Scarred (An Open Letter to my PsorPhil Brothers & Sisters)
Having attended my first PsorPhil BMW outing, I’ve come to realize a few things about my support group which I’d be happy to share. If only I can find the right words that is. (Thanks to The Play Ground Studios for the image).
It would be only so easy to romanticize everything that has to do with our organization and what it stands for. I need only to employ the use of flowery words like “courageous,” “selfless,” “untiring,” and “dedicated” to describe the organizers and the members, and no one would have any reason to disagree with me.
I could make it seem that each and every member making up Psoriasis Philippines was an unsung hero of sorts, reaching out to similarly afflicted individuals and striving to make life a little bit better for each and everyone of them. I could go on and on until people reading this would get the notion that the organization was an exclusive fraternity for which nothing short of sainthood can satisfy the criteria for membership.
But I wouldn’t be telling the whole truth.
The truth is, PsorPhil is made up of damaged and scarred (both literally and figuratively) individuals who continue to struggle with a common demon which has yet to defeated completely. Throughout the course of our struggle, we’ve been known to give in to vices as well as despair more times than we care to remember.
It is only by coming together through PsorPhil that we become mighty. Something about going through something terrible together forges a kind of bond that can only be compared to the affinity war veterans have toward each other.
And yes, we are at war. But it’s not so much as a war on the disease itself, as it is a war against the loss of hope
Truth be told, most of us have accepted the fact that we may never see the end of this so called war. For most of us, it is no longer about finding a cure, but about remembering that life is still worth living despite the limitations imposed on us by this condition. Fortunately, if there’s one thing PsorPhil is good at, it’s having fun. I mean, how else are we supposed to battle depression?
Much as I hate employing clichés in my writing, I feel I have no other choice than to use one in this case. Because there is little else in my life which better epitomizes the age old adage “blessing in disguise” than having psoriasis. If it wasn’t for it, I probably wouldn’t have met you people who are a testament to what the human spirit can endure. I probably would not have known what it means to smile in the midst of carrying such a burden, because I can be sure that it won’t be long until somebody comes along and carries it with me. And more importantly, I probably wouldn’t have made it this far if it weren’t for you guys.
It is a rare, and beautiful feeling to be surrounded by so many people who can move and inspire you just by their simple resolve to wake up every morning. So much so that I almost feel sorry for people who aren’t afflicted with such a disease.
But that’s just silly, right? I mean, I keep saying that I wouldn’t wish this upon my worst enemy. But nevertheless, I am deeply honored to be alongside my brothers and sisters as we face this challenge. Scarred, but not alone.
Also, pictures from my BMW weekend:
well said kuya pau..
I tip my hat to you, sir. *tip*
Pau, may I share this with IFPA executives?
100% agree!! nice one Pau..
very well said room mate… cheers to that!!! my psor is really a “blessing in disguise…” =)
You, and the many others are the definitions of true greatness and bravery. Salut!
pau, thanks for sharing this . . . totoong totoo lahat ito, and welcome back home
Hats off to you Pau…
Wow! that’s a great message. very well said! woohoo!
Well said Pau! Bravo!
As one of the participant of the event, I was truly amazed at the camaraderie and closeness of the Psorphil members. You are not members of a community or group but rather, you are members of a “family”. I feel honored to have had an opportunity to participate and be apart of Psorphil’s BMW 2008.
High five!
The first time I read your blog, I knew you are a great writer. It’s because you obviously write from the heart, your reader can feel it. Thank you for putting into words what we actually feel to the deepest ends of our bones, and muscles; minds and hearts.
*sniff*
nadale mo, kuya pau.=)
Very well said Pau !!! It’s my first too… and it’s simply amazing !
Very true Pau……we just dont have same skin but same sentiments and hopes as well…….Thanks Pau for this….
I personally agree po sa lahat ng mga sinabi nyo. Talagang iba ang feeling if we come to talk and be with other fellow Psorphil members because we know each of us our sincere in sharing and listening with our same concerns.
Thank you Pau for voicing out our feelings through your very nice letter like this. I salute all of you….
karen
That is a nice letter. I also feel the suffering you are into. I don’t have Psoriasis but have a love one who are on the same boat.
had no idea there’s actually a support group like that here. how nice. i’ve had a few patients with psor, it’s great na they can get help from their other needs too.
my commendations for a well said piece… it’s what all of us feels but sometimes actually too proud to say – kasi ayaw nating ma-depress and we keep that private bubble out of the public’s scrutinizing eye. but jeeezzz… I never thought you have this soft and vulnerable spot in you… so touched with this… *sniff