading the post by @davemccoy. I found it late but I felt the passion in his words and felt great to be part of the community that reached out so well. You like me would never ask, pride is one of the 7 deadly sins. I always figure if people are paying attention and want to help they will do so.
Yes, there is a lot of love here, the system makes it easy for those who want to share to be able to do so with the click of a button. The money isn't the important thing for many of us. It does help tremendously but it is only money, so much of us walk away with so much more than money.
We will end up in more activities as we progress here on the platform, we all need people. It's easy to weed out the good from the bad if you pay attention to details.
That's a good perspective; it helps me to accept people's help. "Never ask for help, especially money" was drilled into me growing up, so it's a tough thing to do now, but thinking of it in terms of being a 'deadly sin' makes it much easier for me now. Thank you for that.
I've watched Brian fight to not go on disability, and I've watched how that combined with his illness has become a constant struggle for him in terms of 'feeling like a man'. I have a feeling you and him are very similar in some regards...he too has worked hard and played just as hard or harder his whole life, and has a lot of self-placed expectations that are getting more and more difficult to achieve.
I'm thankful to be working with someone like you on this contest, and yes, I believe our paths will be intertwined from here on out. With a little sifting, it's easy to find the good ones :)
My belief that we are one fractured soul means we have mirrored parts all over the planet. Slowly the pieces will be drawn to each other. There should be no need for shame for people who need help. There is only so much people can do if they are not aware of other peoples needs.
My personal reason for not asking for help is not an issue of pride, it is compassion. I know and see people way worse off than I am and would feel like I am slighting them by taking what could do more good else where. That is also why I have spread my SP around to others and won't self-vote. What is a gallon of milk in a self-vote is a day's meals for a family elsewhere.
People always say Karma is a bitch but as you've seen first hand by the communities support karma always comes back around when we really need it. You guys have always lent the helping hand when you could and when you needed it, the law of three provided what you needed.
I can sympathize with your situation, I have seen it up and close first hand. Every family member I have lost since birth has been to cancer except one. The one who lived the longest was the one who didn't take treatments for it. I am so proud of Brian for choosing to fight the cancer and not poison himself into a shorter life. That has always been what I have told my wife I would do in that situation myself.
I know many of us feel blessed to have gotten to know you guys and be compassionate support in your time of need. Providing extra support is what friends do. Steemit is not a business for everyone on the platform and that is the only reason it has survived. We take pride in protecting our own around here. Never feel ashamed for being loved by your friends.
Where have you been all my steemit life? :)
I love your idea of being
Such a beautiful image and it's one that I too believe in.
Thank you so much for your kind words. Brian tried chemo once and it was a year I do not wish on my worst enemies (I have none actually, but you get what I mean;). The doctors wanted to continue but we said no, never again. His quality of life has been so much better without that poison coursing through his veins.
I feel the same and continue to do that where ever and whenever I can.
Those are words I will never forget. Thank you!
Edit: I meant to ask, who is your wife? She's on steemit?
I've been bouncing around all over steemit, lol. I try to cast the net super wide as there are so many awesome people here.
I am glad you guys only went through a little of the Chemo, that is a shitty concept to heal people.
My wife is @imaginedragon
That's your wife!! I love connecting the dots here :)
haha I get the super-wide net too!
Yes, it makes no sense whatsoever, poisoning someone to heal them. It's akin to "I hit you because I love you"...very messed up.
Love and light :)