Since being diagnosed with MS, not only has my daily quality of living changed, our family life has obviously gone through some changes, too.  The ups and downs of having a disease such as MS is, at best, unpredictable.   Since the flare-up I recently encountered, most of that was handled by myself and my husband while the kids were in school.  They didn’t SEE me all that much to notice much of a difference in my daily living.  But, since summer is upon us, they have had more than their fair share of a Mom who is unable to participate in the fun things we used to do. 

And it really hit home the other day when my youngest daughter decided she wanted to go spend the week up at my MIL’s house (we live on her property, so it’s just up the hill from our house).  Mind you, there’s a mini-family reunion going on and there are other folks here for her to play games with and have fun with – so, that’s part of her reasoning.  The other part, the youngest offspring plainly stated to me:  “Mom, you don’t DO anything but lay in your bed when I am home and that’s NOT FUN!”

Ouch my heart.

While she is somewhat correct, I am definitely not the fun mom I always enjoyed being.  The flare-up is basically over with and I am just dealing with the everyday life of a person with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).  But, the migraines are relentless.  I have them nearly EVERY.  SINGLE.  DAY.  Sometimes all day, sometimes just part of the day.  But, the only thing I can do to keep myself sane is to lay in my bed and read.  I’m aware of everything that is going on in the house – the kids, the dogs, etc.  But, the throbbing in my noggin keeps me from actively participating in the things I love – mainly my family and quilting.  While my husband was away at camp, I did cook dinner for the girls that were home with me and we cleaned up the house a few times as well as took care of the needs of our dogs, turkeys and chickens.  But, games?  Stories?  Belly laughs?  Pretty much a thing of the past when your head hurts just to lift it off of the pillow. 

Eventually, I’ll see a neurologist who specializes in migraines.  But, until we can get that appointment scheduled – my poor kids are seeing the life and times of MS and it’s no fun for any of us. 

Next week, we should all be home for the entire week.  My husband is now the go-to Dad for all things, including the fun times the kids want to have.  The older girls are exceptionally helpful in making things fun for the younger ones, whether it be through making up stories, enjoying a day of playing games or just hanging out and teasing each other.  I guess we’ll see how well the kids cope with a Mom who is no longer the fun parent!