A Difficult Time of Year
My husband's favorite unit to teach is ceramics. It's my favorite also, because I reap the benefits. To prepare the stiff clay for use on the pottery wheel, my husband has to knead I to make it malleable, a process called "wedging." Doing this develops great strength in his hands.
I can always tell when the ceramics unit is being taught. My husband massages me every night, and has done for many, many years. During that particular unit his massages go little deeper and last a little longer. I always sleep better after a soothing massage.
But improved massages aside, the end of the summer when school starts again is always difficult for me to deal with. I'm grateful for the good times we enjoyed during the summer months, but I must admit that I miss them terribly when fall comes.
I was once a teacher, too. I thoroughly enjoyed it and it came very easily to me, but because of MS I can no longer physically meet the challenges of teaching.
For this reason the beginning of the school year brings back many memories. At one time I taught pre-K/kindergarten for over 10 years, worked with 2 ½ to 6-year-old children. I loved every minute of it. I distinctly remember presenting new concepts to the children — nothing could compare with the looks on their faces when they were able to grasp a concept; sheer elation. Those are precious memories that I will always cherish.
A Totally Different Reality
Now I face a totally different reality. Thanks to MS my life is totally different than it used to be. I am no longer able to take an active part in daily life. I can't even begin to tell you how difficult it is for me to deal with.
I was diagnosed with MS almost 23 years ago. I'm still in the process of dealing with the challenges it presents. I have my weak moments. I get depressed. I get angry. I get lonely. But I've learned to accept those feelings. I don't necessarily enjoy them, but I accept them as part of my life.
I have learned to search the Internet for possible resources and solutions. This accomplishes two things. First of all, it helps me feel useful once again. Secondly, it saves my husband a lot of time that he can't really afford to lose because his insanely busy schedule.
Doing this kind of on my computer keeps my mind both active and challenged. And my husband occasionally involves me during the school year — I help him with things like writing course descriptions, which also keeps me occupied. My brain, although foggy at times, still functions on a somewhat normal level. (Although my family may dispute that!)
My advice to anyone who has been diagnosed with MS or has a family member or friend who is suffering from the afflictions that they face on a daily basis is this:
- Be patient and loving no matter what happens.
- Look for the positive in spite of daily difficulties.
- Look for humor in difficult situations.
- Don't be quick to judge.
- Remain sensitive and understanding.
