ID Check
One of the most repeated phrases I hear in my support groups is, “I am more than my MS.” This encouragement is to remind me that while I have a chronic illness, I don’t have to be labeled as chronically ill.
However, today during my son’s field trip to our state Capitol building—which included a trek up four flights of stairs—I certainly did not feel like I was more than my MS. In fact, my condition seemed pretty large—and definitely in charge.
And just as I began to recover, it was four flights back down – although I should mention here that there was a short break after two of them since we stopped into a room where the tour guide explained to the class how laws were passed. It gave me time to at least catch my breath.
But although I am completely exhausted, I can look back at the day with a smile. After all, at one point the tour guide did point to me, and instructed the children to line up “behind the gorgeous lady.” She didn’t ask them to line up behind the lady who can’t even do four flights of stairs without feeling like her legs are going to buckle, and she’s going to fall.
Though I had a quick urge to check my ID, it was just the encouragement I needed in that moment.
Maybe I am more than my MS.
