Dear Grey Matter-

I read this thread again so I could try to truly understand what you must go through every day. I am so sorry you are ill and must suffer this at such a young age.

Please don't allow the ignorant to disaude you from doing what you want to do. People either have a kind and understanding heart-or they don't. I wish the one's who don't could feel your pain and your suffering for awhile-it might make them better human beings.

I have a tendancy to fight back. There is a pedestrian crossing near my house I must use when I take the city bus (they also have buses for the seniors and disabled where I live) and I have been known to charge out into the traffic, waving my cane in the air and yell Stop! And they do. Perhaps afraid of running down a crazy old lady. I decided I would not allow age to make me a victim and this crazy little old lady carries mace and a bowie knife in her purse.

People can be so cruel. When they should be thanking God that they are healthy and mobile, all they can think about is how taking a few seconds to offer help or wait for you to get where you are going might be the least bit inconvenient for them. I wish you could make a sign that reads-The rude and nosy will be met with deadly force!

Please don't allow these buffons to discourage you, my dear. I think you are brave and wonderful. There are people with good hearts all over the place. I live in Colorado, where people tend to be nicer. On my good days I can make it into the store without my cane because I can just hang onto the cart. Otherwise, I look very healthy. And no one, has ever questioned me or so much as given me a dirty look when I get out of my car after parking in the handicap zone.

I wish it could be the same for you. Perhaps the next time someone is nosy and or, rude-you can yell across the parking lot-I have cancer! Any questions?

I wish you all the best, my dear. You are so courageous.

Love, Tea