I'm sure most of you, unless you have already had some dealings with MS in the past were not aware that this week is National MS Awareness Week, so hug someone with MS, just not too hard! It's been a long couple of weeks for me. We knew that I would be having my ovary removed soon and had planned for it to be this week however when I went in last week to get the pre op lab work done, I was in so much pain that they decided to take out the ovary a week earlier. Last Thursday I had it removed and in the process it was discovered I only had one ovary, EVER! Ha! I have had two kids and never knew. So now in addition to the MS, I am going to work through hormones. I know I can do all of this and I try really hard not to complain about my situation because there is someone, somewhere who is in a much worse condition than I....but I have to be completely honest, that today, I locked myself in the bathroom, closed my eyes really tight and asked God to please just make my body normal when I unlocked the bathroom door. It didn't work. I try to be optimistic but I get frustrated sometimes and then I feel guilty.
What I have found that really makes me happy and helps me keep things in perspective is my students. I am not just saying that to earn brownie points with anyone, the kids really make me happy. I love being with them, I just wish I had more energy sometimes! Several of the kids in 4th grade have approached the librarian and asked her if they could start a book club, she agreed and I asked to be a part of the club too. I love being a part of something that is not necessarily a requirement and that kids are doing out of sheer love of an activity. I also LOVE to read and find it relaxing. I think that things like this are what will help me through the rough spots. Of course I have my family, my husband, parents, in-laws and wonderful children but, I have to say that my students have really been a high point in my life this year. I know that they don't really know it but maybe in ten years I can share with one or two of them how much they helped me.
Remember, the one thing about MS is, those of us who have it look like everyone else, we are just fighting a battle that no one else can see.
