“God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say thank you?” ~ William Arthur Ward
I usually write about what is happening in my life but this post is about you. I want to thank all of you for your support and encouragement throughout the year. Five years ago at the age of 35, multiple sclerosis forced me to stop working. Since then, writing this blog is what I do. It’s become a big part of me and so have the people who read it.
My favorite component of the website is the comment section. I always read them even if I don’t always answer back. I also love receiving private messages from all over the world. Some e-mails are from friends and family of people with MS who are seeking advice. But most come from fellow MSers who just need to talk to someone who understands what they are going through.
This is why I write. To let families, friends, caregivers and anyone living with MS know they are not alone.
I must admit, I am slowing down and it is getting harder to maintain the website. But all the positive feedback inspires me to continue.
So far, My New Normals has provided me with a lot of amazing opportunities. And I’m very excited for what 2016 will bring.
Thank you for reading. You help motivate me to keep fighting this disease. I’m so grateful for all of you.
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
Hi everyone,
I don’t make New Years resolutions but this year I am. My husband and I live far away from family and to this day they don’t acknowledge my MS. They cut me off if I bring it up and are just plain rude. I am tired of playing the “I’m just fine how are you” game and stopped as of yesterday. My sister-in-law now knows the life I really live and I doubt that I will ever hear from her again. I feel like a weight has been lifted because I am going to tell people the truth from now on. I wish everyone as happy a new year as possible.
I wish you and your husband a happy 2016. As you write, we MSer need each other even though the desiese have different faces. We understand each other and the struggles and worries most us have. You look so beatiful on your pictures, never forget that in your dark days. Love from Helen in Sweden
Nicole, you are a shining light in the midst of the dark tunnel of MS. Thank you, and I hope your Christmas and New Year are wonderful.
Dearest Nicole, blessings to and to all who suffer with MS. I pray for nothing less than a full and miraculous recovery for us all.
Thank you Nicole – I live for your posts. You and Tommy are so caring and giving.
Happy holidays and all the best for 2016
Dear Nicole,
You truly are a gladiator!!
Your blog has allowed me to validate all of the feelings I will experience at certain times.
I know that your candor about MS has allowed me to often know what I am feeling is real,unfortunately.
Always hold onto that beautiful, radiating smile and your very special husband, Tommy.
May the year 2016 bring new possibilities for all.
And to you Nicole.
JE
YOU are a wonderful Christmas present! I love to share your thoughts and longings. Recently my daughter and son-in-law pedalled their bicycles 163 miles in two days for MS. So many people are trying to help us in finding a cure for this unpleasant disease. Thank you so much for giving your time and effort in posting this descriptive site.
Have a lovely Christmas with your hubby and loved ones, Nicole. Thank you for being a validating and empowering warrior to so many of us on this demyelinating journey. Wishing you peace of mind and heart.
Thank YOU Nicole for all you do for us! Your are a bright spot in this overwhelming MS fight we face every day. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Happy Holidays to you. I always enjoy reading your articles. It helps to know that I’m not in this alone and somebody else actually understands what I deal with daily. Look forward to reading more great posts from you! !!
Thank you Nicole for all of your writings and expressions. You always inspire me to keep my head up. Have a wonderful and safe holiday and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Take good care!
Thank you my friend!! Have a wonderful holiday and hello to Tommy too!
Nicole,
Thank you for sharing your life in such a humble and transparent way. You are such a blessing to all of your readers. I walk with arm crutches and have a stretchy band wrapped around my leg to aid in picking up my foot so people will stare and shout out things. I strive to educate people about appropriate behavior for those who look different.
God Bless You and may God give you and your family peace and hope.
Vivian
Merry Christmas or Nadolig Llawen as we say in Wales. Thank you for your example to fellow strugglers.
Truly appreciating friends has been one of the best things about my journey on the MS Highway. Kindness and laughter are the greatest gifts one can receive–or give!
Thank you Nicole. You are such a blessing and inspiration to me. Happy Holidays to you.
Debbie
Nico;e, you are an inspiration to us all, Thank you for sharing with us, I hope that you will continue to find the strength to continue this blog, I will tell you this again. I am so glad to have found you a few years ago when my life went haywire with my MS diagnosis. Stay strong! Happy Holidays
Thank you for providing this this avenue for discussion and learning.
Merry Christmas