My stepdaughter is 11 years old, and I undetstand you wanting to keep her informed and reassure her at the same time. We try to explain things to Grace in the simplest possible way, so that she doesn't worry all the time or get scared. I tell her she can ask me anything at all. I didn't go into detail about Wegs, just told her my body got some of its wires crossed & my immune system (explained that to her) got the wrong instructions about how to work, so now it's making Ter Ter's body sick instead of better like it's supposed to. I had to explain to her about chemo & why my hair fell out, and she could see how sick I was during her Thanksgiving trip here. I never want to hide anything from her, but I don't bring up my illness unless she asks or something's going on (like this last hospitalization). Her dad told her I was in the hospital and asked her what kind of updates she wanted. He said, "Do you want me to let you know everything that is going on with Teri in the hospital, or do you just want me to give you the good news when she goes home?" She chose the good news.
Grace has been very understanding, knowing I'm not able to join her & her dad on alot of activities when she's here. I try to do "nail salon" at home with her, watch a movie, bake cookies, etc. I just try to keep our relationship as normal as I can!
Teri from Texas
Diagnosed w/WG March 2015
"Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me." - Psalm 30:2
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