Mobility Devices Are Not the Enemy
Our driveway has a steep slope down to the mailbox that never used to be a problem until my MS began to progress to the point where walking and balance were an issue. So my husband decided it was time to purchase an electric scooter so I could drive to get the mail. I should have been ecstatic but my pride prevented me from taking advantage of what I had. I would carefully watch out the front window until no one was around then surreptitiously hurry to the mailbox. It all worked beautifully until one day I was picking up the mail and turned around to see my next door neighbor greeting me...
Read MoreLiving as a Turtle in a Rabbit World
I’m sure you all remember Aesop’s Fable about the race between the tortoise and the hare. Evidently, when the hare (rabbit) saw that the tortoise (turtle) was challenging him, he believed he would be a shoo-in because of the turtle’s slowness, so he decided to take a nap and woke up in time to see the turtle crossing the finish line ahead of him. I definitely relate to that fable, because I feel like a turtle in a rabbit world. It could easily be intimidating to watch those rabbits run circles around my determinations, but gradually Christ is teaching me that although it may not seem like...
Read MoreMy Most Challenging Year
My Most Challenging Year Any vestige of belief that if I had MS I would be exempt from other diseases or mishaps was dispelled in June of 2006 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Fortunately, it was labeled a ductal carcinoma in situ, which meant it was a virtually encapsulated small mass. After the successful lumpectomy, I was told I didn’t need radiation or chemotherapy. But in 2010 it returned and I was now advised to get a double mastectomy to prevent a recurrence. If surgery went well, I would be scheduled for completed reconstruction in 6 months. It sounded doable until I came...
Read MoreLet’s Pretend
Traveling with grandkids is an eye-opening experience to say the least. They never cease to create interesting activities, even while buckled into seat belts.
We were traversing a highway in San Diego when granddaughter Hunter, nine, and grandson, Harrison, six, began to play the game of “pretend.” The imaginary characters ranged from farm animals to Transformers and finally to Ken and barbie dolls. Every sentence began with “Pretend…”
Read MoreThe Summer of 1985
During the summer of 1985, my husband, Dave, and I had been asked to participate in our church summer camp in the San Bernardino Mountains. Dave would be the camp doctor while I would be the vocalist. It was quite an honor because the camp had first class speakers and was very well attended. At the same time I was experiencing some disturbing physical symptoms that my neurologist was suspicioning as multiple sclerosis. Especially in the heat of summer, my legs felt like they had 10 lb. weights attached to them. By the time camp began I was thankfully feeling stronger but after the first...
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