Positive Aspects of PC

• I don't understand the meaning of a hang nail.
• I have very flexible legs from putting my feet close to my face to trim sores for so many years.
• Right as I entered puberty, I took the drug Accutane to see if it would help my PC (it didn't) -- however, my complexion was perfectly free of acne throughout my teenage years.
• At Disney World I can go in a special ride line – and my family too. Of course, I figured that out in the evening after having been there all day. But no matter – we went on more rides in one hour than we had all day!
• Another advantage of having PC is after years feeling too proud, I finally applied for and received a sign to hang in my car which allows me to park in handicap parking places. Not only does it save my feet, I'm almost always guaranteed a great parking spot, especially at big events in sports, plays, concerts and so on. And everyone likes to ride in my car!

Another positive PC solution -- I was able to waiver Junior High Physical Education (PE). That means I missed all those dreaded co-ed activities in standard gym issue at a time when I was full of whacky hormones and low self-confidence. Actually, I waved PE in High School too, but everyone tells me even that wasn't as awful as Junior High PE. Instead, I was able to fit extra classes into my schedule that were fun and didn't discourage me. Classes like arts, orchestra, Spanish, debate and journalism. I was even a DJ for my high school's local radio station and the school's sports editor. Instead of sitting in PE classes I couldn't participate in and longed to be a part of, I was able to develop talents in other areas. I might add, I did take PE in college, but then options were greater and more suitable for someone with sore feet.

One of the happiest things that happened to me as a result of PC came during my college years. A music band I just love came to town. The concert was open seating so students lined up at the doors all day to get good seats. Because of work, I couldn't go wait very early. I joined my buddies about an hour before the concert several hundred people from the door. And wouldn't you know it? It just happened to be handicap awareness week. Never before had I received preferential treatment. But there I was with my crutches when an usher came and INSISTED I enter the concert early. I admit I was a little embarrassed. I hadn't put in the time waiting that many others had. Then, of course, I had to take my crew of ecstatic friends with me. Not wanting to seem too greedy, I chose the middle of the SECOND row. We watched the band warm up, goof around, and finally, we enjoyed the most incredibly fun concert I've ever been to. I still smile thinking what a blast that was on the second row instead of on the back balcony. I'd never before wanted special treatment because of my PC, but I must confess, this time I was perfectly fine with it.

Having PC has taught me a lot of things. Perhaps that's another entry for another day. For now, let's just say it's taught me to count my blessings. My feet hurt but I do have feet. I can always find someone with problems a whole lot worse than me. Probably the greatest advantage I enjoy from having PC is a sure knowledge that the people in my life are solid individuals, who have demonstrated by their actions that they are not superficial people who care about looks or what others may say. It's a big positive to know my closest friends are not shallow, but terrific people with strong characters, who look at my heart, not at my beautiful nails and feet.

So friends, tell me your PC positives. Better yet, post them on the message board so we can all be uplifted. Just today, I had to have a cyst removed that had become inflamed and infected. Okay, I'm a wimp and it hurt. After the major pain subsided, I started laughing. The doctor asked what I was laughing about and I said, “Oh my life, I just have to laugh at this.” Don't get me wrong, I'm not valiant. Remember I'm on crutches while so many of you are gritting out the walking on your own. But if life is tough, we can laugh or we can cry and it's just so much more fun to laugh!