The Beneficiary of Other Peoples ’ Patience

I don’t remember exactly where I heard or read the phrase with which I title today’s blog post.  I do seem to remember that it was in negative context and that it had to do with the decline of existence.  Something like ‘with nothing left but to be the beneficiary of other people’s patience…’ I’m beginning to think that, while I hope that I am far from such a place, perhaps I should be a bit more patient with myself. Last month, after a particularly busy run of things, I was hit by a kidney stone.  The sharp little bugger took some time to pass and I must admit that when it did I was left feeling quite diminished.  A feeling that has yet to dissipate completely. While others in my life have afforded me with their support, kindness and (yes, even) patience, I do not think I have allowed that same to myself. I have had a cascade of old symptoms revisit as I recover and I find myself stating aloud how much I hate MS.  I battle harder against a wall which feels twice as thick as it was before – and let’s face it, the wall of MS can be pretty damned thick all by itself. I chide myself with ‘just get through this’ and ‘don’t give in’ when what I may more need is an understanding inner voice granting me permission to take some time and heal.  Perhaps this is a lesson we could all use from time to time. This sense of slower than usual recovery (this isn’t my first stone) and the feeling that the stone took a little bit extra out of me this time cou...
Source: Life with MS - Category: Neurology Authors: Tags: multiple sclerosis Everyday Health life with MS Living with MS MS and family MS fatigue trevis gleason Source Type: blogs