A Lesson in Adapting from my Dog
I learned a few lessons in the past few years about "adapting" and believe it or not I learned some of it from walking my dog. A very long story short-- my puppy broke his little leg when I first got him. Now you would look at him and never know the difference. He jumps, walks, licks and runs. He likes to be cuddled, and he loves beyond measure.
He is a 9lb. Papillion and he used to have a large heavy cast on his leg. It broke my heart. He couldn't walk, and he looked so sad.
I was shocked within a few days he went from not walking and crying... to a funny, awkward hop here and there to walking. Then after a week or two, he had a full run happening all over the apartment- cast and all! He acted just like his old self and you would never know the difference. He acted the same with 3 working legs as he did with four. Same adorable loving personality.
My puppy didn't think about adapting - he just did. He wanted to run and play- so he found a way to.
As I started to think about this. I realized how much I "adapt" in my daily life. How many things I just do differently and don't even think about it. How I schedule my day, how I dress.. my choices have become adaptations. A little extra blush for days I am pale... or sneakers and flats instead of tall shoes.
People who live with any invisible disease become masters of adaptation. The funny thing is I don't think they give themselves credit for it. They live their life and constantly have to rearrange or plan ahead to overcompensate for certain limitations of their given disease. They are never given the credit this skill and juggling deserves.
As I took the time to notice my little puppy making great strides in his recovery- walking with a cast-- I realized that so many of my friends living with Lupus (and other invisible diseases) adapt on a daily basis. We do not get praise or recognition. We do it because we know no other way.
So here is my personal appreciation for those out there who "keep up the act", who keep on smiling, and who adapt with grace and style.
My puppy is now a dog, and you would think he was fine. I guess you would think I am fine too as I walk him down the street.... but we both have a cute little limp.
Written by Christine Miserandino, ButYouDontLookSick.com, © 2006
