Tuesday, May 31, 2011

My Sister, My Friend

Having a sister is like having an extra friend. My sister has always been able to cheer me up whenever I am down. We end up laughing in most of our conversations. We'll be reminiscing about the past, and laughing about something funny that happened (or something that was not that funny then, but is now), or sometimes we just laugh about the everyday things.




Like the other night. My sister called me all stressed out over her latest problems involving my two nephews, aged seven and seventeen. Between the youngster's mischievousness and the teenager's moodiness, she had a lot to tell me about. Her story became amusing, like something out of an Erma Bombeck book. Suddenly she was telling me of finding silverware under her bed while cleaning, and a peanut butter sandwich in the dvd player. She complained that my older nephew can't do anything for himself, and I suggested it is high time he learned things like how to do his own laundry. She said he'd probably use a whole bottle of laundry detergent for one load, and then we were both cracking up, imagining his younger brother getting involved and the possibility of silverware ending up in the washing machine, or a sandwich in the dryer. "You should write a blog," I told her.





My sister is the one person in my life I can really talk to. She understands what I'm going through, and I can tell her anything. She knows me better that anyone else, and I of course know her better than she knows herself! We are always there for each other, to advise, comfort, help, or just to listen. She has always been a very important part of my life, and always will be.





A sister will stand by you through good times and bad. She shares your memories, your hopes and dreams. I consider myself very lucky to have a sister. She truly is a great friend.














Friday, May 13, 2011

The Fight




With the arrival of spring, I can't help but be reminded that soon I will have the summer heat to contend with. Basically, the heat intensifies the fatigue I already feel every day. It's just part of the ongoing fight between me and MS, the condition I have been dealing with for the past eleven years.




We weren't always at odds with one another. In the beginning MS pretty much left me alone, but for a while now, MS seems to want to push me around, and is always challenging me. While my invisible opponent does have an unfair advantage, and does not fight fair, I feel I am a formidable contender.




Sometimes we go several rounds in a day as I push through the fatigue trying to get things done. It's like standing up to a bully and refusing to back down. It's not easy. Sometimes I get tired of the struggling. Sometimes I get so angry with this illness that I ball my hands into fists, challenging it right back.





It takes determination. I can't let MS keep me from doing things. It has already messed with my life enough. MS pushes, and I push back. Fighting back makes me feel good. I feel like it energizes me, and it helps me to stay positive. I feel proud of myself for being strong enough to keep fighting.





MS will not knock me out. I will stay on my feet. No matter how hard the fight, I will come out on top.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

What I Love About Spring

Now that winter has finally released its grip, the robins have returned, and the grass is a lovely emerald green. While I wait for the April showers to bring May flowers, my thoughts turn to all the Spring things I enjoy that are just a couple of weeks away.



Like clipping lilacs and picking lily of the valley and enjoying their sweet fragrances. The warmer weather, the longer days. Opening up all the windows in the house and letting in the fresh air. Driving with my window rolled down listening to my favorite songs. And, of course, that wonderful Spring fever, with its rush of positive energy and feelings of optimism and excitement.



I can't wait to take advantage of that burst of energy and get started on my spring cleaning. This is the time of year to get organized, to clear out the clutter, pack away the winter gear and hang fresh curtains.





I'm looking forward to getting out of the house more, going to the park, maybe planting some flowers. Just to be spending time outdoors again will be such a welcome change after being cooped up in the house all winter long.




Spring is a time of rebirth and new beginnings. A time when everything feels fresh. A time to feel rejuvenated and hopeful again.




Welcome back, Spring!