March is MS (Multiple Sclerosis) awareness month. The last few year's I've written a series of posts to do my part to help raise awareness. This year I'm having problems getting my head around what to write. (so of course I began with a cute kitten and fabric photo....)
First I don't like to talk or write about MS. I mean what is there to like? Just look at that list of symptoms!
One word they left out is "unpredictable"...rarely do two people with MS have the same symptoms. Heck week to week I rarely have the same symptoms!
For most at some point it will become progressive though they can't put a timeline to it...and for some it is more progressive than others. Oh ya, I can plan with that sort of info. My last MRI was a good news bad news...the brain is stable (at least MS wise) but it has gone into the spine. "What does that mean?" Not sure yet....to be honest it feels like I am walking around with and IED strapped to my back.
I am looking at my stash more critically...making sure I have a safe space to work in is more of a concern these days. Last week I gave away four bags of stuff I will never miss...felt good.
Don't feel bad for me though...I'm also thinking of getting a more ergonomic table for my sewing machine and a new set of racks to store my quilt collection (so I don't have to climb on chairs to get the boxes out of the top shelves of closets or remove a dozen from the bed to get to the one I need!)
Of course all of these are good ideas even if I didn't have MS....maybe it is just making me do the right thing? Wouldn't it be nice if instead of a head with the symptoms they made a graphic showing a head with the things you could do to fight MS....just and thought...and like standing, walking the dog, or seeing the difference between red and greens a thought is something you are grateful for when you have MS....
25 comments:
it all sucks! fingers crossed for better meds soonest. woohoo for ditching projects that aren't important - good for you!!! love the bowties and kitty pics!
It sounds like you have a good attitude about it and that's half the battle, right? I've known several people with MS in the past 15-20 years and none of them share the same symptoms. Sorry you have to live with it, but glad you're doing well.
You are definitely doing your part to raise awareness. Though I have a friend and a relative with MS, I have learned more about it from you than from either of them. It is not something I feel I can bring up in conversation with them.
Thanks for sharing your insights.
Thanks for the thoughtful post. No matter what our personal circumstances, good ergonomics are always important. I have ongoing back issues and I can function well with a good chair and the right desk height.
those ARE all good ideas for everyone - especially not working on things that we don't love...
i hate MS - it is evil - and i want it to go away from our Planet forever ... and Parkinsons ... and Alzheimers ... and cancer ... and every other damned disease that tries to destroy the people we care about...
it took a phenomenal amount of courage to write what you have written - i celebrate your good days with you, and always send good thoughts your way...
Keep plugging away as long and as best you can. We are all mortal anyway and can learn from your priorities. My sister-in-law recently asked the question, "what would you do if you were told you had three months to live?" Wow, that smacked me in the face. I need to get busy on my quilts - the ones I really want to spend my time on.
Thanks for sharing, my best friend has MS, she never talks about it and so I never quite know what to say...or not to say. Now I understand that there are no easy or straight answers, I dont feel the need to ask questions.
One of my favorite patients had MS. Her effort to keep doing whatever she could for herself was inspiring. Make what ever accommodations you need to, just keep doing what gives you joy
I like you attitude!! Some lessons here for anyone experiencing difficulties of some sort.
You're a great role model, and an inspiration. Thanks for sharing your story the way you do.
Thanks for sharing. My brother started when he was just shy of 50 and it has progressed rapidly. Keeping your positive attitude will take you far.
Well put my friend. All of it.
Yes, you are a warrior, thank you for writing this post, but please don't stand on the chair. My DIL has a condition (can't remember the name,) she has been told that the next step would be MS. Getting rid of the unwanted projects and stash are so freeing. Hugs to you.
Thanks for the very important post. I know several women with MS. I like your attitude--you've got your priorities straight and you're grateful for every little success. Good lessons for us all.
the kitty picture is adorable! I love that you keep going and don't give up with your passion of quiltmaking . I love seeing what your working on and admire it even more because of your determination.
great post...
Kathie
The things that stand out for me in your post, is that yes, prioritise, and only do the things that bring us joy, fill each day with the things we can do, and realise that life and health in its many states is such a precious gift.
I wish you well, you have a good attitude, and I'm sure the receipients of your 'dumped UFO's' will appreciate and give them a new lease of life!!!!
((((hugs))))
Your post really moved me. You are doing an awesome job of dealing with this! So glad you ditched the unimportant projects. Yay!
MS or not, I agree that at a certain point in our lives, it's best to let go of certain projects and fabric and "things." Other groups are able to finish tops for donation for very good causes. Glad you're thinking about safer ways to do things. Very smart!
Sigh for the pain that we cannot choose. Yeah for this awesome,sharing post and for the encouragement for all of us to prioritize and do what we love.
Thanks for "doing your Part" for MS. My mom was diagnosed in her late 30's after being told she was crazy for several years. She lived well and happy until in her 80's because of a positive attitude and never let her disease keep her from doing whatever she loved. She traveled with her very loving and caring husband and did only what she loved! Kudos to you for realizing that life is too important to waste on things we don't love or because someone says we should...Butterfly George
Your positive attitude makes me smile and feel good. Looking at our projects with a critical eye as to what we enjoy doing and what we can share with others is a great idea. We can all relate to that I am sure. Keep on smiling and I will smile right along with you. Thanks for the info in MS. Your post is very enlightening.
Thanks for being an ambassador for info on MS. Not a job you would willingly choose. My SIL and Uncle had MS and I have several friends who are also challenged with it. I admire your attitude and hope you are able to make good progress on your UFO list.
You are a beautiful soul. Special blessings.
You're a wonderful quilter and an even nicer person and it stinks that you have this condition. Glad you're getting your quilting space sorted to suit you.
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