3rd Year Anniversary...

Written December 22, 2020

 

HAPPY 3 YEAR MS ANNIVERSARY!!!!

3 years! Has it really been that long? December 22,2017 was a day of relief and at the same time grief. I still recall that day clearly... We made a 3-hour trip (6hrs total) for an MRI, came home to go grocery shopping when I got a call from the doctor saying we found your reason for the pain and numbness. You have Multiple Sclerosis...

Many individuals may ask why to celebrate a diagnosis? It's not the MS we are celebrating but the accomplishments. I may wake up in pain daily, but it reminds me that I am still ALIVE. It may take me a while to do things and a different way, but I get it done. My life changes are for the best to ensure a healthy lifestyle.

If I could go back, I would tell myself IT IS OKAY to be scared and to grieve. Not knowing what the future may hold can be tough. To be told of something that you watched one of your best friends lose their parent to and know nothing of the disease can be daunting.

The hardest part was telling my family and friends. I cried for months trying to accept my new journey. I went into a depression where I pulled away from loved ones. I got angry because I didn't know why this was happening to me. What did I do to deserve this? I felt betrayed by my body and most of all a burden to my husband who has been with me every step of the way. Still to this day I have moments of sadness where i cry or moments of anger when it's a tough day of pain.

This MS journey still continues to challenge me but it's making me a stronger individual physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

I am learning to not ask WHY but HOW? HOW can I adjust to the changes? HOW can I educate myself and those around me? HOW am I feeling? HOW can I be happy and accept a MS diagnosis? Etc...

I didn't have an answer for my pains for 4+ years and I struggled because it altered my life drastically. We didnt give up (family support). I will work towards staying positive and be open to the changes that are inevitable. My wish for anyone who receives a MS diagnosis is to have patience, acceptance, comfort and support. Those can make such a huge difference in the way someone perceives their future.

This next year will bring challenges, but I am ready for anything that approaches me. This is #Renitastrong ready for a New Year! Take a back seat MS because I am taking the driver's seat and leading the way.

Life is GREAT!

Every day is a BLESSING!

I chose to NOT GIVE UP!

I AM ME!

I will continue to GROW!

I am STRONG!

I can LIVE my DREAMS!

#RENITASTRONG

WATCH ME!!!