My big plan last night was to get my kids off to school with out my husband's help. You see, I used to do that all the time. Oh yes, I was up at 5:50 every morning walking 4 miles with my next door neighbor. I did this through pregnancies, newborns, sleepless nights with sick kids, you name it, I didn't miss that walk. Fast forward 7 years, it is 6:30 am, the alarm is sounding and I am willing my leg to get out of bed. It refused!
My husband turns the corner with hot coffee, my best friend. Do I thank him ,of course not. I complain that the coffee is too cold, it's already too late in the morning for me to do the kids alone. Really what I am saying is, "I want my walks back." And that's ok, I will get them.
Now I sound like a cranky person who has not adjusted to this life with my new friend MS, but really I am. I am my son's football team mom (0ne of my favorite things), I coach a Destination Imagination team, I am on the cub scout planning committee, I am on the PTA, I excercise everyday (just not at 5:50 in the morning), I am my grandmother's caregiver, I hang out with great friends (a lot), we vacation, we take our kids to Disney, I clean my own home, pack lunches for my kids, make dinner for my family (sometimes, I hate to cook), I work part time (for a dear friend that made our holiday last year by giving me said job), the list goes on. It may sound like I am bragging but I'm not. Im just reminding myself all that I can do and enjoy doing.
When I was first diagnosed, my husband and I sighed with relief. No more wondering. My neuro said that I recieved this news better than any of his other patients. After the first week, i am certain I lost that title. Steroids, DMD's, steroids, sleepless nights and a 7 day hospital stay cracked my spirit. BUT, after 18 months of tears and good days and tears, here I am. I am 16 months on Rebif, it is working for me and I am full speed ahead ready for what life throws at me (most days). Happy and grateful for all I have. I hope I can meet other MSers or caregivers this way. My husband also told me to do this. So, here goes nothing.
I am a mom who has MS, but I am a woman who has a life and a great one at that.....
