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Unfortunatly a large number of people of various faiths believe that an illness is either a "cross", "gift", or "punishment" that should be born without complaint. I (as have many of you I'm sure) been told that "it is God's will" and that "He has a reason for the illness". I was brought up in such a belief system and my wheelchair was used "an example to others" for whatever happened to be popular at the time. I along with you hope that this man's comments do not lead to people thinking that PD is something they need not be concerned about. At 08:06 PM 10/16/96 -0400, you wrote: <snip> >the Pope >was quoted as saying that He "considers his affliction to be a gift of >suffering from God." > >Did I understand this correctly? Or was this quote referring to something else? <snip> >I've only been diagnosed for a year and my physical symptoms are quite >bearable. But the emotional trauma for me has been devastating. I am >constanly worried about supporting my family, putting my kid through >college, being able to work etc. I may be a newbie at this but I do not >recognize PD as a "gift." I hope that I have the wherewithal to face this >and come out emotionally strengthened - but please don't call it a gift.