I made it to M&S yesterday. When I was checking out, and really struggling, a tiny little girl ( she must have been under three) asked " Is there anything I can do to help you?" How sweet! There was no way that she could have lifted the heavy basket, but I thanked her graciously. Ten minutes later, I caught up with her and her mother again in the car park where I was being met. "Mummy, that's the lady I helped earlier". Mummy was suitably moved to carry my basket all of 20ft.
The little girl clearly demonstrated that helping others can be a privilege, not a chore. That's why I am signing up as a volunteer for the NRAS telephone helpline. I'm not being noble; I'm sure I'll get a lot out of it.
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Jora
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I think that's wonderful. I phoned them for the first time today and they were wonderfully helpful and kind. I asked loads of questions, cried, talked about everything that i wanted to know and was so relieved to talk to someone that knew, and didn't hurry me. It meant that once I got off the phone I could stand up and put one slightly achy foot in front of the other again. Slap on a brave face again, leave work and pick my kids up, having come through that particular black cloud.
I hope one day I am in a place where I have come to terms enough with my situation that I can do the same for someone else because it truly meant the world to me today.
What a lovely little girl. I love the innocence and curiosity of young children. They don't umm and ahh and stress about how to say something or whether they should ask. She saw someone who needed help and offered. And she inspired you.
Less awe please, Cathie. It's not justified. I had to go to the hospital (by Uber) for blood monitoring. I then got another cab back to Chiswick High Road. A friend arranged to pick me up outside M&S. Once I had picked up a few provisions. I was on a crutch, doped up with Tramadol and clinging onto the trolls when going round M&S.
But a few hours later, I was in agony, in bed, and with a mild fever again. The docs are a bit worried about that, as they are towards the histology report, ( they did a biopsy of tissue during the op.) I'm due to have a layman's translation later today, but it is full of words like lymphocytes, polymorphs and markedly hyperplastic epithelium. The surgeon's covering letter said that this was something we must keep an eye on. Indeed!
Trolleys are handy things aren't they. Sorry you suffered for your adventure. I'm lying low this morning as George the tiler is coming to sort out a trip hazard in the kitchen. An excuse for a lie in. I hope you're ok
It is so nice when the younger generation show us what being a parent is all about. I bet you were overwhelmed that a little girl of three offered to help you. There is hope for our young generation after all.xxxxxx
What a lovely post Jora. I often say to people that they shouldn't feel bad asking for help, because the person helping will get a lot out of knowing that they helped someone that day.
We look forward to having you as one of our telephone support volunteers.
For those of you who aren't aware of this service, if you ever wanted to speak to someone else with RA on the phone, you could call the NRAS helpline (0800 298 7650) and we would take some details from you and pass these on to our colleagues who would match you with the most suitable volunteer, who would then be able to call you and speak to you at a mutually convenient time. Our telephone support volunteers do an amazing job!
If you're less keen on the telephone you can also make contact with other people who have RA through this forum of course, or through attending one of our NRAS groups if there is one in your area:
Thanks, Victoria. Yes, I was very touched by the experience. The fact that the little girl, who had never seen me in her life before, was so sensitive to the pain etched on my face, and acted on it so generously, really was remarkable.
I have arranged to speak with Kim on Monday afternoon.
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Ways to cheer up Nana
Take deep breaths and count to 10
I just want to be a mum... 
Not well at all friends, Part 3
