“What’s wrong with Susan?” they whispered behind her back.
“Do you have PD?” some nervy people asked.
Susan snapped back “no” emphatically,
Daring anyone to ask repeatedly.
Is it a lie if it’s none of their dam business?
What can she do to hide this illness?
She hadn’t accepted the diagnosis or told her spouse.
How will we finish paying off the house?
How will she pay for her kids’ college?
Of this, she had no knowledge.
Thankful for the American Disabilities Act.
All’s well with Personnel; assured she won’t get sacked.
Who did she first tell of her diagnosis?
Of course, her hair stylist
Cheaper than a psychiatrist.
Now, Susan tells everyone she meets, “I have PD.”
Some replies include, “Is it contagious?” “Thought you had a stroke.”
Outrageous! PD is no joke.
Very few co-workers knew how to empathize.
Threw gritted teeth, Susan greeted them all with smiles.
What did she expect from self-absorbed twits?
They cared about Susan as much as she cared about them –not one bit.
Some snooped around her office before it was cold.
“When I’m gone, you’ll be the first to know.”
The first few years with PD, I needed some direction. In my 17th year with PD, I survived those first years and more. I did not view them as ignorant, just not nice in general. What did I expect?
Excellent Alice. I really like the story telling style and I'm with Susan all the way.😊
Interesting tale highlighting the ignorance of others.
Attitudes to this condition really need to be changed somehow.
Keep up the writing, Alice