HOLIDAY PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:
Do not use my illness as an excuse to not give me a gift!
In the first year of my diagnosis, holidays were sad and lonely. On my birthday, I received only one card and no visitors. I couldn’t figure out why everyone would let me down on the hardest year of my life. “I don’t want to make you sick,” they said. “I don’t know what you’re not allergic to.”
I cried and accepted my fate. My disease was too complicated to understand. Gifts were just another casualty of my illness.
…until this year, when I created a new support system of compassionate and somewhat quirky friends (more on that later (you can do this too!))…
…and they gave me ALL THE GIFTS.
This year, my friends lavished me with mast cell friendly gifts: Fiji water, Vanicream, books, homemade food, and even dog poop bags! I literally broke out in hives at their generosity (and that’s okay!). They cared enough to get to know me and the challenges I face each day. They taught me I am deserving not only of gifts, but loving friends.
Now I know we can’t all be as generous as my friends. But truly anyone can give and receive a gift. Some of my most cherished gifts are handmade cards telling me I’m a badass. A little thoughtfulness goes a long way and when in doubt, just ask! It’s really that simple.
In case you missed it last year, check out my gift guide for mast cell disease.
Happy gifting!
P.S. I’ve created a store for my blog! Check out these great mast cell gift ideas. All proceeds go towards my blogging costs – thank you for your support!
I was curious about how you created your new support system of friends. I’m looking for ways for my daughter to connect to some new friends since she’s been housebound for over three years.
I hope to write on this very soon!
I am so thrilled you found people in your life to support you in your health journey! so awesome……..