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June 2005 The Megaphone Page 3 |
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From A Mother of a Child With An Unseen Medical Condition by Becky (Hahn) Capps Sometimes a child's suffering from an illness is hidden from many people. You cannot see a headache, stomach ache, confusion, or forgetfulness. If you look closely, you may sense tiredness or sorrow. Since our children suffer daily symptoms it is easy to overlook them, or to think that they are "normal." Like childbirth, childhood illnesses, and surgery pain, the memory of pain fades over time - sometimes quickly. In order to get through daily living, previous or constant pain must be put aside. Sometimes the child even thinks the pain is normal. When someone asks a child, "How are you feeling today?" it is easier for the child to say "Fine, thanks," and this is what they usually say instead of explaining why they do not feel well. Unless someone is acutely aware of the small things - a wince, a moment spent eyes closed, a slight stumble when walking, a drooped shoulder, a tilted head - they go unnoticed. It is much easier to maintain a front, to smile, to keep up with peers, than it is to explain why they don't feel like going to school, walking the halls, playing and doing what others do. Children want to do what other children do even though they might have to suffer in pain later. Sobbing into their pillow is easier than admitting that they are not coping and are not able to do what other children do. Easier, but not necessarily helpful or medically beneficial. Taking medicine has become a way of life and is as normal as eating and sleeping. As parents we sometimes wish that someone would notice. Other times we wish that they wouldn't. Children value their independence highly and perhaps a mention of assistance hurts their feelings or pride. Family and friends all "want to help," but how can they when the child refuses help? As a result, the child often feels that no-one cares; the truth is that the child has convinced them that they are fine. The trouble with being sick is that no-one else really knows what it is like. The child often feels alone. If they were to try to explain, people might try to understand, but in the end nobody can know what they go through. They have shut themselves in a box, and will one day try to get out . . . it will be hard: but parents hope the reception is good. As a parent, I do not need pity, compassion or scorn but a little understanding would not go astray. Help is hard to ask for and even harder to receive. Ill children value suggestions but want to make up their own minds. Recognition would be nice, but they do not wish for "special" treatment.
She is herself, not her illness.
Becky
(Hahn) Capps '77 |
Class of '55 Reunion
Thursday - Sunday September 29 - October 2, 2005
The Class of 1955 will celebrate its 50th reunion the weekend of September 29 - October 2. The delayed Double Nickel will have complete details but here is a brief overview of the planned events.
Thursday, September 29 Pizza Party at the Pizza Shack in Tipton
Friday, September 30 Picnic at the Shelter in Callaway Park; Homecoming football game
Saturday, October 1 Golf outing; Breakfast at Jim Dandy; Class picture; Social Hour; Alumni Banquet; Party at the Elks
Sunday, October 2 Breakfast at Lucky Strike Bowling Alley
If you have had a change of address or status, let Barbara (Green) Courtney know as soon as possible.
barbara.courtney@sbcglobal.net
Haiku by Cindy (Benedict) Odom
Haiku
is a Japanese verse form that relies on brevity and simplicity to convey its
message. It usually is three brief lines of five, seven and five syllables. It
can have a seasonal reference as well. It is believed to have been first written
in the seventeenth century and was based on a Zen Buddhist philosophy of
simplicity and an idea of perfection which does not include the extraneous.
Franklin, IN |