I enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving week at my parents home. During the week I saw 7 of 9 siblings, their 6 spouses, an aunt, an uncle, a cousin and 25 of my 33 nieces and nephews (on my side). It was awesome. Add to that a scrumptious feast, lots of laughter, an impromptu dulcimer concert, and a nephew’s Eagle Court and the week was unforgettable.
After the Thanksgiving meal, we retired to the living room and each person listed four things for which they are grateful. I don’t plan on listing all the responses, or even all of mine, but I did want to comment on one of mine that may have sounded incongruous at best. But it isn’t. I said, “My health.” It was not said tongue-in-cheek or sarcastically. In fact, I got a little choked up.
I am grateful for my health. I know, I’m not well, but there is something about loss that makes you more appreciative of what you still have. I know I have a lot of stuff wrong with me right now, but there is much more that is right. My joints all work, pain-free. Blood pressure? Great. Insulin? Great. Cholesterol? Better. Aches and pains? None. I don’t speak well, but I CAN talk. I don’t walk great, but I still walk whenever I want to. Vision may be at 90%, but the other senses are fine. (Kara thinks my hearing is bad but what wife doesn’t?) I won’t go on. You get the picture. Something magic happens with whole or partial loss.
I am grateful for my health.
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My Black Cloud
In 2006, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, or MS. I had heard of this disease, but knew nothing about it. I have since learned that really is more of a symptom than a disease -- tiny little scars on the nerve membranes of the brain and spinal cord. These scars are evidence that something in your body went wrong and nerve damage is the result. Exactly what nerves are damaged, and to what extent, is highly individualized. I'm certain there are many causes just as there are many "cures." The trick is figuring out yours.
When the problems began I was troubled by how omnipresent it was. I thought about it ALL the time, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. The symptoms weren’t terribly acute, but they were so pervasive that I rarely would get a mental break. Besides, I am a worrier and that didn’t help.
By October 2007, problems with my eyesight, voice, and energy levels were interfering enough with my profession that I went on medical leave.
So there you have it. That is my “black cloud.” However, there are a lot of “silver linings” and I continue to feel that despite this challenge, I am one of the most blessed men alive. So why blog? Actually, I have another blog that chronicles funny thoughts and happy experiences, but only lightly touches on my illness. (There is a link to that site below.) The purpose of this blog is to share more directly how I am doing physically and emotionally. I hope it will help allay concern of family and friends that don’t see me often. Sure, it still dramatically affects me, but there are signs of improvement in some areas.
When the problems began I was troubled by how omnipresent it was. I thought about it ALL the time, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. The symptoms weren’t terribly acute, but they were so pervasive that I rarely would get a mental break. Besides, I am a worrier and that didn’t help.
By October 2007, problems with my eyesight, voice, and energy levels were interfering enough with my profession that I went on medical leave.
So there you have it. That is my “black cloud.” However, there are a lot of “silver linings” and I continue to feel that despite this challenge, I am one of the most blessed men alive. So why blog? Actually, I have another blog that chronicles funny thoughts and happy experiences, but only lightly touches on my illness. (There is a link to that site below.) The purpose of this blog is to share more directly how I am doing physically and emotionally. I hope it will help allay concern of family and friends that don’t see me often. Sure, it still dramatically affects me, but there are signs of improvement in some areas.
Link to my happy blog
About Me
- David
- I am the third-born of ten children. I am a card-carrying member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon). I served a two-year mission in Argentina and later taught Spanish at the Missionary Training Center. I am married to a beautiful woman and we have four children. I have a bachelor's degree in economics and an MBA from BYU.
3 comments:
I understand this completely.
As always, nicely stated.
I hope you are recovering well from your travels. I don't know if you suffer a little more after you travel but I would assume that you probably do.
I think that comment caused everyone present to "choke up."
Thank you for your example of positivism! There is ALWAYS something to be thankful for - no matter what!!!
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