Finding Friends Through Pain

Growing up my family moved frequently.  I eventually developed an internal clock that would quietly whisper to me when we were in one place for too long.  I understood that moving was a necessity but not always my favorite part of family life.  However, I usually found friends quickly once our move was made.  In school, choir was my passion.  I wasn't the best singer but I always tried!!!  I enjoyed choir because no matter where we moved I would immediately have a group to be a part of.  

As I aged and stopped singing I learned quickly that I would need to start locating friends in other ways.  Even after I moved away from my family I continued the tradition of moving around.  In college, I met people who were studying the same degree as I was.  After graduating I found my friendships in coworkers, sharing our life experiences.  

Trouble occurred when I became ill.  Many of my current friends at the time were at a loss as to how to identify with me any longer.  I myself was unsure of who I was and what I had to bring to the table as a friend.  I've since lost some friendships, but I have found so many more.  Today, many of my friends are other sufferers of chronic pain.  Some may read that and think "what a bunch of downers", those people would be wrong.  I have found treatment ideas from my friends, support through the tough times and a tons of laughs.  Most of these friends live all over the world and I have never met them in person.  That's ok to me.  Through distance they show me that they understand my struggles because they are experiencing the same ones.  

I believe that a person can show empathy without walking a mile in my shoes.  But I believe true understanding comes from being in the trenches with me.  I wish everyday for the world to be pain free.  I would never wish my pain on another.  And I would love to take the pain of others so that they can have a moment of peace.  I hate suffering day to day; but I am thankful to have found my "choir" where I always fit in and everything seems to make sense.