Over the River and Through the Woods….

When we’re young, there are certain ages that we look forward to reaching.  Most of us wanted to get to 13 and start our teenage years, or reaching 18 and being “adults”.  When I was young, everyone was anxious to reach 15 ½ years old.  When we became that age, we could take driver’s education.  It was such a thrill to get close to the time that we could try to get our license and be independent.  Everyone signed up for the class and looked forward to each Saturday morning going out with our instructor to learn to drive.

I miss that thrill.  I have not driven for almost 2 years.  There is a special kind of freedom knowing that you can go out, get in your car and travel someplace.  Having to have someone drive you every place you go is fine.  Being able to take yourself is so much better.

I think most people who see those of us with MS don’t realize the freedoms that we have to give up.  A lot of people love to be waited on.  It is a privilege that only the rich usually can afford.  They are the people who CHOOSE to give up these freedoms.  We have no choice in the matter.  It is a whole different thing to be able to choose giving up something and being forced to give up something.

Most of us get up each day and decide what we will spend our energy on.  Energy is something that is a rare commodity with MS so it has to be used wisely.  If the laundry needs done, we have to chose whether to do that or possibly cook a meal.  Doing both is usually out of the question.

My heart goes out to those who have MS and small children.  I don’t know how they keep up with the demands of taking care of them and still getting their own needs taken care of.  It has to be a struggle that is beyond my comprehension.

My husband takes on a lot of the burden of my care.  He helps me with my shower, brings me coffee in the mornings, takes care of the finances, helps me dress and a million other things…..including doing all the driving.  I appreciate his willingness and eagerness to do this.  I just wish he did not have to.

It would be nice if we could go back to the horse and buggy days.  Most people went the same places so often that if you got hurt or something, the horse could find its way home without any guidance.  Many of us with MS play Frontierville and other games on Facebook.  I have a horse that I ride around my homestead and use to visit my neighbors. It is fun to develop your homestead and interact with other people.  Unfortunately, for a lot of us, it is the only “mobility” we have each day. 

I really like my horse………it is a shame Thunder is not real.  I would love to ride around on him and have my independence back.  I think my pigtails and cowgirl outfit are neat!  If you get a chance, come on over and visit and we will ride around together!