How are you doing is a question I get asked a lot.
It comes in two forms; the casual, “How ya doin?” as you pass a friend by. Polite, but not really meant for a long-winded answer. That’s cool. The other is when people look you in the eye and ask, “How ARE you doing?”
Well, I am doing great! I lead a normal life, much like you. I get the kids off to school each morning and am lucky enough to be able to be home for them when they return. I field questions on everything, such as did mermaids ever exist, and I split up arguments about who got more cheerios in the bowl. Like most, I agonize over what nutritious yet passable-to-the-kids meal to make for dinner each and every night; and although another pair of hands is doing that for me these days, the tasks of figuring it out and shopping are still needed. I am busy; bills need to get paid, kids off to soccer practice, last minute school costumes devised, and any number of other things may be needed in a day.
I have happy days and I have sad days. I yell and scream and I giggle and cry. I try to maintain more giggling and less yelling. My sad days are often hormonally-triggered, like many women, or due to a need for lunch. My sad days are not because I have ALS, I am so over that. It is just a label.
I am Pauline, I am living a great life. I am surrounded by love. My husband is amazing and my two daughters are truly wonderful. I do not live in fear, or fear for my children. I am not living in poverty, in an overcrowded slum; my community is caring, vibrant, and breathtakingly beautiful. Much of the food I eat is locally produced and organically grown, not fast food because it’s cheaper. And I have the liberty to be and say pretty much what I please.
For all of this I am so grateful, and so happy…
