Telling Your Story #1
Orientation. Disorientation. Reorientation.
This model has helped my wife and I think about our journey of caregiving and chronic illness. My wife has lived with Dermatomyositis for 21 years as of this writing, and I am very proud of her. She continually demonstrates strength, courage, and grace in unideal circumstances.
Orientation. Life was going along swimmingly. Sure, we had our challenges and gripes, but ultimately, life was good,
Disorientation. In 2004, everything got turned upside down. With the diagnosis of a rare disease and uncertain treatment options, we had far more questions than answers. The next few years were very uncomfortable.
Reorientation. As we moved from the disorientation of a mysterious diagnosis, denial, and discomfort, we emerged into a time of reorientation. I think one of the more signifiant moments for that transition came when my wife declared years ago, “I will not be a victim. I may have this disease, but this disease does not have me.”
Emboldened by this and similar decisions, we made progress. Reorientation has been marked by partnering with good doctors, welcoming good friends, and learning how to implement best practices and routines into our lives.
Rather than merely surviving, we are convinced that everyone can eventually come to a glimmer of hope that they can share with someone else. Helping others has been a crucial component of reorientation. For me, this has meant writing books, speaking and leading an organization that helps people with an unwelcome disease. As for my wife, she teaches 1st grade and is very creative in working around the persistence of her condition. She has even won Teacher of the Year at two different schools.
Orientation. Disorientation. Reorientation. How would you apply this framework to your life?
Worth Repeating
Be amusing, never tell unkind stories; above all, never long ones.
-Benjamin Disraeli
