(ThyBlackMan.com) Death is a part of life. However, when it happens it ushers in a wave of pain and destruction. Nothing hurts like losing a loved one, and when it happens suddenly it can send a family into shock. We know that the elders in our family tend to keep secrets. No one wants to be a burden, so they endure various kinds of pain until enduring is no longer an option. Others don’t want to answer questions about their wellness as they see their health as their business. Sometimes you know something is wrong, but you are simply afraid to find out what is going on with your body, so you remain silent. When you have a family: spouse, children, siblings, parents and dear friend…health is never just your private business.
It is time to come to terms with the fact that we need to be more forthcoming about health challenges. No one deserves to suffer in silence, nor bare the weight of illness alone. It is unfortunate when 
one allows the abnormal pain to linger and it turns into a huge health challenge that could have been handled with early treatment. Suffering is not a mandatory part of living, and we as a people need to understand this. Families are often torn apart by death, and in some instances, it didn’t have to happen in the manner it did had the deceased informed the family there was a health issue.
I remember my father, who is no longer here, telling me “the dead have no debts”. I used to think he was talking about money. However, when he passed I realized he was talking about the debt of pain and suffering that is left with the family of the deceased. We have to take the initiative to begin sharing with family challenges we face regarding health. It is important to know what is happening to our body. Going to the doctor for regular checkups and taking care of ourselves must become priority.
Instead of seeing ourselves as a burden we must realize we are a valued part of a family and community. Children shouldn’t be left in the dark regarding the health of their parents. Losing them abruptly and finding out they had been battling with illness unknown to you adds to the devastation of the loss. Health and wellness is an area whereby we can’t afford to be selfish.
If you know you are facing health challenges but haven’t told your family find a way to reach out to them. Let them know what you are facing. Give them the opportunity to sow care, and goodness into your life. You are not sparing them by keeping silent. When you know you have a family that loves you, yet you keep illness from them you are setting them up for devastation. If it is a matter of pride or fear throw it in the trash and allow your family to support you. What you may find is the love they pour into you, and care they share could be the key to helping you overcome the challenges you are facing.
Staff Writer; Christian Starr
May connect with this sister over at Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/christian.pierre.9809 and also Twitter; http://twitter.com/MrzZeta.
