Please Don’t Label Me

Yesterday, my governor Brian Kemp (Georgia) decided to open up businesses. While I understand that slowly opening up the economy was probably necessary, his choices baffled me. For example, bowling alleys, gyms and movie theaters are not the first places I would open up. In fact, they would probably be last on my list besides maybe schools as they are extremely susceptible to germ-spreading. To say I’m disappointed in Governor Kemp’s decision would be an understatement.

When I finally fell asleep last night and believe me it took a long time, I had a dream that I was a kid again and everyone I knew along with myself was applying for high schools. Everyone got into the same school except for me. I was told by the guidance counselor that I just wasn’t like everyone else and had to accept that and I would have to stay where I was for a long time. I began to cry and so did the counselor who told me “That’s just how it is. I’m sorry.”

I woke up angry. I knew immediately what the dream meant. I usually don’t remember my dreams but this one was easy to recall. Maybe I’m not like everyone else but I don’t want to be labeled. I read a few posts last night of people that were not directly responding to me who said that the “sick” need to just stay home and the “well” people need to get the economy going again. While they may not have been directly speaking to me, I heard them loud and clear. 

Their comments made me feel useless that for some reason this is all my fault. Because I’m amongst the “sick,” other people are suffering because they’re not allowed to go out. I’m not calling out the people who posted these comments but if you are one of those people and you’re reading this, I have a few things to say. 

I am not useless. 

I am also not expendable. 

And let’s add one more thing. I am not SICK. 

I am just a person who happened to be born with a disease that makes it so my family and I have to be more cautious than the average family with regards to my health. This disease has made my life tough BUT it has also made me tough! I have learned to fight battles that you will never understand. I have learned to cope in circumstances that have tested my mental health. I have learned the preciousness of every breath. I have a superpower now. It’s called perspective. And let’s get this straight. There are a lot of us “sick” people out there and we have battle scars that have made us stronger than most people who are deemed “well.” 

I’m not worried about staying home during a lockdown. I’m more worried about going out. I’m worried about me and my family but I’m much more worried about other people going out there and getting sick and dying or spreading the disease to others whose bodies are not strong enough to fight it off. I’m worried about those who are ignorant and feel invincible and now have the keys to go out and infect others regardless of whether they wear gloves or masks. It just takes one mistake, folks. We don’t know enough about the coronavirus and I’m worried about a second wave. We don’t have enough tests and therefore there are probably many more cases of COVID-19 that have yet to be identified. 

So for all of you who have been labeled “sick” throughout your life, just know that it’s not you that’s sick. It’s those around you who label you as such. You are strong and can fight anything that comes your way. Your résumé is proof.  

My hope is that the people who are supposed to lead us and care about us will just prioritize our health over our money so that we don’t have to fight. My friend Martin said something to me the other day that I can’t get out of my head. He said “We live in a society not an economy.” What a brilliant quote!

Unfortunately yesterday in the state of Georgia, we were told to live in an economy. “Live” is probably not the right word. I’d say “Fight for our lives” is more appropriate. 

For those of you who are worried about people like me. Thank you. We are strong though. We are used to fighting battles. We don’t give up. We should be the least of your concerns. I’d be more concerned about the people who are going out and spreading germs because they think it’s okay to get together again. I’d be more worried about medical teams who are overwhelmed by the number of patients coming in because of COVID-19. I’d be more worried about a government that cares more about its financial well-being than losing many more of its people’s lives.

Stay strong, stay focused and please stay home…if you can. 

Live your dreams and love your life.

Andy