5 Things You Learn When You Grow Up With A Parent Suffering From A Chronic Illness

1. You never know what someone is going through just by looking at them.

You can’t always see ailments. There are so many diseases and conditions that seem invisible to outsiders. But this goes beyond health. It’s a good philosophy to apply to everyone you meet. The waitress who you perceived as rude might be grieving something right now. Give people the benefit of the doubt. You never know what’s truly going on.

2. Strength does not come from the physical.

Strength is not just about lifting weights or having a muscular physique. Strength is about pushing through. And that doesn’t just mean in the gym. It means doing your very best to survive, even when survival is painful and unglamorous.

3. The true meaning of love is sacrifice.

In families, you sacrifice. Parents sacrifice so much for their children. It’s a job that requires levels of selflessness and giving of yourself to the people you love. Having a chronically ill parent means you, as the child, also sacrifice. And you do. Because that’s what you do when you deeply and unconditionally love someone.

4. Keeping a sense of humor can save your life.

When you grow up with a chronically ill parent, you see and experience a lot of heartbreaking and sobering moments. Finding humor in even the most morbid and darkest times can help you stay afloat.

5. Good health is to be appreciated, not taken for granted.

Good health is something that most people just assume they will always have. If it’s not a thing you are faced with day-to-day, you rarely even think about it. But with a chronically ill parent, you know just how fragile and unpredictable life is. You know to take care of your body and be thankful for a clean bill of health. You only have one body and one life. Remember to be grateful for it, especially if things are going well.