Ichthyosis

[chellemrm]

The ichthyosis fundraising bracelets arrived today! Which means anyone I can get a bracelet to is basically obligated to buy one ;-) You do love me, don't you? They're only $2...how can you refuse? All of profits (-$30, which is what I paid for them) go to the Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin Types (aka FIRST), which helps provide funds

Comments

[diva_ralph]

Michelle! Don't you think for one second that you're "weird" or "freakish" ...well then again, just look around at your friends. "Normal" is definitely NOT the first word I'd use to describe any one of us. hehe. :)

Also don't think for one second that "fitting in" is an issue... who wants that anyway? Personally, I've never fit in with any group... I don't know about you, but I think it's more fun to have lots of different friends than a few who are so-called "normal." Variety is the spice of life, after all. :-D

[chellemrm]

I really appreciate the sentiment and your support, Lauren. It's really only around my friends and family that I feel normal. But it's not the "normal" of wanting to be like the "popular" kids or some unattainable perfect life or anything like that...it's about being someone whose life isn't ruled by her skin. It's about not being stared at when I wear shorts and a tank top, or go to the pool. It's about not having kids ask their mommies "what's wrong with that girl over there?" It's about looking in the mirror and seeing a girl, istead of seeing ichthyosis in the shape of a girl.

So really, thank you. Because I do feel like that normal around you.

[superpeckman]

michelle, it'll be ok. It doesn't matter what other people think. The people who know you aren't going to look at you like that. As for the ignorant masses... well, forget them. They have no right to make you feel like that. They have no clue about any of it.
You have the people who really matter backing you up. We're here for you, and you'd better damn well make good use of us.
And... don't go making "what if" scenerios. What may or may not be isn't something we can really worry about. Trust me on that. It all depends on if it's in the cards or not. Ok, not literal cards. Hush. You know what I mean. :P

I was going to put something to tie it all together at the bottom here, but I think I'll leave it at "you rock and are awesome." There.

[zevshir]

I've known you since we were five and I really don't ever notice or think about it. And if ever I considered you weird, it would have to stem from the fantasy/dragons/etc fascination. ;) To echo what peck said, if "fitting in" means feeling welcome and accepted, then you've definitely got that with us and other friends. You don't need to ever feel like you are facing the world alone.

Deciding whether or not to have kids (and when, and how many...) is such a huge decision, and this is only a small part in it. There is so much involved in helping kids grow up happy and strong. You haven't let challenges stand in the way of your life, and *that* is something you would pass on to your children.

[nutmegmercury]

^What they all said :D

In all seriousness, these people who look at you and don't see who you really are, the wonderful, intelligent, and so much more woman that you are, are really missing out on knowing you and having you for a friend. It is their loss that they can't see what really matters in a person. (I really wish I was better at typing out what I want to say...)

If you ever need anything, I'm just a phone call and a few hours(?) away. *hugs*

PS, Tell me where to send the money, and I shall buy a bracelet :D