It’s strange how things work out. Dave
mentioned on the Inspire.com discussion board that he would like to have a NF
get together. I started a goal on Dailystrength.org that I wanted to have
a NF gathering. He came across my goal and mentioned his idea to me. We put our
heads together and came up with this NF gathering.
The NF camps are a wonderful
thing. You get the opportunity to meet others in a safe environment where
everyone understands you and won't stare. I totally get that. When you only
gather in an exclusive group though, others don't get to know you. You need to
be seen, in order to be heard. If only two or three people, without NF remember
meeting or seeing us, that will be two or three people who are now aware of
NF. We can create a presence that will be noticed. You don't have
to wear a bathing suit if you are too shy. Lets just make this a time to
remember, make friends, and come together as a group while making
others aware of NF at the same time.
Would you feel more comfortable at a pool, if there
were others there facing the same problem? What if there were 5, 10,
maybe even 30 more people like you, there right beside you
lending you strength? Maybe you would just like to be at the beach and
not feel so alone.
It may feel intimidating and a little scary
but you can do it. I know there are some of you who are tired of covering up,
well this is your chance. Spend the day at the beach. Float in the pool feel
the water on your skin, not that clingy tee shirt. Unwind in the hot tub. Just
come have fun, maybe for just a moment let the real you show, the one that
you've been hiding. The you, that you have always dreamed about.
Pete's Story
This Gathering for me is a new chapter in my life. I’ve looked across so many message boards and have Come across many fine folks. Quite a few of them say the same thing. They are tired of rude comments and the stares. A few refuse to wear shorts or short sleeves. They cover up and shy away from beaches and pools. I can understand feeling uncomfortable. There are times when I feel out of place. Even if I want to hide away, I can’t. I have two daughters and I would be teaching them to hide away and feel ashamed. I am their hero. If I can’t stand up to a few stares or feel bad about myself based on what others think, what will I be teaching them? I once had someone tell me that they felt inspired by me. She Felt ashamed of going to the pool because of her weight and yet I was there at the pool, knowing I would be stared at. I could have taken her comment a lot of ways. She was being quite honest and it was a compliment. I knew this later, when I saw her at the pool later, in a bathing suit. You never know who you might touch. We are all connected
| Dave's Story I have thousands of tumors and it does not stop me from wearing clothes that exposes them or stop me from swimming. If people ask, I explain NF to them. Once at a water park the owner called the police and I was threatened with arrest. I sued the water park and won a free day for everyone with NF. I joined a health club and the manager called to inform ne that members were quitting because they did not like the way I looked. He agreed with me that it was their problem and not mine. I no longer let my appearance stop me from doing anything. What is the worse that can happen? I wish I had the words to encourage everyone with NF or any other problem to not let it stop them from enjoying life to the fullest. I used to be very shy, now I will fight for the rights of the oppressed. |
