Pretty Canes

Wanna know the best thing about having pretty canes??
People notice.
Now people don't just stare and wonder why I have to use a cane - people notice how pretty the canes are and the cane becomes a conversation piece. It opens up dialogue. It allows people to calmly, and kindly, ask why I need it. Then that is one more person who knows and understands that having arthritis in my hips and SI joint specifically is something that can happen to people at every age. That is one more person who now knows that arthritis is not just a disease of the aging. It is one more person who is aware of a type of arthritis that affects young adults.
And it comes without judgement, without nasty staring, and allows me to connect with someone.
It is a step - or a hobble - in the right direction.