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After reading Tex's post about receiving a phone call from Wal-Mart in Caro, Michigan it actually made me rethink my anger as well as "why" my tears kept comming. Then I realized some very POSITIVE REASONS that I feel all of us need to be reminded of and the Newbies also need to beable to share.
On October 3rd I found absolutely nothing POSITIVE about the situation I found myself in. I shared it with everyone here and it was because of the love and support I composed an e-mail to Wal-Mart's corporate offices and now soooooo many things make sense and truly have so much meaning.
For those who don't know me I am a firm believer in angels and I am also the type of person who finds herself many times running away instead of having a confrontation. Through the support I receive on these boards I'm growing, learning and I've come to realize I can help others even if I don't feel I'm as knowledgeable as others.
Since October 3rd WE not just me accomplished something really and truly amazing. Not just for one or two people but for hundred's of thousands who daily face IBD's each and everyday. Alone I felt like hiding constantly. I still am not comfortable going very far from home because I'm uncertain what my body will do or when it will turn against me. So it is just easier to NOT allow myself to be placed in any uncomfortable situations. I only go as far as I need to and usually go to businesses that I'm familiar with and KNOW EXACTLY where the bathroom is. I don't like what I look like because I've lost so much weight so I no longer walk with my head up I am constantly looking at the ground.
October 3rd was an AWESOME day and I wasn't alone because as I was hid in that Ladiesroom stall I had a Guardian Angel who was there all the time watching over and taking care of me in my time of need. This angel handed me warm wet paper towels to clean myself staying with me and doing everything she could to comfort me and I didn't realize that it was all part of a greater plan. She bought me clean clothes so that I would beable to leave but never once did she show herself to me, nor did she ever tell me her name. I saw her hands under the stall and I remember the comfort in her voice. For the very first time today I "GET IT!" I WAS NEVER ALONE!!!!!!!!!!!
Something very important was about to take place and it was happening because it was neccessary to get OUR MESSAGE out to those who DO NOT UNDERSTAND. October 3, 2008 was NOT and is NO LONGER another excuse for me to hide. Yes, I was humiliated, scared to death and very upset. Because of this situation Wal-Mart changed things for each and everyone of us. They changed rules and informed workers what they need to do if another situation such as I found myself in EVER happens again. As Tex said the policy has more than likely changed in every Wal-Mart Store and when or if this information becomes known to other businesses they to will adopt this policy and change.
I was meant to find this site and through the friendships I've made and this incident I was able to help make a POSITIVE change but I wasn't alone. WE ALL worked together and made this happen. Something of this magnitude does not happen because of one individual it happens because we all worked together for the good and wellbeing of so many others who have the same disease.
Each and everyone................STAND UP and do the "Happy Dance"!
Love and God Bless:
Jodi
