Doctor Becomes Patient

The diagnosis is here
I knew it was coming
But did not think it would arrive this soon
“You’re very young to have it” the doctor said
My bones brittle, already
At age 50
I feel fragile
I actually AM fragile, my skeleton lacks density
It is disconcerting
But I told my children
I do not want to hide it, conceal it from them
Like the older generation did from us
When they got “bad news”
But I will try to find a positive, that is my way
“You’re at risk for breaking a bone”
That’s not a positive
“Weight-bearing exercises are recommended”
For the osteoporotic body
How many times have I told that to my patients
Now it is told to me
So I work out with my newly minted teenager
In our basement
We lift weights together
My strong 13-year-old
builds up his growing bones
As I try to slow decline of my decaying ones
“You can lift heavier weights, Mom”
My sweet child encourages me
And so I do
And enjoy this time with him
His loud teen music he cranks up for us
And we sweat together
And I thank my fragile bones for this opportunity
To be with my little boy, little man
In this intimate way
“You’ve got this, Mom” he says
And so I will get this
And find a positive…I just did