Please don’t say you’re sorry

I have some the most wonderful, compassionate, understanding friends in the world. Often they will ask about my health, express their sympathy, and offer prayers and words of encouragement. I love them dearly for it, and there’s something even they don’t know.

I’m not sorry that I have migraine and cluster headache.

Of course, I do my best to minimize their impact on my life. If a cure were available tomorrow, I’d jump on it. I don’t enjoy being in this much pain, but like it or not, this is the life I have. I’ve learned to adapt and accept reality. If it never changes, I will be okay.

Whether it’s by a random twist of fate or by divine appointment, I am uniquely qualified to do this. Maybe it’s just my stubborn refusal to let these challenges go to waste. I really don’t know WHY, but I do know that I have found meaning and purpose in what some might see as a tragic waste.

I’m glad I have the chance to live with migraine and cluster headache because I can transform them. You see, ruling my headache disorders isn’t always about controlling them. It’s more about taking control of their impact on my life and defining what it means to have these headache disorders.

I have taken that “girl with headaches” label that was meant to be an expression of pity and transformed it into my life’s mission.

Yes, I am THAT girl and yes, I do have “a headache AGAIN,” and it’s okay.

Migraine and cluster headache have trained me well. I am tough enough to take whatever they can dish out and smart enough to teach you how to do it as well. Headache disorders may have chosen me, but I choose what to do with them.

Even if I am cured tomorrow, I will still be “the girl with headaches” and I will NEVER walk away from this fight.

So please, don’t say you’re sorry for me. Celebrate that migraine and cluster headaches chose me to be their ambassador. For that, I will never be sorry.