Hi, I’m Amy.
I’m married to someone way too good for me, and we have two smart, rambunctious boys, J and D.
One thing I didn’t expect, ask for, or want, was the diagnosis I received on March 15, 2002 that I have multiple sclerosis. Beware the Ides of March indeed.
I’m not the only one in the family with chronic conditions. My younger son D has ADHD and a tic disorder. So in addition to coping with my own neurological issues, I’ve got make sure I’m addressing his needs while also being a good mom to his older brother.
So here I am, dealing with a few basic ideas:
To be a loving parent to my boys
To deal with MS without it being the sole definition of me
To make a difference with my life
This blog is my exploration of that trifecta. No matter how I’d like to define Amy, I always have to include being a mom and having MS, because those are two truths that impact my life every day. I hope that through my pursuit of these truths I can bring the third idea – making a difference – into a reality. I’m not expecting to create changes that make the earth rotate on a new axis, but I am hoping to share information and support.
I’d like to point out two important aspects of that explorations:
- I will occasionally bring up political issues. Some topics are relevant to those of us with MS, and I think it’s important we discuss them. I am a registered Independent (we call it Unaffiliated here in NC). I would like these discussions to be issue-based and not devolve into arguments. I do not think discussing issues needs to turn into a name-calling battle, and I will not allow that here.
- I am a Christian. Once in a while, you’ll see me make references about my faith. I’ll just mention my faith to offer perspective on who I am. I have no intention of forcing my beliefs on anyone. One of my guiding principles is to treat all of my neighbors with love and kindness, and you are all my neighbors.
Every once in a while, you may get the perspective from the voices in my head. Kiki is calm, rational, reasonable, and logical. She doesn’t show up as often as I like or need, but I’m trying to listen to her more. Then there’s Lizzie. She doesn’t like logic and will give a knee-jerk, emotional response to a situation. Think a 4-year-old having a temper tantrum. If you don’t have kids, imagine a bargain hunter on Black Friday going for that last marked-down monster TV. When I don’t hear the voices in my head, I get nervous, because that means they’re hiding in the corner, waiting to jump out when I least expect it.
For those of you with MS or another chronic condition, you can understand that it’s hard trying to care for others while you’re dealing with your own extra challenges. You’re not alone, and I’m sure you have great information you could share with the rest of the community.
sandra tyler says
my heart goes out to you. I’m blessed with not having any chronic medical conditions, as I know what it is to be a parent with two young boys, and also with a 94 ailing mother; the world might just fall apart if I had my own issues.
Chronicallysickmanicmother says
I can so relate to this…well except I have a girl not two boys …and I don’t have MS but I have other things. Rock on