I’m not broken, a burden or an inconvenience

In today’s world, we are constantly being made to believe that something is wrong with us because we have multiple sclerosis. Those of us using walking aids, wheelchairs and braces for some reason are seen as broken and a burden. We move much too slow, drop things way too easily and need help way too often with even the simplest of tasks for most people to bear. And those with MS who don’t need visible help…the bathroom issues, pain, emotional moments, and memory difficulties are viewed in the same way: as an inconvenience for others.

I can remember when I first started using a cane. I tried to hide it from people. I really did. I would wait until the last moment possible to get my cane in hand in order to walk across the parking lot of the grocery store. I would try to keep it as close to my right leg as possible thinking it would make it less noticeable. It didn’t, but I tried anyway.

The walker was much harder to hide. I felt like I was pushing around a truck with caution signs and flashing lights. “Look at me, here I come! Beep, beep, beep.”

The responses it invoked in people was not always comfortable to handle either. As soon as someone saw me with a walker, the questions began…too many questions, and ones that required exhausting explanations. I wasn’t ashamed of MS, I was simply tired of the constant “What’s wrong with you?” questions met with “I know what you need to do to make MS go away” responses.

Sometimes for me, the easiest response was lying and saying “It’s a football injury.” That was always met with a smile and a nod…even though I’m a girl. What? Sports injuries are more readily acceptable than a chronic illness?

Now that I use a wheelchair, it’s a bit harder to hide my walking difficulties but I’ve also gotten better at handling people’s stares, questions and comments. It still gets to me at times, but I’m okay with most people’s responses. I’ve come to understand that the negative and insensitive comments made by people simply show who they are as a person and has nothing to do with me.

One of the most important things I have learned is that multiple sclerosis has not left me broken. Cracked? Maybe…but I think I was cracked way before MS came along. If anything, it has opened my eyes to seeing the real me and to seeing how broken this world really is.

Yes, it takes me longer to do just about everything from checking the mail, to sweeping the floor, to getting out of bed. But even though I may not be fast at doing things, I can still get to where I’m going. It may take some creativity and some extra help, but I make it every time.

Ultimately, it would be wonderful to live in a world where disabilities took a back seat to who we are as a person. That day will probably never come, but regardless of what the world thinks, I want you to know that you are not broken or a burden.

You are a beautifully patched together work of art covered in scars yet filled with amazing resilience and strength. Your scars display an amazing roadmap of courage. You are not MS, a cane, a wheelchair, or even an emotional mess. You are incredibly you! You are important, needed, and wonderful just the way that you are…and don’t you ever forget it.

“Why Not You?

• Today, many will awaken with a fresh sense of inspiration. Why not you?
• Today, many will open their eyes to the beauty that surrounds them. Why not you?
• Today, many will choose to leave the ghost of yesterday behind and seize the immeasurable power of today. Why not you?
• Today, many will break through the barriers of the past by looking at the blessings of the present. Why not you?
• Today, for many the burden of self doubt and insecurity will be lifted by the security and confidence of empowerment. Why not you?
• Today, many will rise above their believed limitations and make contact with their powerful innate strength. Why not you?
• Today, many will choose to live in such a manner that they will be a positive role model for their children. Why not you?
• Today, many will choose to free themselves from the personal imprisonment of their bad habits. Why not you?
• Today, many will choose to live free of conditions and rules governing their own happiness. Why not you?
• Today, many will find abundance in simplicity. Why not you?
• Today, many will be confronted by difficult moral choices and they will choose to do what is right instead of what is beneficial. Why not you?
• Today, many will decide to no longer sit back with a victim mentality, but to take charge of their lives and make positive changes. Why not you?
• Today, many will take the action necessary to make a difference. Why not you?
• Today, many will make the commitment to be a better mother, father, son, daughter, student, teacher, worker, boss, brother, sister, & so much more. Why not you?

Today is a new day!

Many will seize this day.
Many will live it to the fullest.
Why not you?”

― Steve Maraboli