Cheerleaders

After 15 years of being disabled I have found that there are people that will help me out if I seek them out and provide them with a good appeal.  In business they call these type of people cheerleaders.  It is impossible to go it totally alone.  If you want to find work or receive medical care or disability benefits you need other people to work on your behalf.  The people that have helped out made a major impact in my life.  Even if they did nothing other than provide a kind word or two.  When you are disabled you draw people from extreme ends of the spectrum.  They either feel that you are faking it to get something that you don't deserve or they are sympathetic to your plight.  Appreciate the ones that help you out and never forget to thank them for their assistance.  Tempers tend to run high when you're in pain and at times you will act badly.  Remember to apologize to your supporters when you find that the pain caused you to lose your cool.  Well meaning people often misunderstand what you feel and can't understand why you can't do things right away when they request them. Take a moment to cool your temper and explain that you will do what they want when you feel better.  You have to remember people don't know your level of pain.  Cheerleaders are hard to come by you have to treat them with respect and kindness or you will lose their support.