This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Knowledge & Support Community

Hello all,

I wanted to start a thread that talked about gratitude. We all come on here with research information and help on dealing with MS. This is so invaluable we can't quantify it. However, I would like to know how the hell everyone is doing ASIDE from the MS. One of our biggest challenges is to not get consumed and totally preoccupied and basically defined by this crap to the point where we aren't taking full advantage of what we can do. Yes I know that is easier said than done, especially if you are going through a flare up or have had some recent new disability. However, I still think it is important to at least try and not lose ourselves and try and focus on something that we like about our lives.

I'll go first. I am so grateful that even when I am down and out, my familly will not let me stay there. Whether it's caring and compassion or a boot up my ass because I'm feeling sorry for myself. I could not have better family and friends in terms of dealing with this disease and I am so grateful for it I can't even explain.

This is hard for me because I'm a Midwestern USA male which tells me I shouldn't care about anything except sex, beer and NASCAR. Doing this does make me feel a bit like Oprah, but I hope you all contribute to this thread because it really helps me to sometimes really focus on what is right with my world.

Lew

good idea..and there is nothing wrong with nascar or beer....lol..sex aint bad either....lol..okay well am gratful for my kids...even thou they dont have a real grasp on my illness they are always there to help me and make me smile..give me something to get up for in the morning....thankful for my cats who seem to always know when i am down and need a boost....for work for being understanding when i am tired and out of it..everyone always trys to help..even when i dont want it....for my friends who dont always ask me how i am doing or feeling..cause god knows when someone does that to me every day i get upset with it..but my friends have learned to not ask and just be there for me.....for my ex husband who has learned not to push his luck with me anymore...lo...took him long enough but is trying to be helpful when it comes to the kids....and last but not least..to the scouts i have in the pack and troop i work with...they are sooo great when it comes to me feeling tired or sad..along with thier parents i have a great support system..and finally..everyone on here for reading and giving me encoragement and helping me laugh when needed.....thanks for everything....think thats enough right....

chris

Lew,

Gratitude has been on my mind lately. If a person has it, they are much more likely to be happy, regardless of their life problems. If they do not have it, they will not be happy no matter what they have or are given. I read this somewhere, don't remember where, but it says volumes.

I have almost always been happy, even in very bad times... never quite understood it until the last few years. I have less and less patience with ungrateful people as I age...

Really great idea. I am going to post here but maybe not today. I am a little bitter about things right now. No matter how many times I realize how good I have it, there are days that I forget. Reading other ppl's post right now reminds me of all the greatness that is in my life. Thanx for the thread. I am off to drink some beer.
NN

Living in cottage country gives you plenty to be grateful for. Just looking out at the lake and still seeing the GEESE landing is an awesome sight this time of year. For it to be plus 10 today in Ontario was also a big bonus. To Christmas shop till we drop a dream come true. I love this time of year so all is looking cheery at this end.

I am grateful for my family, my wife and my friends. I am grateful that my disease has not destroyed me and I keep reminding myself of a guy next to me at the hospital when I was first diagnosed over nine years ago. His disease had progressed over many years to the point where he couldn't walk or do anything physical. His wife was by his side, cleaning him, feeding him and just being there for him.

I remember that he saw me down and scared and he looked at me and said:"...hey, don't worry, you'll be fine as long as you do not let it affect this" (as he pointed to his head). Here is a guy who had no access to any medication, was misdiagnosed for years as having psychiatric problems and he took the time to tell me not to worry.

I'll never forget that guy or his amazing wife. That was true selfless love I witnessed and I am grateful to have met both of them.

beyondms

I am grateful that I can still work. My biggest fear is loosing my memory and that would mean the end of my career, my reading etc.

I am surrounded by other diseases and sometimes I say to myself, I'd rather have my MS than her cancer or his blocked carotid artery or his AIDS. They are all of the same age as me but, they are in worse shape than me.

I am grateful to this site. I found what I was looking for and was able to get into a study after.

I could go on and on but I would get all wheepy, especially if I talk about my family and kids....

have a good day... Carolew