LIFE WITH ME:
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE -
‘WEEKEND GIRLY COFFEE DATE’
Today, Sept 27th 2016, is the second international day of action by #MEAction promoting awareness and change for the #MILLIONSMISSING (around 20 million people worldwide) with ME, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. Note that the Australian day of action will be held in Melbourne in 2 weeks, on Wednesday 12 Oct 2016, from 1-2pm at Parliament House, East Melbourne, Vic, 3002 Australia.
This 'Spot the difference' cartoon is my contribution to spreading insight into the disabling condition that I have had for more than two and a half decades.
Here is the wording to go with the illustration:
LIFE WITH ME:
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE -
'WEEKEND GIRLY COFFEE DATE'
© 2016 by Shiloh Moore
PERSON A:
“You look great! But you don't look sick.
I feel tired all the time too,
maybe I have chronic fatigue? Hahaha!”
30 something married mother
+ career woman:
1) Frazzled long hair from morning gym session
2) Pretty dress + make-up
3) Heavy jewellery
4) Favourite perfume
5) Large slice of cake
6) High heels
7) Feet sore from standing and walking all morning
8) Shopping bags from browsing before coffee
date
9) Barely able to sit still
10) Car keys for driving
11) Coffee date is the 5th of 10
events today
= Is healthy
but overworked
PERSON B:
(Smiles awkwardly)
30 something single woman with no kids
+ no job:
1) Bed-hair, cut short because it causes pain
2) Comfortable clothes + no make-up - no energy for fuss
3) No accessories as they trigger pain
4) No scents or chemicals as she is sensitive and
reacts
5) No cake due to food intolerances
6) Flat shoes with orthotics
7) Feet sore from standing at all
8) Just got up at 10.30 in time for coffee
9) Barely able to sit up long enough for a
brief cuppa
10) Driven door to door by a carer
11) Coffee date is the only non- medical outing or visit
from a friend all week.
She will need to go home to rest immediately after.