Dear Family.....

Dear Family,

I accept the fact that I have a tendency to downplay the severity of my illness when I am sick. It is something that women do—we feel the need to protect our loved ones--we do not want them to worry. And we also would like to think that we are invincible—even when we are not.

But you are all well-educated humans. You have five senses that enable you to process information. And you have knowledge of even the most basic medical terminology or access to WebMD.com. So despite the fact that I may deny the extent of my immediate condition, I find it odd that you have not noticed that my pallor is more ashen than a vampire before a feed. I wonder how you could not have observed that my excessive coughing warrants the use of an inhaler or that I tire just from walking from the kitchen to the family room. The scent of Vicks vapo-rub and the 5 prescription drugs (some with orange labels) on the countertop is an obvious sign that my health is not commensurate with the living.

Even Cosmo (the dog) has noticed the change   in my activity level. He curls up next to me on the couch and does not expect me to play red ball with him.

And while I appreciate the fact that one of you brought the overflowing basket of laundry down to the laundry room and placed it in front of the washing machine, I am puzzled how it never occurred to you that the dirty clothes cannot jump into the machine all by themselves, measure and pour its own Tide, and turn the button from stop to start. It bothers me just a little tiny bit that just this one time you could not have remembered to make your beds or put your dirty dishes in the dishwasher. And the coffee stains (in front of the 5 prescription medications) on the countertop might have enjoyed just a quick wipedown.

And so, since it is clear that you too must be in denial about how crappy I must feel since your sensory perception is seemingly failing you, I am going to state the obvious: I need a little help around here. And you being proactive about it would not only do wonders  to improve my emotionally agitated state, but it would create a living environment acceptable to people other than hoarders.

It is my sincere wish that I will recover soon in which time you can resume your slovenly ways. I thank you for your attention in this matter.

Love Always,

Mom