What Do You Do?

Here is an encore performance of an interesting dilemma in My Odd Sock history.  I hope you enjoy my insecurities!

 

 

During the summer, I attended a friend’s party where I was chatting with a nice man in his early 60’s.  He held a very prestigious position within a widely recognized organization.  After asking him every conceivable question about his job and his employer–there was a pause in our conversation.  Then, he asked me the question I dreaded most…..

“What do you do?”

My head spun like a roulette wheel.  And the single thought in my brain at the time sounded much the same!

You see, this was the first time anyone had asked me that question….since I was laid-off…..since applying for disability…..and since my subsequent approval.

I wasn’t sure how to answer him—and four months later, I’m still not certain.

Do I say I am a laid-off copywriter?  Do I tell’em I’m on disability?  Or, do I admit to being in the witness protection program?

I had my trusty cane next to me, so I could have said I was fresh from my audition for “The Gene Kelly Story.”

 

My problem is simple.  Yes, I have MS, but I don’t want to be defined by this stupid disease that my body is hosting.  (I’ll be serving tea & finger sandwiches following the post!)

I’ve never met someone who says they have cancer or whatever when you first meet them.  Yet, it is so obvious many of us with MS have a little somethin-somethin going on with our walking aids and chairs and lurching gaits.  So it’s hard not to be defined as an MSer first and foremost.

Maybe I’ll tell him I am a house-husband and prove my point by showing my dish pan hands.

Stay-at-home-dad?  I could pack his lunch and cover the four basic food groups lickety-split!

Meanwhile, the gentleman is still waiting for my answer.  I guess he’ll have to wait till the next party to hear how I decide to respond.  Some things take time.