Learning to cope
A life changing event.40 total reviews
Comment from Debbie D'Arcy
Mary, thank you so much for sharing this deeply sensitive and upsetting story. I am so sorry to hear about your husband's diagnosis and it must have been such a shock to you both. Actually when that shock wears off a little and with support and advice, it may be that those initials horrors don't seem quite so bleak. I sincerely hope so. I too have a degenerative neurological condition - in my case idiopathic - but they all seem to overlap to a greater or lesser extent. It has meant huge changes to my life but I'm still essentially me and I won't let it define me or preoccupy me with what is to come. I hope you can find some comfort soon. I think there is probably more people than we realise that suffer with variations of these unwelcome and rare conditions. I send you my love and very best wishes on your journey - a day at a time - together. Take care, Debbie x
reply by the author on 23-Aug-2023
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Mary, thank you so much for sharing this deeply sensitive and upsetting story. I am so sorry to hear about your husband's diagnosis and it must have been such a shock to you both. Actually when that shock wears off a little and with support and advice, it may be that those initials horrors don't seem quite so bleak. I sincerely hope so. I too have a degenerative neurological condition - in my case idiopathic - but they all seem to overlap to a greater or lesser extent. It has meant huge changes to my life but I'm still essentially me and I won't let it define me or preoccupy me with what is to come. I hope you can find some comfort soon. I think there is probably more people than we realise that suffer with variations of these unwelcome and rare conditions. I send you my love and very best wishes on your journey - a day at a time - together. Take care, Debbie x
Comment Written 21-Aug-2023
reply by the author on 23-Aug-2023
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Thank you Debbie for your kindness and encouragement. I truly appreciate it.
Best wishes
Mary
Comment from Ulla
You are in a difficult situation and it comes through so very clear. I can understand the worry, the fear and the loneliness. Where to turn, what to do. Oh, I understand it so very well. I'm here with you. Ulla xxx
reply by the author on 22-Aug-2023
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You are in a difficult situation and it comes through so very clear. I can understand the worry, the fear and the loneliness. Where to turn, what to do. Oh, I understand it so very well. I'm here with you. Ulla xxx
Comment Written 21-Aug-2023
reply by the author on 22-Aug-2023
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Thank you Ulla for your understanding and kind words. I appreciate it.
Best wishes,
Mary
Comment from Robbie Hift
The topic is interesting, the writer's dilemma of how to cope with an incurable disease comes across well to the reader.
If this story had been written in the first person singular it would become really powerful, really personal, and therefore the impact would be much greater. For example:
Then for the first time in the telephone conversation, I told my brother about my precious husband's shattering diagnosis, and for the first time, I heard myself whisper the dreaded words "Huntington's Disease"; I broke down crying, unable to talk and discuss it further.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
reply by the author on 21-Aug-2023
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The topic is interesting, the writer's dilemma of how to cope with an incurable disease comes across well to the reader.
If this story had been written in the first person singular it would become really powerful, really personal, and therefore the impact would be much greater. For example:
Then for the first time in the telephone conversation, I told my brother about my precious husband's shattering diagnosis, and for the first time, I heard myself whisper the dreaded words "Huntington's Disease"; I broke down crying, unable to talk and discuss it further.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 20-Aug-2023
reply by the author on 21-Aug-2023
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Thank you but I disagree with you.
Many people are put in this situation whether it is cancer or other serious diseases. You are in their shoes as well as your own. The "I' factor would have less of an impact. As your alternative wording, it is matter-of-fact rather than emotional. (discuss it further and precious husband for example)
Comment from giraffmang
Hi there,
There is something much more powerful in uttering the words than writing them when it comes to things like this. It's never easy but it makes it more real.
You write this very well and the emotionality is rife.
All the best
GMG
reply by the author on 21-Aug-2023
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Hi there,
There is something much more powerful in uttering the words than writing them when it comes to things like this. It's never easy but it makes it more real.
You write this very well and the emotionality is rife.
All the best
GMG
Comment Written 20-Aug-2023
reply by the author on 21-Aug-2023
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Thank you for your review and understanding. I appreciate it.
Best wishes
Mary
Comment from Gloria ....
Oh Mary, how difficult for you. It is truly terrifying when you realize how absolutely alone you are as death approaches for either yourself or your spouse. The health care system is overloaded and cannot possibly deal with the upcoming health issues and deaths among the senior population.
You seem to me to be a resourceful woman who uses her intellect to figure her way out of difficult situations, and this is the most challenging task you have ever faced in your life.
I hope you will write to us daily, every task you have done and what was the outcome as those tasks are significant. My guess is that you will become an advocate for those living with Huntington's disease.
I wish you great luck with the Contest Committee with this poignant entry.
Gloria
reply by the author on 20-Aug-2023
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Oh Mary, how difficult for you. It is truly terrifying when you realize how absolutely alone you are as death approaches for either yourself or your spouse. The health care system is overloaded and cannot possibly deal with the upcoming health issues and deaths among the senior population.
You seem to me to be a resourceful woman who uses her intellect to figure her way out of difficult situations, and this is the most challenging task you have ever faced in your life.
I hope you will write to us daily, every task you have done and what was the outcome as those tasks are significant. My guess is that you will become an advocate for those living with Huntington's disease.
I wish you great luck with the Contest Committee with this poignant entry.
Gloria
Comment Written 20-Aug-2023
reply by the author on 20-Aug-2023
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I am honored Gloria, not only for the six stars but for your kind words of encouragement.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Mary
Comment from Thesis
I'm sorry to hear about anyone contracting this horrible condition.
Your description of the initial reaction and need to immediately assess how things needed to be handled right away is a natural defense mechanism to protect one from having to deal with the reality of the situation. I've been there in some of those moments myself and when you are able to stop and finally realize the reality of what everything means, it hits you like a brick, but need the release.
Prayers and positive energy being ssent your way.
reply by the author on 20-Aug-2023
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I'm sorry to hear about anyone contracting this horrible condition.
Your description of the initial reaction and need to immediately assess how things needed to be handled right away is a natural defense mechanism to protect one from having to deal with the reality of the situation. I've been there in some of those moments myself and when you are able to stop and finally realize the reality of what everything means, it hits you like a brick, but need the release.
Prayers and positive energy being ssent your way.
Comment Written 18-Aug-2023
reply by the author on 20-Aug-2023
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Thank you for your kindness and prayers. I truly appreciate your words and thoughts.
Mary
Comment from Alexandra Trovato
I hear you. You have expressed your non fiction story fully and with emotion. I was diagnosed with MS 30 years ago, my husband has had cancer at one year old in his thirties. The important thing is that you had someone to cried to and I hope everything is better I mean I hope your husband beat cancer. I don't have the right words I just feel for you. God be with you
reply by the author on 20-Aug-2023
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I hear you. You have expressed your non fiction story fully and with emotion. I was diagnosed with MS 30 years ago, my husband has had cancer at one year old in his thirties. The important thing is that you had someone to cried to and I hope everything is better I mean I hope your husband beat cancer. I don't have the right words I just feel for you. God be with you
Comment Written 18-Aug-2023
reply by the author on 20-Aug-2023
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Your kindness is just the right words, Alexandra.
Thank you
Mary
Comment from Teri7
You wrote this non fiction story very well. It makes my heart sad to read when someone else has a disease that can't be cured. You used very good descriptive words. The picture you chose to go with your words went well. Best wishes in the contest. love and blessings, teri
reply by the author on 20-Aug-2023
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You wrote this non fiction story very well. It makes my heart sad to read when someone else has a disease that can't be cured. You used very good descriptive words. The picture you chose to go with your words went well. Best wishes in the contest. love and blessings, teri
Comment Written 18-Aug-2023
reply by the author on 20-Aug-2023
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Thank you Teri, I appreciate your review and blessings.
Best wishes,
Mary
Comment from Pearl Edwards
Many of us can relate to the emotions you are going Mary, though everyone has there own coping mechanisms. One thing I have learnt is it helps to write when writing is part of who you are and when you are the Carer. Look after yourself and I send my best thoughts to you both.
reply by the author on 20-Aug-2023
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Many of us can relate to the emotions you are going Mary, though everyone has there own coping mechanisms. One thing I have learnt is it helps to write when writing is part of who you are and when you are the Carer. Look after yourself and I send my best thoughts to you both.
Comment Written 18-Aug-2023
reply by the author on 20-Aug-2023
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Thank you Pearl, I appreciate our review and kindness.
Best wishes,
Mary
Comment from Iza Deleanu
0h now, this is so hard to cope with and what kind of life is that when you don't understand what's happening around. Thank you for sharing and good luck with your writings and the contest.
reply by the author on 19-Aug-2023
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0h now, this is so hard to cope with and what kind of life is that when you don't understand what's happening around. Thank you for sharing and good luck with your writings and the contest.
Comment Written 17-Aug-2023
reply by the author on 19-Aug-2023
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Thank you, Iza, for your review. I
appreciate it very much.
Best wishes
Mary
