I have changed my picture.  If you look at my picture it was from a time when MS had not yet reared its ugly head.  I was in Hawaii where my brother lives.  It was a time when I still had the use of my legs.  I was about 60 pound over weight but I was as us big girls often say "fat and happy."  All in all I have no regrets.  MS came at a time in my life when my girls where almost finished with college, marching band, high school cheerleading, competition cheerleading, the debate team, girls soccer, and girls choir, I think that is enough.  It stayed away long enough for me to get through all of that.  It allowed me to travel to Hawaii a few times; the giant flea market over there is to die for.  Each time that I have been, I have had to purchase and extra suit case just to bring back souvenirs from the flea market!  Last time I went I did have to use a wheel chair which was in 2007.  But it was worth it!  Yes my life has changed, sometimes it is fantastic, and sometimes it can be very challenging.  But that is called life.  So Catoda, yes I look to my left then to my right every day, then I thank the Lord for my blessings.  Life could be worst but it is not.  I have all of you guys who have become a huge part of my daily life.  My friends who are not on the Web, who deal with me on the regular.  Like my pops and grandpa have always said, "true friends are like hens teeth, and a hen aint got no teeth, or they are hard to find any teeth in a hen's mouth."  So I truly do count my blessings.

Catoda

3/26/09 11:02pm

Hello Momdukes.  Thank you for your note.  I really enjoyed your positive attitude, talk about inspiration.  When I was diagnosed, I was going through a nasty divorce and raising two young boys, 8-10, now 19-22, seems like yesterday.  They saw me at my worse and very best.  My folks moved into our home to help me take care of the boys as I was briefly wheelchair bound and the boys, like your kids, were active in their sports.  A little difficult getting them to their events, but God always provided, still does.  He blessed me with a wonderful man, my husband, who gets MS and is my biggest supporter.  Thought I would never date or marry again, but eight years later, here I am.  As with my boys, I'm confident they all will be stronger yet having learned to with the many surprises of MS.

I'm glad you had the chance to visit Hawaii...tough place to live, huh?  lol.  Wishing you a great day and weekend.  Look forward to talking again friend.

momdukes

3/27/09 7:49am

You know people think that the grass is always greener on the other side until they get to the other side.  Hey we are on the other side.  I have been married to my husband for 27 years, and he has hung in there and is still hanging, he has seen me at my wort and at my best.  My girls are diva's in their own rights, or as I like to say, "legends in their own minds" ha! ha!  If you get a chance read some of my nonsense stories, "Growing up Country" they are really true!  They will bring back fond memories of childhood long gone, and the good old days before MS, and make us remember just how good we once had it.  Have a great weekend!  Sherry/smomdukes