Multiple Sclerosis: The First F____ed Fortnight
A very beautifully written post by my friend Emma, who goes over her first few hours and days after her MS diagnosis. “There’s no doubt, it has been raw, it has been ugly with cursing and swearing, lost relationships dodgy decisions. But I everyday I make peace with myself, I give thanks that I have another moment to live. Because there were times when I didn’t see any hope. I was soaked in blood, sweat and the tears of a thousand years.” (Republic of Emma) Continue reading below…
The miseducation of…
"Ergo, the benefits of having MS is that I met my other, weaker self, and I learned how to be strong and wise before my own eyes, and at the speed of light. Even E.T. couldn’t follow me on his BMX bike. He tried, the little fella, but lost my phone number. Go figure."
Resilience
"Most of all, though, I had once again come to the realisation that I unfortunately need more sleep than the average, healthy person. At this stage so, I must start considering my continuous fights against tiredness and “forgetfulness” about needing a lot of sleep, as a pure character flaw. Perhaps I should also consider this forgetfulness a deliberate act of personal terrorism because who doesn’t like being busy? Who doesn’t like being able to get up in the morning and continue to work and stay awake for the next 12+ hours without falling asleep after 2 hours?"
Depression?
"There is indeed no shame in being depressed. It can happen to any of us, for any reason and at any time. Nobody is protected from those deep, dark clouds in your mind. Inspired by my friend's words and strength, I hope to keep the circle of hope for better days going. When all is said and done, let's be the heroes of our own darkest of days."
Ten happy MS years
A milestone like no other. A curious, strange one indeed. Ten years of living with MS. Ten. In fact, ten years and one week. Reality suddenly became a very different kind of living. As strange as it sounds, it became a more fulfilled life, a happier one also.
Wonder Woman Syndrome
"Having dissenting views on the verb ‘to pace,’ it is one I need to add seriousness as well as a lot more thought into. Having a Wonder Woman Syndrome is a term I sometimes carry with pride."
Strength = choice
An invisible illness isn’t a choice. My visible hope is. ©Willeke Van Eeckhoutte and Ireland, MS and Me, 2011-2014. Unauthorised use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Willeke Van Eeckhoutte and Ireland, MS and Me with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.