“Bad things do happen; how I respond to them defines my character and the quality of my life. I can choose to sit in perpetual sadness, immobilized by the gravity of my loss, or I can choose to rise from the pain and treasure the most precious gift I have—life itself.” ~Walter Anderson
I pride myself in continuing to live my life with multiple sclerosis or despite it. Please understand it’s only with the help of my family and friends that I’m able to do this. I realize not everyone has help like this so I am so very grateful that I do.
Recently, I’ve decided to help out more around the house by checking the mail. Since we live in a condo building, this is something I can totally do independently. So I picked Wednesdays and Saturdays to venture off and retrieve the mail. Why do it those days? I have no clue.
In my mind, by doing this I will be contributing to the household. A small feat, but huge to me. I feel the need to do more. For years productivity equated to worth to me. Unfortunately, that way of reasoning doesn’t mesh with MS.
I mentioned before that I’m having increasing difficulty with my hands. A close friend of mine called the other day. We went to high school together nearly 20 years ago. She knows me through and through. So, when I explained to her how much trouble I was having opening the mail, she took action and sent me an electronic letter opener.
I was raised to believe that I’m so much more than my failing abilities. Sometimes it’s so hard to live that way when the world tells you exactly the opposite. I knew I was having problems with my hands but I still didn’t think it would get so bad that I couldn’t open a letter.
I waddled a while in “perpetual sadness”. But thanks to my friend for figuratively dropping in and scooping me out my depressive state. She simply listened to me.
Sometimes that’s all we can ask for.
Thank you so much for sharing your journey. It is comforting when you realize you are not alone. Your words give me hope. What a wonderful blessing to have such a great friend. They are hard to find.
Bless you.
I have the same problem opening the mail. You really need 2 hands to do this. An electronic letter opener! I’m looking into that. Thank you for sharing your solution Nicole!
Kim, No,thank u for reading!
Wat I miss most is my mind…the second thing is all those little things that most of us simple do & never think about. I’m glad that you haven’t forgotten that a lil humor makes it all bearable…rawrrr!!
God bless you Nicole. Good friends are hard to find. Especially ones that listen. What a blessing!!
Hi Nicole,
You are truly blessed with supportive family and a very good friend. That is because of your wonderful spirit and character.
And I missed you last week.
Take good care!
Arletha, Thanks
This is the thing, Nicole: You do something!! You help me and I can see many others, too!! Thank you for that!!
You have a very thoughtful friend. I am glad you are surrounded by helpful family and friends.
My friend knew I had cabin fever and am broke. She sent me round trip tickets to Washington State for 2 weeks. I was so touched she did this for me.
Good people can make this journey so much easier. We both have very special friends in our lives.
Lisa, yes we do!
Good friends are our lifeline…here is to amazing friends! Don’t know what I would do without this support…loved your message! thank you!
This site should help others know more about ms b4 they open there uneducated mouth. 😉
Crystal, You are a firecracker!
I wish my friends would just listen… Everyone seems to want to solve my problems with advice or just compare their issues with mine.
Dianne, I agree.
Wow! I never heard of an electric letter opener! I, too, have difficulty with fine motor skills, thanks to MS, and I usually just let my husband zip through the mail — even letters to me. But, this may be a solution!
Muff, It certainly was for me!
Thank you for this Nicole! I am currently struggling with the fact that by the time 9:00 rolls around I am in bed. Sunday night, I laid down from 7:00 to 8:00 so I could go out with my in-laws that evening. I assume this is a new normal for me now. I really struggle that I can’t do the things I used to do and sometimes it feels like no one understands that. Oh well, I will eventually move past valuing myself tor my abilities – I’m not sure I have much of a choice of that anymore 🙂
Laurie I still struggle with that too. But as life gets more difficult for me it’s all about adjusting routines. Sounds like you already are.
I’m endlessly proud of you, Nicole. Of your spirit, your inner strength, and the ability to share your life to give hope to others. I am so glad to know you. Wonderful post.
Cathy Thanks so much!