Everyone that knows me knows how much I value my independence. After all, I pride myself on doing “everything”. I can no longer do everything. I painted my entire house last Winter. I shovel snow. I chop ice. I mow the lawn. I groom my dogs myself. Today I broke…
Funny thing, I had company the other day, and they asked me if I needed help cleaning the house. This wasn’t an out of the ordinary question if you knew my home before ms. I was a neurotic clean freak. I used to dust, vacuum, and mop all of the…
Recently I was asked “what am I doing for my Mom’s 90th birthday”? Completely shocked, my first instinctual reaction was a silent, “are you f*cking kidding me”? My second thought was, the same thing I’ve done for the past thirteen birthdays as a daughter, caregiver, and friend…we’ll go out to…
Dear Promise, Five years ago today I took a ride to Brooklyn, N.Y. to meet you after seeing you pop up on my screen. A Puggle! I had never known a Puggle. Our beloved Leo had just recently passed and you needed a home and although we didn’t know it,…
My human has this thing called ms Progressive ms No remissions or cure Does she have hope? Sure Her legs give out Numb and weak At times the future looks bleak I remind her at least her bladder doesn’t leak Mine does. Sometimes I see her cry At the end of…
1) Consult with a Physical Therapist when possible. Consulting with a physical therapist was the best thing I ever did. A Physical Therapist who has knowledge of your particular illness (in my case progressive multiple sclerosis) and experience treating it can get you started. Exercises to improve my walking, balance,…
1) He hates taking his medication. So do I. 2) He keeps going when he shouldn’t. So do I. 3) He’s a great patient who never complains. So am I. Oh, who am I kidding! However, in my defense, no one tells you when you’re diagnosed with primary progressive multiple…
1) Call or text them just to say hello! 2) Send a card!It will make their day. 3) Offer to give them a ride to their next Doctor’s appointment. Many people with chronic illnesses aren’t able to drive anymore. 4) Invite them out! Many times people who are chronically ill…
My human has this thing called ms It makes her tingly and numb And attacks her brain & spine But she ain’t dumb This human of mine It makes her trip and fall And she laughs and stands up tall Dropping things like her favorite mug Why not a dish…
They make great friends and companions, accepting and non judgemental. They keep you company. They keep you busy. They cheer you up when you’re down just by being themselves. They make great co-pilots and even help raise ms awareness. 🙂 They keep you fit. Walks! They’ll teach you a lesson…