As women, we think we must take care of everyone in our lives and put ourselves last, right? Wrong. We actually have people to help us, if we will just ask. Stay with me a minute before you “Yeah, but” me with a story about how if you don’t do it, it won’t be done right. I used to believe the same thing, through migraines and TMJ and spasmodic colons and acid reflux. Then cancer changed the way I look at what I really need to do—ask for help.
This concept was demonstrated to me last week. My beloved pup of 14 years had to be put down after some scary seizures that left her damaged beyond healing. I was steeling myself to take her to our vet and hold her as she drifted off to doggie heaven to go play with our cherished golden-doodle Monty, who met the same fate three years ago. I REALLY didn’t want to do this, but my sweet husband had taken Monty, so it was my turn. It was all on me…again.
At the moment I was grabbing my car keys and picking up Ginger to put her in the car, he said, “I’ve got this. This is harder on you, and I can do it.” He reminded me that I have support. He also reminded me of why I married him—his compassion knows no bounds.
I was still sad to the bottom of my soul, but I didn’t need to carry the picture of the moment of her passing in my head. David gave me the gift of not experiencing that loss. We all have people in our lives who love us enough to support us, if only we will let them. Helping those we love is a gift. Remember that the next time you feel overwhelmed, and ask for help. If you need help with the concept of needing help, tell me all about it at terrif@findyourpride.org.
XO
Terri
