Struggles

Crushed

Nothing makes sense anymore. The world has gone topsy turvy, and I want off. Babies are born to unfit parents all the time. People get what they don't deserve. Life is unfair. I should learn to accept it, because if this past year has taught me anything, it's that hard truth. Because the second I… Continue reading Crushed

Multiple sclerosis, Nick, Struggles

Crummy timing

If there is such a thing as a biological clock, then mine is defunct. Because if it were working, surely it would have alerted me, say, five years ago to start thinking about having a family. Instead, it waits until a most inopportune moment to finally chirp up. Oh, you have MS now? You are… Continue reading Crummy timing

Multiple sclerosis, Nick

Bring out the gimp

To which I ask, which one? The one with a slight foot drag who stammers a lot and has to take a shot every other day? Or the other one who blanks out if food doesn't come in regular intervals and takes a shot every day? Nick and I make quite the pair. No, no… Continue reading Bring out the gimp

Struggles

Surreal

After two weeks of biblical-type floods and storms, news came last night about the death of Osama bin Laden, the architect of al-Qaida who was behind the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil in history. Nearly 10 years ago, the world changed for everyone, becoming a little darker and a little less reassuring. Sept. 11… Continue reading Surreal

Struggles

Oh, April

You have outdone yourself, really. You started with such promise (a successful prank on Day 1, the MS Walk on April 9). Then you showed your true colors. From the capricious reproductive system to the stormy birthday, things got rough fairly quick. If there was a so-called bright spot with you, it's that there isn't… Continue reading Oh, April

Multiple sclerosis, Struggles, Uncategorized

Of poise and fortitude

She sat there, smiling, this wisp of a woman. Her alabaster skin almost translucent, looking thin enough to flake off like onionskin. What hair she still had was frizzy, no so much styled as simply left to hang shaggy at her angular shoulders. Every bone protruded in a way that looked painful, contorted. Her chest… Continue reading Of poise and fortitude

Multiple sclerosis, Struggles

April is the cruelest month

Mixing memory and desire. It was this time last year that I knew something was amiss.  There was an inkling of trouble that barely registered in my busy life, but it was there. Had I paused for longer to analyze it, would it have mattered? It was this time last year I was late. You… Continue reading April is the cruelest month

Multiple sclerosis, Nick

A shot in the dark?

Nope. Didn't happen. Turns out I will use any excuse not to take my medicine. I'm like a 3-year-old that way. With another round of spring storms stomping through central Arkansas, we were a little more prepared last night for the onslaught. Or so we thought. Power out at 8. We hadn't even made dinner.… Continue reading A shot in the dark?

Multiple sclerosis, Uncategorized

How to be hopeful

The very least you can do in your life is to figure out what you hope for. The most you can do is live inside that hope, running down its hallways, touching the walls on both sides. HOPE: AN OWNER'S MANUAL Look, you might as well know, this thing is going to take endless repair:… Continue reading How to be hopeful

Multiple sclerosis, Struggles

I’ve got some explaining to do

And that, folks, is called a meltdown. A crying jag (OK, several) at work despite my friends buying me lunch, another friend delivering the most adorable cake-pop basket and stargazers from my husband. Despite the fact that I'm alive, I can put food on the table and gas in my car. That I have dear… Continue reading I’ve got some explaining to do