Made it through Christmas

I really enjoy Christmas. I love the planning, the decorations, the beautiful music, the family gatherings, and the gifts. This year, I received a very unexpected gift for Christmas... MS diagnosis. I got the news the week before Christmas & it put a dampened my spirits. I still had lots of shopping, putting up the Christmas tree, mailing out Christmas cards, etc. I couldn't get my mind passed the MS. Not me... I'm too old for MS. But the neurologist told me that no one's ever too old for MS. I'm only 51. What do I do? Well, I'm proud to say that I send out many Christmas cards to family & friends. Writing these cards made me feel that I was sending good wishes when inside my heart felt like it was falling apart. The shopping for gifts was minimal... ordered some items online. My holiday decorations consisted of only 2 red berry wreaths on my front doors. A few weeks ago, I found that my wooden cane didn't make me feel secure in balancing in my walk. After several falls, I decided that a black quad-cane would help. It has. My constant walking "buddy" is this ugly cane decorated with a big red bow & a single jingle bell. If you hear the bells jingle, watch out! I'm very happy the holidays are slowing down. A few days before Christmas, I attended my niece's beautiful wedding. I wore very comfortable shoes (in hopes of not falling) & donned a big silver bow on my cane. Even though, the air was crisp & misty with rain, my feet never failed me. My son, JBB, walked me down the aisle to our pews. I was overjoyed to be locked in my son's arms. The fear I had throughout the evening was if I could arise from seating in a lady-like manner. Only once did I need help from a low chair. During the reception, I spoke with the Reverend Barbara who I earlier found out had MS. This kind lady held my hands & spoke gently to me about her journey. Since May 2007, after taking daily injections for 3 years, she stopped taking MS treatments. Seven months later, she only has very slight symptoms (feet numbness) & the doctors cannot see any signs in her tests. Praise God! Reverend Barbara told me to be strong & do everything I can to fight this disease. At the end, we held hands & she prayed for both of us. In her prayer, she asked that God not allow either of us to perish from MS but to live long, healthy lives & die from old age. After the holidays, I'll contact Reverend Barbara for later conversations. I feel that our meeting was divine intervention by God. When I entered the reception hall, I found my inlaws seated at the same table as Reverend Barbara & her husband. Because of the joy of my niece's wedding, I hesitated in speaking with the Reverend for a long time. Just before we decided to leave, I felt a strong nudge to at least introduce myself to her. I'm very happy that I did. My niece & her husband are beginning a new life together, I was received spiritual guidance during her celebration. On Sunday morning, I attended the Christmas service at our church. My son, JBB, played guitar on many songs with the praise band & choir. The most beautiful song, "Welcome to this World" was sung by our worship leader's solo and JBB playing on a 12-string guitar. Tears flowed down my face. After the service & sharing our "Merry Christmas" wishes to our church members, our pastor's wife, Allison, came to speak with me. Allison shared that she was told many years ago that she had MS during her pregnancy with her daughter, Alisa. Allison has had many trials during her MS years, including four years in a wheelchair. For more years than she can remember, she hasn't taken any prescribed meds for MS. She's keeps her immune system strong with vitamins, supplements, and healthy eating. Even during a severe bout of appendicitis & infection this past summer, Allison didn't have a MS episode. After the New Year's, we'll get together and she'll tell me about how she controls her health. Wow, within two days, I met two amazing women who've survived their MS journey. I realize that God has given me MS as a gift. Had I not received this gift, I would not have been open to hear these two special ladies stories. After speaking with the ladies, I feel confident that I can face the future... no matter what it may hold. Thank you, Allison and Reverend Barbara, for wrapping your arms around me. Merry Christmas & a happy, healthy 2008 to everyone! Linda