No matter which word you prefer, they all mean the same thing: "Thank you."
In 2007 my struggle officially began. After dealing with mental and physical symptoms that were first blamed on a pinched nerve, I went to see an MS specialist once numbness arrived.* Yet in that time so many people have been so helpful to me that I cannot thank them enough. So, here is part one.
First, the greatest portion of my thanks goes to my wife. We dated in high school, despite going to different schools, then long distance through college, and now we've been married for 13 years. I am constantly in a state of profound wonder at the woman she is. When MS first came into our lives, it finally provided an answer to all of the haywire things that were happening. I still remember her tear stricken face as she read over the symptoms of MS, ranging from balance issues, to memory problems, to speaking difficulty, and said, "This explains so much!" That was almost ten years ago, and she still has stuck by my side through ALL of the problems that multiple sclerosis has thrown at us. I can say very seriously, confidently, and lovingly that I doubt I could have lasted even this short time with the MonSter if it weren't for my wife.
Second, I would like to thank my dad. Of all who were upset at my diagnosis, despite his being the stereotypical, stoic, my diagnosis really upset my him and inspired him to use his most enjoyable recreation: cycling. Upon my diagnosis, my dad began looking into the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, specifically their Bike MS. Since then, dad has been faithfully fundraising for MS. In addition to riding for the National MS Society, dad also fundraises for them in other ways: hosting spaghetti dinners at our home church (Faith Fellowship Alliance); wrapping gifts each Christmas season at the local mall for a donation, and having fundraising sales with local businesses. There have been countless people that helped in this endeavour, and there are too many to name. So, I thank them all for helping the organizer, Gary Evitt-my dad, who also happens to be listed as their top fundraiser for the upcoming Escape to The Lake.
Third, I have to thank my church family at the First United Methodist Church of Toccoa. When Missy and I started attending, my MS was well established in our lives. We also came to know others that also were familiar with it. But, the astounding thing about this church is their truly generous and Christ-like nature. There are far too many examples of FUMC's generosity to my family, but as a testimony to their good nature, two events. The first occurrence came about when my wife and I were looking into having a handicapped ramp installed on our front door because my walking had deteriorated so much that getting in and out of the house was taking me about 20 minutes to navigate three steps onto a concrete car port. We started by asking on Facebook for recommendations. Someone from the church read our question and contacted the pastor who called us to let us know the church builds ramps for those in need, free of charge and according to ADA specifications. The second event happened as a result of my aforementioned accident. The church got together, and within a week, assembled an afternoon luncheon fundraiser. They raised over $4,000! We were and still are in awe of their blessing.
Don't allow MS to take away your faith in humanity. Our family has experienced so much benevolence at the hands of others that the good, by far, outweighs the bad. Sometimes it is dark, but even the darkest night ends.
*I will mention this mix up later, as misdiagnosis is a common occurrence with MS.
Second, I would like to thank my dad. Of all who were upset at my diagnosis, despite his being the stereotypical, stoic, my diagnosis really upset my him and inspired him to use his most enjoyable recreation: cycling. Upon my diagnosis, my dad began looking into the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, specifically their Bike MS. Since then, dad has been faithfully fundraising for MS. In addition to riding for the National MS Society, dad also fundraises for them in other ways: hosting spaghetti dinners at our home church (Faith Fellowship Alliance); wrapping gifts each Christmas season at the local mall for a donation, and having fundraising sales with local businesses. There have been countless people that helped in this endeavour, and there are too many to name. So, I thank them all for helping the organizer, Gary Evitt-my dad, who also happens to be listed as their top fundraiser for the upcoming Escape to The Lake.
Third, I have to thank my church family at the First United Methodist Church of Toccoa. When Missy and I started attending, my MS was well established in our lives. We also came to know others that also were familiar with it. But, the astounding thing about this church is their truly generous and Christ-like nature. There are far too many examples of FUMC's generosity to my family, but as a testimony to their good nature, two events. The first occurrence came about when my wife and I were looking into having a handicapped ramp installed on our front door because my walking had deteriorated so much that getting in and out of the house was taking me about 20 minutes to navigate three steps onto a concrete car port. We started by asking on Facebook for recommendations. Someone from the church read our question and contacted the pastor who called us to let us know the church builds ramps for those in need, free of charge and according to ADA specifications. The second event happened as a result of my aforementioned accident. The church got together, and within a week, assembled an afternoon luncheon fundraiser. They raised over $4,000! We were and still are in awe of their blessing.
Don't allow MS to take away your faith in humanity. Our family has experienced so much benevolence at the hands of others that the good, by far, outweighs the bad. Sometimes it is dark, but even the darkest night ends.
*I will mention this mix up later, as misdiagnosis is a common occurrence with MS.
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