"And while I look back frightened to recognize what I can’t do today, that I could do years ago, I pause and look at how much I’ve lived through and what a strong individual its made me. And while I’m still afraid to look ahead and look back too closely, I’m impressed by the strength I never knew I would have..." These words hit their mark. If anything, MS has made me better (in ways that matter), perhaps to compensate for the physical losses I've suffered. I've always been a strong person; maybe I had to get stronger to learn it's OK to ask for help.... I've learned never to take ANYTHING for granted; you never really miss anything til it's gone. Appreciation is similar... I learned to (and HOW to) be my own advocate, when I frequently used to let people take advantage. Certainly, these improvements are in varying stages of development; I don't think one ever perfects them, but at least they're now in play.
I have learned more about gratitude than I ever could have learned in a life without incident and I have learned that I have a greater capacity for it than I thought I would or could. I have learned about the power of making positive decisions and their impact on my attitude each and every day. I have learned that there are a lot of extraordinary people in this world that are doing amazing things to make my life with MS better.....like you.
Thanks for saying that Michael.. you made my challenged evening much better! (emotionally if not physically!) I like the way you say "a life without incident." There is something about that turn of the phrase that sits nicely for me. (I hope you don't mind if I reference it in a future writing!) It's good to have these opportunities to look at the positive things MS has given in the context of all that it robs us of. And reading everyone's comments gives me more to add to that list.
Thanks for sharing Michael~
Amy
I have come to learn that there are more important things in life than just my own disease, I am still fighting with, what is tomorrow going to bring, and the aspect of right now my life is MS and not MS is just a "part" of my life. So many years of things I did lose out on so many times I wish I could "go back and fix it" but the truth is I must realize the happenings of the past (and the present) have prepared me for a "path unknown" that leads into my future, and with people like you Amy giving your time, your support, and your encouragement, it helps me to know that even with limitations I can still be someone and do some things, I have become an advocate for MS and reaching out to others, friends, family and even elected officials to help spread the word and make MS awareness more public than just within the MS community itself. There is a lady who some may know of some may not and I hope you don't mind advertizements(of a sort) but I would like to share a link with you all and see her video and vote for her to become a host via the oprah winfrey show, have our friends and your families view and vote too as we only have until July 3rd to kick up her votes and get her in the running. here is the link:
http://myown.oprah.com/audition/index.htmlrequest=video_details&response_id=7960&promo_id=1
Thank you all for reading and thank you Amy for Speaking up about this, without your webcast I would never had the positive energy to come out of the depression and realize even w/o some abilities I still have so much to share and offer!
Gabi,
We live in an amazing time; allowing us connect and support each other in ways that I never imagined back in 1988 when I was diagnosed. (who could possibly imagine this!) Because I've lived with MS in both times I know how it was to be isolated with this disease... and can enjoy these connections even more than I might have without that experience. And there are so many ways, as you mentioned, that we can make a difference sitting at home on our computers. Thank you for taking advantage of that and helping to get our MS voices heard.
It makes this whole ride easier knowing that we all have that power(from our seated positions) to change how we all do this crazy little life with MS.
Thanks for sharing Gabi!
Amy
Getting my dx in 1998 gave me relief in knowing I hadn't been imagining the crazy sx I'd been having for years. After a year of serious anxiety attacks and hysteria at what I was becoming prior to dx, I finally felt free. Knowing about my MS freed me to be myself .
Happy holidays to all!
Peace & Serenity, Maris 
Thanks for your response Maris~ I have heard stories like yours- being relieved in having a diagnosis. It is a funny contrast to my out-of-no-where diagnosis... I guess you could say that my experience was better- not having to go through the period of doubt, of course neither is preferred!
Thanks for sharing!
Amy
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Hi Amy,
What a coincidence. And it must be lucky because it is a day of light. What a good question.
For me, since my diagnosis, I have learned I can handle more than I ever thought I could. That includes pain and inconvenience. I have learned there are many people who are clever and positive when facing their difficult situation.
It gives me a good feeling about people. And I agree. This MS monster is not as bad to live with as the literature indicates. It is often managable.
Although this is not the path I had chosen or imagined, I have found happiness going down this MS path. I can go on, so maybe I'll come back and answer this good question again. Surprise.
Happy Birthday, Amy. Have a great day and many great days in the future.
Thanks for your comment Vicki~
I like the way you say that...how people are clever and positive- it's true. It's also terrific that we have the internet to connect and learn about the community we are a part of. It was quite isolating in 1988... and today it's a different world. We now have the opportunity to learn from people like you!
Thanks Vicki and for the bday wishes too!
~Amy