Through my children’s eyes

Today’s Prompt: Write a letter to yourself from your children.

Today’s challenge is a tough one. I didn’t get a chance to ask my children to speak for themselves and they both read my blog posts. If I get this wrong, it will not be good. No pressure, huh? Instead of a letter from my kids, I think I will just share things they have already told me.

“You work through migraines.”

This was a recent comment from my son when I encouraged him to rest during a Migraine. Am I teaching perseverance and strength or modeling poor self care?

“Just because it’s a trigger for you doesn’t mean it’s a trigger for me”

That one came from my son when I scolded him for buying gum with aspartame in it. Way to assert yourself, son!

“I don’t have them as bad as you do”

This comment has been made by both kids at various times when I encourage them to use good self-care strategies or expressed worries about their own migraines.

“I’m afraid that someday I will get them as bad as you”

This has also been phrased as “…someday I won’t be able to work”, “How will I ever take care of kids?”, and “I don’t know what kind of work I can do if they don’t stop soon”. These concerns have been expressed by my daughter who is a adult now living on her own. She has a great memory and knows all too well the financial, emotional, and mental price that is paid with migraines.

“It’s okay. I understand.”

This one is usually in response to me begging forgiveness for not being able to attend some important event in their lives. I have missed concerts, awards ceremonies, sporting events, and even had to reschedule a few birthday celebrations. Their words are honest, but their facial expressions have gone from disappointment to blank stares. They know I can’t help it, but the sadness is very real.

“I’ve told you for years that I throw up when I get a headache”

Wow, this one really stung. This one was from my son in just the past year when I began to question him about the headaches he was experiencing. I honestly don’t remember him saying anything about vomiting during a headache. When he was young he would tell me tell me he had a headache, but he seemed so calm, I wasn’t sure that he wasn’t just trying to get attention because his sister or I were in pain. I never saw the pain he suffered in silence. I felt like such a fool! I have apologized profusely and now try to be his biggest advocate.

National Migraine Awareness Month is initiated by the National Headache Foundation.
The Blogger’s Challenge is initiated by www.FightingHeadacheDisorders.com.