Hi smomdukes,

We do share similiar thoughts.  I was at my Neuropsychiatrist this week and he told me I was an incredible strong person.  What a wonderful comment coming from a professional!

Like you, I have probably had MS for 25-30 years but, only diagnosed in 2005.  It was great having an explanations for the various physical and mental issues I was having, I usually chalked it up to stress or that I had overdone some physical activity.

I miss work but, I'm really enjoying watching my 14 & 16 yr. old sons become young adults.  Because of the lesions on my brain, my short term memory sucks and I repeat things many times and, lose things alot.  I worked with the elderly as a Case Manager, assessing their needs so they could remain in their own home.  I always smiled at our clients who had dementia.  Most were very healthy otherwise.  I always felt it was a pity that they could not see the havoc they were causing and be able to enjoy it!  Well, I sort of have dementia and I can see how people react.  I especially enjoy the reactions from people who do not know me well, they get very antsy! I think my boys have learned to tune me out which, of course, takes all the fun out of it!!  I get the best parking spots due to my disabled designation, I don't have to pay for parking as long as it is either on a public street or in a parking lot that doesn't charge and, although I foolish fought using them, I love using the scooters when shopping.

I do as much at home as possible.  We are about to have my bathroom reno'd taking out the tub and just having a very large shower, I can't wait.  I am going to lose some of my closet space (when working, could have been challenging) to have a stackable washer & dryer installed.  Makes sense since most of the laundry  generally comes from the bedrooms.  This was I will be able to take some of the load form my husband.  He really is a saint.  Has done more for me than any man I know would do for their spouse.  I have also had ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis & psorisis.  They often come as a group.  Trust me, their were a number of messes he cleaned up regularly.

Challenges, although sometimes painful or down right annoying, have always been something I enjoyed.  Figuring out how to deal with issues.  Just taking longer due to the brain lesions!  Another upside, you can blame anything on the brain lesions!

Haven't slept in 3 nights and still up during the day.  My neurologist said some of this can be related to the MS but, at my age, homonal changes also impact on sleep patterns.  It's a little cooler outside now, so I thing I will go back out to pull weeds!!  Also, to supervise my 14 yr. old in the fine are of taking all the branches of a Weeping Mulberry tree, because of a fungus caused by all the wet weather we've been having.

Hope to chat again soon.

No, I would say that you and your husband are facing alot of challenges.  It's been a long time since I've heard the term Agent Orange.  I have read how difficult that can be for a person.  I hope he is able to get the proper care required.

We've got a bit of time before grandchildren but, if I could, I would love to adopt.  I miss the younger years but, seeing the world through their eyes was always so interesting and fun.

I can relate to the volunteering you do for the Kindergarten class.  I used to go in and read to them and so thoroughly enjoyed sharing the books I remembered and being introduced to new ones.  I was however, dismayed at the number of children that were not read to.  I guess, at the time, I just took it for granted that in this day and age all children were read to.  I guess I had a new learning curve to get up to speed with.  I am currently in the process of setting up a book bank for children, for whatever reason and there are many, cannot have their own books.  So many of us have books collecting dust that some child would love own.  Getting kids to love reading via the books they get may help with the problem of iliteracy.  I think it is a win-win situation for all; books not being used can be reloved; great recycling component and, hopefully in the future we will have the older students feeling they have options because they can read.  What would you see as your future if you could not read?  I can't even imagine.

Keep up the good work, you may be making an impact on a future leader.  Enjoy your family.  They are probably happy to be so close to their parents. 

Hi again Bhoppy,

I live in Canada and therefore am extremely blessed with the health care system.  It's not perfect but, when I hear and read things about how some of the war Vets have been treated or not as the case may be, it breaks my heart.  I also know that the Vietnam Vets were ignored in many of the things they required as it was an unpopular war, not the fault of all those who fought in it; many lost lives, families lost husbands, sons, brothers and, those who did come back had any number of injuries such as your husband, and were treated rather disrespectfully for doing what their gov't asked of them.  All though it was along time coming, many apologies and overtures have been made. Too little and too late for many. I know Michael Moore is not everybody's cup of tea but, he certainly makes some valid and interesting points in his movie "Sicko". I know that here, dispite what the gov't or hosp. administrators will tell you, there is a two tiered system, one for the rich and one for the regular folk.  If one of the ball players from the Blue Jays gets injured, MRI's, the best specialists, not having to wait for treatment, first class all the way.  The rest of us, well we wait and wait and depending on the tests or treatment, waiting can be a long time.

An interesting piece of info. for you and your husband; the famous picture seen around the world of the little girl running naked in the streets in Vietnam because her clothes were burnt off her body from a napalm explosion now lives in the same city as I do.  She carries no bitterness.  Her faith has gotten her through some pretty dark and painful times yet, she knows that she is luckier than most.  She spends her time speaking about the incident that changed her life and how we must learn tolerance and forgiveness.  A very inspiring women.

As you have said, we are more blessed than we think.  We certainly have more choices than many people in the world whether it is due to lack of money, natural disasters, war, prejudice or illness, they do not have the luxury or ability to speak openly and advocate for themselves or family.  I know that I am extemely blessed with the care I have received since I was diagnosed with MS.

Thank you for taking the initiative to get books to those who do not have them.  We get 99% of ours through book drives which the students at many schools will arrange.  It will be a totally volunteer driven program.  We can also obtain muscle power from high school students.  One of our more unpopular politicians mandated that high school students must complete 40 volunteer hours in order to receive their high school diploma.  Having spent much of my working life in the non-profit sector, I thought for a man who couldn't think his was out of an elevator, this idea was brilliant! or at least those who did his thinking.  It was hoped that once the students found out how rewarding volunteering could be, they would continue to do it, even when it didn't mean something would be withheld eg. their diplomas but, because they truly found the value and satisfaction that comes from doing something that will help others.  Alas, most see it as another course that is required for completing high school.  If young people do not see the adults in their lives volunteering, chances are they will not either.  My boys don't even question the importance volunteering is to a community but, they have been brought up by a mother who worked in the social service field and was always getting them involved in some way.  I know there were times when they would rather have hung out with their friends but, I have been so blessed with these two boys who are sensitive to the needs of others.  It is very gratifying as a parent to see.

All the very best to you, your husband and family.  May God's abundant love and blessings continue to be with you.