Should I tell my family my secret on my birthday?

[Anonymous]

I was diagnosed with a rare degenerative spine disorder and I was told that I would never be able to walk again. I used to be a professional hockey player, and I couldn't take the news that I was losing my "instrument" lying down. When I first got out of the hospital I admit I felt defeated; but the harder things got, the more motivated I became. I started borrowing my grandmother's walker and started exercising everyday. My family has no idea that I have been pushing myself. I made a promise to myself that I would be walking by my birthday. Well, my birthday is Friday and I am able to walk with the walker. I want to tell my family, but I'm not sure when the right time is. I was thinking since my whole family will be together on my birthday, that I should unveil my secret then. Do you think I should show them then?

Updates

+1 y

I want to tell them because they believed that I would walk again and inspired me to try.

[jmr2191]

There's no 'right' time to tell your family that you have a rare genetic disease. Eventually, they will end up finding out one way or another and it's not easy. You tell them when you feel most comfortable. Maybe say it when your with a friend or significant other, as well to provide support for you while your parents take it all in. Eventually, their anxiety will subside, but it's a lot to take in and they may blame themselves for passing on the mutations to you that resulted in your illness (which I could guess is something along the lines of spinocerebellar ataxia). You tell them when you feel is the right time and not a minute sooner.

[madhatters4]

I think you should tell them but agree that your birthday may not be the best time. the birthday should be to celebrate you and everyone can sort of be joyous and what not. telling them on the b-day may sort sully the moment... but you should absolutely tell your family because you deserve their support. if you think the b-day is the best time to tell them go for it but tell them sometime in the near future

[Anonymous]

No, telling them on your Bday will just make the memory of that day negative when it should be a positive... do it on just a regular day not a special ocassion

[CherryBombshell]

I think you should. They'll probably be a little upset at first, obviously concerned about you. But I think they'll be proud of how strong you've become.

[ForgetMeNots4]

Don't tell them anything... show them on your birthday! What a surprise for them. Would be very unexpected

[akadatank44]

Sounds like Mark Wells lol. I would tell them at some point I agree I don't think your birthday is the day to tell them. How long have you been unable to walk?

[Jadekitten]

Yeah, show them on your birthday! It'll be an awesome surprise (:

[Anonymous]

why do you need to tell anyone it's your private life