it's
not
a choice
it's a disease.
had I cancer you'd weep
why then treat this with any less compassion?
ignorant of facts, some judge
those who suffer
and fight—
many
die
not
a choice
it's a disease.
had I cancer you'd weep
why then treat this with any less compassion?
ignorant of facts, some judge
those who suffer
and fight—
many
die
NOTE:
I don't usually step in and explain what I've written. I'm making an exception because this is too important to me not to.
This is not written about any particular person. It did rise out deep frustration over all of the ignorant remarks I've heard and read over the past 24 hours. That this level of ignorance about this disease still pervades society is heart-breaking.
Yes, addicts have to want help. Active addiction doesn't allow much room for rational thought. So many think they can handle it alone or can't admit to themselves that they have a problem much bigger than they know. I've lost far too many loved ones to this disease to keep quiet about how angry and dismayed I am at how little progress we've made over time.
very well said cheryl
ReplyDeleteYes indeed, Amy Winehouse might have thought the same.
ReplyDeleteVery, very good! It is truth indeed. I hope Amy has found her serenity at last.
ReplyDeleteYou have to WANT to be helped.
ReplyDeleteMany Many people tried to help that girl.
R.I.P.
It goes far deeper than people realize. I think the same compassion need to be offered to the obease. It is also a compulsion.
ReplyDelete- Alice
it is sad to see anyone snuffed out of life, regardless of the circumstances...thank you for the heart cheryl
ReplyDeleteyes the pain run deeps for the ones lost
ReplyDeletehow can we not care
glad you do
Very strong words. An allergy of the body combined with an obsession of the mind. Addiction is nasty regardless of addiction - substance or blogging. Thanks for playing along with the Sunday 160.
ReplyDeletebrilliantly said ... i'm so glad you wrote this post ...
ReplyDeleteWonderfully said....
ReplyDeleteSo important.
ReplyDeletewell conveyed message, lovely 160.
ReplyDeleteAddiction is the only disease that tells you that you don't have it.
ReplyDeleteForm AND content - A+++++++++++++
ReplyDeleteLately, I've been dealing with a close friend who hid an addiction from everyone for years....addicts being the skilled liars that they are. Hers is gambling. Unwittingly, I've enabled it by giving her money whenever she was unable to pay her bills. The truth of it rocked my world because she isn't ready to get help.
So, this was incredibly timely for me to read.
Addiction is hard on everyone - the addicted and their friends and families. Well said!
ReplyDeleteI hate when I feel the need to explain myself. Sorry you had to.
ReplyDeleteGlad to read this...
ReplyDeleteHere is mine:
loads
I hear you.
ReplyDeleteI feel very strongly about the subject, too.
Thanks for this post.
ReplyDeleteExcellent writing & excellent message! You are so right. laurie
ReplyDeleteSo sad to see a life lost so young :(
ReplyDeleteOh Cheryl, you did this one well. Thank you for speaking up the way you did with this one.
ReplyDeleteWhy can't people rise above the ignorance and recognize the disease that addiction truly is?
Compassion, grace and mercy. . . I really wish prayers could end addictions. I have prayed that for so many people I know and many people I don't know.
Very touching!
ReplyDeleteInteresting shape..
I have nursed a patient myself- I know the pain up close..
Hugs xox