An Ode to Facial Palsy

I don’t like you, in fact I hate you but you still live with me!
24 years this December ….you are an outstaying visitor and unwelcome guest.
I dont like to acknowledge your presence, but when I look in the mirror or the camera catches me unawares I am reminded of your cruelty.
When I laugh out loud and suddenly those around me look puzzled as I forget the wonkiness.
The autumn leaves are falling, a sign to get prepared in body, mind and spirit.
The darker days cause fog and dimness, especially now I have glaucoma.
Seratonin is needed as the sun fades, so I down the 5HTP’s!
My morning walks take on a whole new wardrobe of cotton wool ears, wooly hats and neck mufflar.
The freedoms of outdoors is curtailed, fierce wind, cold chills take their toll.
Then there is the medication what to take now as decades of ibuprofen have caused diverticulitis of the bowel.
Onto the spirit and soul one must take cheer, be ones own life coach, cheerleader and trainer.
Preparation, acceptance and management is what gets me through.
As does prayer, talking therapy and kindness.
Achievable goals and realistic expectations of oneself as rest, less stress and care are top of the list.
The wind is blowing around my ears, I’m growing my hair for winter it’s another year!

Dedicated to all the facial palsy sufferers.
It’s the end of summer in the UK and the end of my outdoor swimming and cycling season.

Margaret Dexter-Lewis
22/9/19 London UK