The past couple of weeks have flown by around here. We attended a class called Relationship Matters, put on by the National MS Society. Its focus is on serious relationships with ms as a third wheel, and we definitely fall into that category. The facilitators of the class were excellent, and I can really say I learned a lot. I was expecting a lecture, with a powerpoint, but few expectations beyond that.

It was completely different from what I imagined. While there were some components like that, most of it was open discussion format. I was able to meet and connect with other couples in our area facing the same battles, and it was a great experience.

I can definitely say that I whole-heartedly recommend this class for any couple dealing with ms – you can find a link to see if it’s offered in your area here. Phil and I both learned a lot. I hope it’s offered again near us, because we’d definitely go back.

Although the class was great, two other events came up after that were very unexpected. We were fortunate enough to get tickets to not only Adam Sandler, but the Midsummers Night Eve to Cure MS Fundraising Gala as well.

We had SO much fun at both of these events. Rob Schneider and Adam Sandler were absolutely hilarious. We were out on the lawn for the show, but the cool weather, a husband to lean on, and a comfy blanket made the evening ms approved. Not to mention the $25 strawberry daiquiri.

But to be completely honest, that daiquiri would make almost any event ms approved.

The Midsummers Night Eve Fundraising Gala was amazing, and completely unexpected. My jaw literally dropped when I got the email. I’m so grateful for the experience; it was unlike anything we’ve ever been to. If we’re being honest, we haven’t been to anything as fancy as this ever. (hence why I dragged out my old wedding day heels)

We’d never been to the venue, the Dallara IndyCar Factory. It was well organized and incredible inside. One of the best parts was the food by far. It was so delicious, and we were very pleasantly surprised with how many vegetarian options there were. I wish I’d gotten more pictures, because even the food was beautiful.

It was an incredible opportunity to see fundraising in action. I couldn’t believe how much money was raised. To think that all those people came together and gave so much to help find a cure for the disease that wreaks havoc on so many lives, including mine….it was so inspiring, and gives even more meaning to what I’m trying to do here.  

The first few weeks of June were pretty hectic around here. We’ve also had some pretty good mundane things occur, too. I’ve had a few opportunities to educate people on ms lately, and they were so kind and receptive. My flarey issues have all vanished, thanks to a prescription for a full spectrum antibiotic and lots of rest. Looooooots of rest.  

Rest seems to be the missing link to my recovery. Since this last pseudo-flare left me without a job, I’ve had a lot more time on my hands. Some of that time has been spent forcing myself to rest.

That’s just never been easy for me. I’m always up, moving about, even if its aimless wandering. Very rarely would you have found me on the couch watching tv before; now, hulu has become my best friend. My old friends Dorothy, Blance, Rose, Sophia and I have been spending an awful lot of time together lately.

Speaking of old friends, I’ve also been spending time with another one of my old friends. I’ve mentioned her situation a little on my insta – long story short? She’s been my best friend since 7th grade, she was shot three weeks before my wedding, and yet she still walked in it. (can we say total badass?)

She was shot five times, right in front of my Mom. (that’s another story for another day) Where the bullets affected her spine and nerves is almost exactly where my lesions are. We share most of the same symptoms, and are on the same medicines, too. (except my DMD, obviously)

Lucky for us, even though we deal with crazy things, we deal with the same things. I’ve mentioned it’s been a very strange year before. It’s also given me a new perspective on her journey to recovery, too.

Her injury and my illness have put us in a completely different place in life than 99% of those our age.

One perfect example was this past weekend – when we were supposed to go to the Pride festival downtown. The morning of, we both woke up feeling gross.

In the past, we’d have gritted our teeth, gotten all dressed up, and forced ourselves to go downtown. We’d have pretended we were having a blast, all to get a few drinks and some cute pictures.

This weekend, we went to the gym. Seriously. When we realized we both just weren’t feeling it, we decided to get in a good workout and just enjoy our day.

So, why am I making a big deal of the fact that we just used common sense to make a good decision about something that’s not that big of a deal?

Because for us, it is. We’re both 27 – how we feel in the morning shouldn’t even be a consideration when we’re making plans. We don’t wake up with any certainty about how we’ll feel. It’s hard to admit that, but it’s way harder to accept it. Seems like we’re starting to, at last.

It doesn’t entirely make up for losing some of the confidence I had in my health, but I’ve been feeling substantial lately.

Maybe it’s because I’ve been more social lately; I’ve been lucky enough to not just educate people, but learned lots of stuff in return. It could be that it’s because I’ve been working hard to be a better influence in peoples’ lives, or that I’ve taken more responsibility with my little zoo now that I feel better.

I’m almost basking in the glow of being needed. (my family tells me I’m always needed of course) I’ve struggled for so long trying to figure out how to help myself, it’s been so refreshing being on the other side of that fence.

I’m more excited to get back to school than ever! (come mid october, you probably won’t be able to pay me enough to say this) Knowing I’m on the right track to help as many people as possible, coupled with the feelings I’m already getting just helping a few, has me so pumped.

I keep saying I’ve got some cool plans for this blog for the rest of year – now it’s time to put them into action. I’ll have another post for you guys this Sunday evening; just a little something about my weight loss. How I did it, and how I feel about it. Check back in soon!