Multiple sclerosis interrupts our lives. The MS MonSter
creeps in, causing symptoms to crop up at the most inconvenient times.
This morning, for
example.
I was planning to run a little 5K nearby. Last year, I
actually was surprised to find that I had won my age division. (Don’t get too
excited. The age brackets grow a little thin in my decade. Our finishing times
tend to increase, as our numbers go up.)
But still! As the defending (haha) champion of my seasoned
age group, I was earnestly aiming to participate. Sure, I know I’d come in
considerably slower than last year. A couple of injuries and a long MS summer
set me back a bit. But I was game to go anyway.
Then the barometric pressure shifted. A storm system
lingered. And an MS migraine wreaked havoc on my plans.
So I didn’t go.
Honestly, I’m
surprised this hasn’t happened a whole lot more often.
In fact, I’ve been grateful for so many times when MS
lingered in the background on race days, professional presentation days,
important event days, and other occasions when a flare-up would totally throw a
wrench into the works.
Yes, it happens. (Ask any MS warrior.)
I’ve canceled all kinds of stuff at the last minute, when
the MS MonSter won the days’ battles. Sometimes I’ve been leery of even penning
dates on my calendar. I’ve skipped holidays, fun trips, and outings with
friends. I’ve missed church, dinners, movies, and nearly a whole summer of
horseback riding.
But I’ve made it to (and through) plenty of occasions too.
And, although I have found myself laid up for days after hosts of major happenings, I have appreciated being there. Sometimes that’s enough to celebrate.
Today, just across town, some woman-of-a-certain-age is proudly wearing a race medal around her neck. I’m happy for her, and I recognize that she’d likely have won it anyway – even if I had showed up.
MS showed up today, and I never had a chance. But I’ll be
back another time. And, when I show up, it won’t be to beat other runners. I’m
gunning for the MonSter.
If you’re an MS warrior, hang in there. We’ve got this
thing.
Image/s:
Adapted
from public domain artwork and photo
You are invited to join the Kicking
MS to the Curb page on Facebook and the Making the
Most of MS board on Pinterest.
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