An Ever Changing Life

Denise Coleman Living With It I am a 56 year old woman who has had spinal problems since I was... Send Message Subscribe: Denise Coleman

Monday, August 24, 2009
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Imagine overcoming many challenges in life to obtain your college degree and begin and build your career to a level of success, only to have to give it all up at an early age because your body won’t work. Many of you reading this have done just this, as have I. And the changes in ...

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momdukes
Monday, August 24, 2009 at 06:00 PM

Hi Denise, this is Sherry/smomdukes, I feel like now I know you. Sometimes life is so unfair, as it is in our life cases, and with all of us whos lives have been invaded by the monster. No we are not bitter, it is just the hand that life has dealt us. So we have to play that hand the best that we can. Sounds like you have done one hell of a great job and you are still going strong, you go girl! I aint mad at you! MS has come in and taken from all of us. It took away my ability to walk, move like I want to, my independence, which I valued so very much (more than handbags). I said that I would never use a wheelchair, now I will not go out without mine, I said I would never use a cane, I have five beautiful canes, I said that I never wanted to depend on people to help me I wanted to be the helper, now I need the help. Life is so funny, but I will be all right. I stilll am able to help people, but, but at the same time I need help. I enjoyed your life story, it brought tears to my eyes, but they were not sad tears, just plain old tears. Even though we have MS, we are still human, just a little bit. Thank you for that enlightening look into your life. sherry/smomdukes

re: Untitled Comment
Denise Coleman
Tuesday, August 25, 2009 at 02:23 PM

Thank you for your kind and supportive words. And for sharing a little of your story; it sounds like you have found the internal strength to cope with what life has dealt you in a way that allows you to welcome other people into your life with grace and kindness. One thing I try to remember is that many people feel good when they are able to help someone they love and don't view it as the burden that I might think it is. Each time we have to accept one more loss, whether it is something like independence or a tangible loss such as selling my house and car, it is an opportunity for us to learn something about ourselves; I haven't always liked what I learned but it helps me deal with the loss and to find some other way of meeting that need. You are so right, we are not bitter, that takes too much energy anyway. Kidding. It is difficult sometimes and I've learned that as I become less mobile and need more assistance my attitude and outlook has a big influence on how others perceive and treat me. I can't always do it but I try to stay positive and hope that is the message I send to others. Best wishes to you and thanks again. Denise

Ever Changing
Vicki
Tuesday, August 25, 2009 at 04:34 PM

Hi Denise,

Great story. My doctor gave me the autopsy story, too. It must have been a favorite doctor joke way back then. ha ha

I can't believe you have been here so long and I just found you today. Your story is interesting -- your spirit, inspiring.