“With my unpredictable version MS I have reinforced my ability to adapt. I have found a way to watch the play while being part of the production. And from that perspective I can deal with however the plot unfolds. So, I think for me, one of the incredible things I have learned, in over two decades with this disease, is that you don’t know what you can handle until you do.”
I couldn't have said it better, Amy. I feel exactly like this! I never am so aware of it as when people say, "I could never handle everything that you do."
Michelle-I know we haven't spoken but I'm a sometime poster here on the MS site and an aspiring writer. Can you send me a private message giving me some tips to get started on freelance writing/ghostwriting? I have some experience with writing for young children and educational materials but am finding it difficult to break into the freelance writing world. Thanks in advance for any advice you can share....
K
Dear Amy If comic relief was your goal, you achieved it. I had a good laugh reading this. You described situations I've experienced too. I think that what made it so funny. I could really relate to your feelings. I'm older now and feeling a little lonely. My MS is a sign,..very obvious and says "something is wrong with that lady." I'm 56 and don't know how to overcome the way others react to my circumstance. Thanks for the laughter. I am grateful for the good times and will handle whatever happens now with my best efforts. Helen
I never felt that I needed to hide my MS. I was fortunate and worked at a company where I never felt that my job would be in jeopardy and told them about my MS. Not everyone feels that way about their employer. My hope is that the world has changed dramatically in the past 10 or 20 years and that there is much more acceptance about working with and or accommodating people with disabilities.
When I was diagnosed and as my disability became more apparent, I traveled for a living. What I learned from that experience is that the world is filled with a lot of kind people, willing to help and assist whenever they see someone in need. That experience changed my view of the world and I wrote about. I wrote about how "kindness matters" and about the "difference between being nice and being kind". Topics that are well worth discussing and a perspective that I think is well worth having.
Thank you for bringing it up and sharing your story.
Michael
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~ On a personal note you are truly amazing! I was so tied to the first draft I didn't think you could best it. Now, I will gladly delete it as this piece tops it completely and is truly in a league of its own!
Thanks for sharing what was both funny and sad at the same time. How closely it reflects our life with MS. I do enjoy your comic relief I guess because you are able to combine the humourous and the serious so effortlessly. Your writings are personal yet all-inclusive too. I love how you accomplish this time after time.
Every time you incorporate a new writing style you make it your own so that your voice is always clearly identifiable. It doesn't get much better than this, thanks for the great essay my friend!
Thanks Darline! I was wondering what you would think of it, being that you read "the making of" version. Your interpretations are so valuable. That said, this was a tough one to write. I kept thinking I had the hook, and then it disappeared before my very eyes. (hmmm a cloak reference might fit here; but that would be trite so I won't mention it.) ;) Glad to hear it made the cut off in your A-list.
Now I can rest and feel satisfied until I'm working through the next one; luckily the satisfaction of the end result reinforces enduring the process.
Hope you are doing well.
See you around the pixels~