Share your whole self.

[MasterBaker]

Hello everyone.

Some of you may be aware that my life with encephalitis started 40 years ago. In that time I've lived a normal life, I've got married, had children, had bad jobs and good jobs. I've steered a glider and been told I was the first person he'd taken up who gently moved the stick, so as to not let it spin, apparently I was a natural. I've written short stories and poems, even read my work out to a room full of people. I've lived in Germany with my RAzf husband, I've driven a car, painted rooms and paintings in oil. I've had a wonderful, full and happy life. The one problem was the aftereffects and the reaction I had from people who seemed offended at my inability to remember things I'd only just been told. I didn't know that it was a problem to anyone but me, until I found this group and learned that I don't need to be ashamed, embarrassed or even sorry, because this is me.

Today, I typed up my story and posted it on Facebook, so that all the people who are my friends, who care about me and I care about can truly be a part of my life.

I've spent most of this evening with tears in my eyes, because of the beautiful and caring comments that people have le can take from this is tgat you are you, you're not your friends and you're not the people who get frustrated by your difficulties. Let your friends in and let them know that things won't always be easy. Let them really know you, because you have no reason to hide who you are.

[alpappy]

Hi I get your pain totally I had encephalitis which was auto immune three years ago after years of running my own practice lecturing etc I have huge gaps in my memory except for long term memory I have lost smell and tasteBut am lucky to be alive My friends and family have been very supportive I had just retired luckily and had the treatment in nz where I retired too after 30 years in the nhs

Be strong and try to enjoy every day

It's hard at times

Be well

Alan

[MasterBaker in reply to alpappy]

Thankyou Alan. I'm sorry to hear of your illness. I feel so lucky that I have such caring supportive friends. Until I told them my story I felt ignored, but they were just doing what we all do and getting on with their lives. I don't feel ignored any more, because I've been honest with people. I really think that telling people why you have problems can help us all to live a better life. I hope things improve for you soon. Loads of love. Emma xxx