At many points during our busy weeks, we often find ourselves complaining about our workloads, minor physical aches and pains and people who irritate our nerves.
It happens; we are only human.
However, when I’m sitting down interviewing a cancer survivor, a victim of HLH or ALS and a mother whose child suffers from a rare disorder known as Menkes, I immediately feel guilty for complaining about the minor issues in my life that are, in reality, of little consequence.
One of the worst days of my life was the when my dad called to tell me he had to begin dialysis treatments three days a week.
I became an emotional wreck and left work to spend the day with him. We ended up having a great time feasting on boiled crawfish and talking.
In retrospect, I believe my near mental breakdown was caused by my own selfish needs. I felt sorry for myself.
No one wants to lose his or her father and, at the time, I knew very little about dialysis and feared the worst.
What I should have focused on was his needs and becoming a beacon of support. When a family member is sick, the whole family is affected and must pitch in to help.
I eventually learned to rely on my faith in God and put my dad’s health in his hands.
My dad has one of the most positive attitudes about his health. He still works every day, takes my mom on dates and loves talking to my nephew on Facetime and planning his next visit to see him.
He doesn’t feel sorry for himself and that’s been a common theme among those I’ve interviewed in Pearl River County who suffer from an illness.
They live each day to the fullest and believe in the happiness of life, even when they are feeling their worst.
When I’m feeling sorry for myself, I think about those I’ve interviewed and I am inspired to chase away those thoughts with happier ones and remember all the things I have to be grateful for.