Long trips and Bong hits

The first time your partner sees you take meds, or the first time they see you give yourself injections. The first blood draw or IV setup. The first ER trip. The first time accompanying you to the doctor. The first medical procedure, and maybe the prep for that procedure. The first time they will have to assume responsibility for you after pain meds or sedation. The first surgery. The first recovery room. The first infusion or treatment. The first hospital stay. And the knowledge that these are firsts but they will happen many more times.

Not everyone can deal with all of this, be they a partner or just a friend. Some of us even have parents who can’t handle it, or don’t believe it.

I am so lucky to have found someone who has gone through all of these things with me effortlessly, and will be there for much more. And I’m lucky to have friends who “get” it.

I have to go through this, but I don’t have to do it alone.

me: why