There are some people who fight the MS fight valiantly.  They never complain, take the disease head-on and just move forward with their lives without wanting anyone to know what they are dealing with.

Not me.

There are some who love to tell you of someone they know who are doing wonderfully, their medications are working and they are not having any problems.  And if they aren’t, then obviously you shouldn’t be, either.

Not me.

There are some who do not want to hear about what you are going through – they just cannot bear to hear of any negativity.  They pull away.

Not me.

There are some who will tell you how to fix everything that’s wrong with you – they are Doctor Mom, without the education to back it up.

Not me.

There are some who are naysayers, who will predict your future because they are sure they know way more than anyone else on the subject.

Not me.

I’m not looking for pity.  What I’m honestly looking for is understanding.  If education is key, then I would love to educate just one person on what Multiple Sclerosis is all about.  This week is MS awareness week.  Are you aware that MS can be an unseen disease – hence I have a handicapped tag for my automobile and it is used because I could do a serious face-plant if I had to walk further than the closest parking spot to a store if I did not use it?  You cannot SEE the MS in me.  You perhaps may be able to tell that I cannot walk straight or that I hold onto one of my kids or my husband if I’m walking across a parking lot (and cling to a shopping cart as if it were the only way to stay upright).  I have not endured any of the stares or statements that some talk about for using my parking tag but I assure you my family is well equipped to handle it should the subject come up.

If you would like to learn more about MS, please click here.  Perhaps someone you know just found out they have it and you would like to find out more about it, or you would like to find out how you can help someone with MS.  I will have it all my life.  I pray that my children will not ever get it.  I pray that YOU will never get it.  I also pray that you will have a better understanding of the disease – because you can at least say you have heard of someone who has it.  Stand up and be counted as one who has taken the time to educate yourself about MS, and lend a hand where you can.  I can tell you, those hands mean a lot to those of us who they are reaching out to.