APPROACHING OUR 55TH ANNIVERSAY, my wife and I marvel at the permanence of our relationship. We have passed beyond love into something indefinable, a kind of unification of spirit. We were married in 1968, a traumatic time in the USA, punctuated by assassinations and upheaval and an unpopular war. Thinking about it makes me aware of my own insignificance. My ileostomy is how I avoided Vietnam. Over all the years, I have never been able to get used to the seemingly thoughtless violence and the vast chasm that separates the haves from the have-nots around me. I try to pay attention to the little joys and maintain my sense of humor against the constant onslaught of failure and ugliness swirling about us. I remember with sadness the days when we had flawed heroes rather than no heroes at all. I tell myself to keep my eyes open and not to look away and, if I cannot understand, at least try to stay level-headed. It is important to keep my mind’s Rolodex up-to-date. If I can’t separate the wheat from the chaff, my diet may suffer.

Why Join MeetAnOstoMate?
MeetAnOstoMate is the largest forum where 40,265 ostomates swap tips in real time.
But, it's not all about ostomy. We talk about everything.
Many come here for advice, others find lasting friendships, and some have even found love.
🔒 Privacy is very important - your profile is not visible to the outside world.
40,265 members
Advertisement
Hollister
Talking about having an ostomy can be uncomfortable for most people. Still, it's something you can't always avoid.
Learn about some strategies that can make it easier to talk about your stoma.
Learn about some strategies that can make it easier to talk about your stoma.
Advertisement
Hollister
We sat down with two influential people in the ostomy community, to find out how they cope during challenging times.
Read what they had to say.
Read what they had to say.