Multiple sclerosis can be an isolator. Exacerbations, in
particular, tend to keep those living with MS from circulating. How many MSers
cancel social gatherings, miss meetings, and avoid appointments when symptoms
flare up?
It’s easy to become distanced or even lonely when you live
with a chronic disease. And MS is no exception. Sure, sometimes we feel like
doing a whole lot more and mixing with other people. But all too often, the
symptoms crop up, and we start knocking stuff off our schedules.
That’s when real
friends enter the picture.
These are the ones who call or text anyway. They message us
online and post affirming or encouraging notes on our social networking pages.
They invite us again to events and outings, even if we’ve canceled on them half
a dozen times already. And they know when enough is enough, so they don’t
pester us into frustration.
Such folks are genuine gems. And they help us find joy
again, even with multiple sclerosis.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892), a famous British
preacher, put it this way.
“Friendship
is one of the sweetest joys of life. Many might have failed beneath the
bitterness of their trial, had they not found a friend.”
Friends help us stand up to the MS MonSter, even when we feel
we can stand it no longer.
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This post made me think quite a bit about my friend with MS. Real friends are treasure for sure, my chronic problem is depression, so often don't feel like facing the world and say no often due to wanting to be alone.
ReplyDeleteGreat friends make anything easier and good things better. I hope you've got a group of supportive understanding folks.
ReplyDeleteso inspiring! loved the post!
ReplyDelete