Messaging With a Friend Ushers In MS Awareness Month - And My Reality

Each Monday, I enjoy starting my day by texting good morning greetings and well wishes to friends and family. The intent is to hopefully brighten the recipient's day and begin the week on a positive note. At any rate, with it being the first Monday in March, I also made mention of MS Awareness month. I received my own dose of awareness - or, more so, reality - with the reply from one of my friends.

Messaging about MS awareness

My morning message on the first Monday of March read:
Good morning! It's March - we're close to 'springing forward' and closer to the Spring season, AND it's MS Awareness month soooo...I invite you to sport some orange and a day or two in recognition! Have a great day, terrific week, and marvelous month!

An unexpected reply

What my friend responded, which definitely gave MS Awareness 'recognition', was this:
Hi! How are you doing today? I definitely will try to wear something orange this month, especially since my Mom has MS. She's not really been doing good, plus as of right now it looks as though she will never walk or even stand up again. PT is coming here to our house again and as much as I'd love to see her get up and pivot like she used to, unfortunately, I don't see that happening. I don't mean to sound so negative, I just think she's starting to give up.

Reflecting on my own MS reality

Upon reading her text, it was impossible for it not only to tug at my heartstrings for her mother (as well as my friend as the daughter who is witnessing her mother's health decline), but also to perpetuate reflection on the circumstances surrounding my own MS reality. I thought about the fact that I thought I'd have regained the ability to pivot and take a step or maybe two, but yet I can no longer either. I can, however, still stand in place with my walker long enough to get my chair pulled back and replaced with my commode or wheelchair. I have periods of PT - not that it actually 'renews' function at this point, but at least it helps me to do the stretching and exercise that's difficult to do on my own to hopefully avoiding or prolong atrophy.

Battling mental and physical exhaustion

What I replied to my friend was from my reflection - my own reality. I expressed that her mother maybe hasn't given up, so to speak, but is cognizant that her body refuses, or does so begrudgingly, to cooperate no matter what she does or how bad she wants it to, and it's tiring both physically and mentally. I know the feeling all too well just like I know about sometimes feeling down or negative. My goal is just not to wallow there, but it doesn't make those feelings and thoughts any less viable - hers either. I closed the text with:
I'm praying for you and your mom too. Hang in there, my friend...Sending you (((hugs)))...Be encouraged.
She, in turn, thanked me for my care, understanding, and support.

That morning exchange brought about some serious reflection and, to be honest, a reality that at times, I am not so comfortable with. I do my best, however, and remind myself that it's important to learn to trust my journey even if I don't understand it...Forever cognizant to overcome and not succumb.

Editor’s Note: We are extremely saddened to say that on December 2nd, 2024, Dianne Scott passed away. Dianne’s advocacy efforts and writing continue to reach many. She will be deeply missed.