As much as it’s the Thanksgiving season, I was thinking about the impact Multiple Sclerosis has had on our lives and trying to think of reasons why I could be thankful for MS. What comes to mind first, of course, are all the challenges, but if I really focus, I can think of several rewards I have received related to this condition. Here are a few.
Our Relationship
Coping with the challenges of MS has made Lynn and me closer. Before MS, we were two married, independent partners. We each functioned well alone, so many aspects of our lives were not shared. Due to his dependence on me for just about everything, we are truly one now. We share thoughts and fears, good times and bad, as a team rather than as two people with their own agendas. It has made us recognize our unique needs and struggles, and we have more respect and admiration for each other as we recognize how each of us sacrifices for the good of the other.
For the People I have Met
In many cases, there is an instant bond when I meet another person who has MS or is a caregiver for someone with MS. Instantly, I know the challenges faced and perseverance required every day to get by if they are dealing with this complex condition. Through that understanding, a connection does not exist with those who have not had to face those same experiences. I now have friends I’ve met through blogging that I expect never to meet in person but who share with me their concerns and offer support for mine. I’ve also met many health professionals who have been awesome and who have offered so much assistance and encouragement to both of us. I am thankful for each of them and the efforts they have made on our behalf.
For the Support of Family and Friends
When Lynn’s condition deteriorated to the point that I had to start working from home because I needed to do so much for him, many of our friends jumped right in to offer their support. One friend prepares meals for me to freeze; another buys bottled water for us; two others come type for him, and the church has been more than generous in helping us get adaptive equipment to make caring for him easier and more comfortable. Though at first, I admit we were reluctant to accept their offers of help, I found that not only did it bless us, but it also blessed the one giving the assistance. Each time, I could see how helping us made them feel good. As one of them said to me, “Please let us help. Don’t steal from us the blessings we receive in giving.” Well, how could I say no when she put it like that?
For the Blessings I’ve received from Giving
Though physically and emotionally draining, I feel very blessed to be able to take care of my husband. I am challenged to find ways to make his life better and to support him in his daily needs. I appreciate the gratitude expressed by Lynn to me on a daily basis for sharing my time and energy to be with him. I’ve actually found that it truly is more blessed to give than to receive.
This article originally appeared on Multiplesclerosis.Net by Health-Union, LLC, and has been reposted with permission.
