Hello, rheumatoid arthritis, I didn't miss you one bit while you hid in my joints waiting for your grand comeback. Yet here you are, an uninvited guest. You slow me down, make me limp and cause my fingers to swell so I mistype at the keyboard. You're like that annoying Icelandic volcano, spreading pain like silt slowly through my body...keeping me grounded; forbidden from flying through my day.
Was I getting a little too cocky with phrases like, "Oh, my rheumatoid arthritis has been in remission for two years?" or, "I'm going to get in the best shape of my life and speed-walk a 5k?" No, I doubt it. I always knew you'd be back. You may be inconsistent, but you're resolute in your promise to return.
Does this sound familiar, dear readers? Some of you are young moms with active children, yet you find yourself lagging behind them as they go about their daily ventures. Others work outside the home on your aching feet all day. You put your professional smile on, while inside you're wincing--to the point of tears at times. Yet for many more, the pain has taken taken its toll on your body image. People tell you to just eat right and exercise, the pounds will come off. But you can barely tie your fitness shoes due to the swelling and crippling in your fingers, let alone walk on the treadmill for five minutes. I've been there, I am there, I may be there someday. If I take any comfort in my current situation, it's that I hope to understand you better. One of my favorite Bible verses is 2 Corinthians 1: 4:--He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
If you are one of the fortunate HEALTHY readers of this blog, I appreciate you too. It's for you I post photos and write features on beautiful three inch heels that happen to be comfortable for the average foot. Although I'm taking a break from actually wearing that type of shoe, I always want to hear from you if you've found a truly comfortable pump or heeled sandal. I may be in pain, but I'm still a girly-girl.
For now, I'm dusting off my trusty podiatrist-prescribed orthotics to wear in my Merrell Sirens and browsing my own "Shoes for Problem Feet" section...
