MS Journey

Watching your child endure racism and bullying is one of the most heartbreaking experiences a parent can face. As a parent, you want to protect your child from harm, but the reality is that the world can be a harsh place. However, there are ways to empower your child and help them navigate these painful experiences with resilience and strength. Here’s how you can support your child if they are facing racism and bullying. 1. Listen and Validate Their Feelings The first step in supporting your child is to create a safe space for them to express their feelings. Let them know that it's okay to feel sad, angry, or confused. When your child opens up, listen without interrupting, and validate their emotions. Phrases like, "I understand why you feel that way," or "It’s okay to be upset," can help them feel heard and understood. 2. Educate Them About Racism and Bullying It's important to help your child understand that racism and bullying are not their fault. Explain...

Analyzing the Escalation of Harassment and Intimidation from Neighbors: A Case Study Introduction Harassment, racism, and intimidation from neighbors can severely impact the quality of life for affected families. This essay analyzes a case involving a family experiencing escalating hostility from their neighbors over a period of 17 years. The situation, which began with passive-aggressive behavior, grew more intense and dangerous following a 2020 intervention by city authorities. This analysis examines the dynamics of neighbor harassment, including racial discrimination, intimidation, and the psychological effects on the targeted family. Historical Context and Escalation The hostility from the neighbors began approximately nine years ago, with passive-aggressive actions such as allowing their dog to charge at neighborhood children, including the author's son. This behavior gradually escalated, leading to increased aggression and racial animosity. The situation worsened significantl...

Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) is a journey filled with ups and downs, challenges, and victories. While the physical symptoms of MS are often at the forefront, the emotional and mental toll it takes can be just as significant. Staying positive isn’t always easy, but it’s essential for maintaining overall well-being. Here are ten tips to help you stay positive while living with MS: 1. Focus on What You Can Control MS can make you feel like you’re losing control over your body, but there are still many things you can control. Focus on the aspects of your life where you have influence, such as your attitude, how you spend your time, and the goals you set for yourself. Taking charge of what you can helps you feel empowered and grounded. Tip : Start your day by setting a small, achievable goal. It could be as simple as reading a chapter of a book or taking a short walk. Celebrating these small victories can boost your confidence. 2. Build a Support System Surround yourself with people ...

Living with a chronic illness is a daily challenge, not just for the person affected but also for their loved ones. Whether it's multiple sclerosis, diabetes, fibromyalgia, or any other condition, chronic illness can change the dynamics of relationships and daily life. If you have a loved one navigating this journey, you might wonder how best to support them. Here are five meaningful ways to provide support: 1. Listen Without Judgment One of the most powerful ways to support someone with a chronic illness is simply to listen. Living with a chronic condition often comes with a mix of emotions, from frustration and sadness to fear and anger. When your loved one shares their feelings, try to listen with empathy and without offering unsolicited advice or judgment. Sometimes, they just need a safe space to express themselves without feeling like they have to explain or defend their emotions. Tip : Instead of jumping in with solutions, try saying, "I'm here for you," or ...

Gardening, often seen as a leisurely activity or hobby, has increasingly gained recognition for its therapeutic benefits, particularly for individuals managing chronic illnesses like Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This essay explores how gardening serves as a multifaceted intervention that supports physical, mental, and emotional well-being for people with chronic health conditions. By analyzing its benefits, we can appreciate how gardening contributes to improved quality of life and supports holistic health care. 1. Physical Health Benefits Gardening can significantly enhance physical health, even for those with chronic illnesses. The act of gardening involves various forms of light to moderate physical activity, which is beneficial for overall fitness. Tasks such as planting, weeding, and watering can help improve mobility, strength, and flexibility. For individuals with chronic conditions like arthritis or Multiple Sclerosis (MS), gardening can be adapted to their needs, providing a low-i...

As I sit down to write this, I find myself reflecting on the winding path that has brought me to where I am today. Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) has been a journey filled with both profound challenges and unexpected triumphs. Each step along the way has shaped my understanding of resilience, strength, and self-compassion. When I first received my diagnosis, the weight of the unknown was overwhelming. The future seemed uncertain, clouded by a myriad of questions about how my life would change and what new obstacles I would face. At that moment, it felt as though the road ahead was a steep and treacherous climb, with each step fraught with difficulty. However, as time has passed, I’ve come to see that this journey is not just about enduring challenges but also about discovering new facets of strength and courage within myself. MS has taught me to navigate life with a blend of patience and persistence. It has shown me the importance of embracing the present moment, finding joy in sm...

Today marks a significant day in our household—my daughter started 5th grade, and my oldest son embarked on his senior year of high school. It's one of those days that feels both exciting and bittersweet, with emotions running high for everyone. The house, once filled with the buzz of summer activities, is now eerily quiet, a reminder of the changes that come with each new school year. Soon, when my little one starts preschool, the quiet will become almost pin-drop silence. It’s a moment that feels both freeing and a little lonely. This morning was especially sweet. My daughter was up super early, bubbling with excitement for her first day of 5th grade. She was ready on time, a rare feat in our household! She eagerly packed her new school supplies, carefully picked out her first-day outfit, and even started planning a little "First Day at School" party with a friend. I’m curious to hear what those plans entail when she gets home later today. Watching her enthusiasm makes ...

It was 6:30 AM when I heard the familiar sound of my alarm, pulling me from the haze of sleep. As I slowly opened my eyes, I could feel the weight of fatigue pressing down on me. It’s a different kind of tiredness, one that doesn’t seem to lift even after a full night’s rest. But today, I had promised myself I would push through. My daughter’s first day of 5th grade was today, and I wanted to be present for her. Getting out of bed wasn’t as easy as it used to be. My legs felt like they were encased in concrete, and the numbness in my hands made it difficult to grip the bedpost for support. But I took a deep breath and focused on the small steps—swinging my legs over the side of the bed, planting my feet firmly on the ground, and then slowly rising to a stand. My body protested with every movement, but I reminded myself that this was just part of my routine now. As I made my way to the kitchen, my daughter was already dressed and ready, her excitement palpable. She flashed me a big smil...

In a world that often equates health with appearance, invisible illnesses remain one of the most misunderstood and overlooked challenges people face. These conditions, which don’t always manifest through visible symptoms, can profoundly impact daily life, yet they are frequently met with skepticism or indifference. Imagine living with a constant companion that you can’t see, but that dictates your every move—an invisible illness. For those of us navigating this reality, the struggle is not just with the illness itself but with the need for others to understand and acknowledge the battles we face every day. This lack of visibility can often lead to feelings of isolation and frustration, as well as a sense that our struggles are invalidated by others’ inability to see them. Invisible illnesses, like Multiple Sclerosis, fibromyalgia, or chronic fatigue syndrome, don’t come with outward signs that scream “I’m struggling.” There are no visible bruises or casts, no telltale signs that make i...

Today marks day three after my surgery, and I’m relieved to say that I woke up feeling even better than I did yesterday. If this trend continues, I’m optimistic that day four will bring even more improvement. I’ll need to call my doctor’s office soon to schedule my 2-3 week post-operative appointment and also inquire about the bleeding from my incision. It’s still happening, and although it’s less than yesterday, the sight of fresh, light pink blood is a bit concerning. I’ll be keeping a close eye on it. The pain is still very much present, especially as the day winds down. It seems to peak in the evenings, just when I’m ready to relax. During the day, I’ve found that staying busy is my best strategy for distraction. Today, I tackled mowing the lawn again. Yesterday, the grass was so tall that it left unsightly lumps everywhere, so I made sure to move them once they dried out today. I also secured the trampoline, just in case the wind picks up.  Cooking has always been a therapeuti...

This morning, I woke up to an incredible gift—the majority of my pain from surgery was gone. The relief was like a breath of fresh air, allowing me to move more freely. As I stretched and tested my newfound ease, I noticed how much the grass had grown over the last few days. It was time to tackle the yard, but first, I decided to grill some shish kebabs with rice for the kids. As the delicious aroma filled the air, my daughter kept asking if the food was ready—she was so eager and hungry! There’s something special about seeing your children’s eyes light up at the sight of a meal you’ve prepared. They all ate so well today, which made my heart swell with pride. With the kids happily fed, I turned my attention to the yard. I started with the backyard, mowing while enjoying the peacefulness of the task. Afterward, I took a break to recharge the batteries—and myself. Once the batteries were ready, I finished the front lawn. The day’s work was a reminder that motivation and energy are power...

Yesterday was a day filled with little victories. I took my kids to their swimming class, and they splashed around with such joy that it lifted my spirits. Later, I received a call with preoperative instructions for today's surgery. It was a reminder of the strength it takes to navigate these moments, but I felt prepared and calm. I slept well last night, knowing that today would be a big day. Before heading out to the surgery center early this morning, I placed soft kisses on my children's cheeks. They stirred briefly, then drifted back to sleep, safe and sound. The surgery went well—another victory! Although I’m still in pain and there’s some bleeding, it’s gradually improving. I'm a bit nauseous and lightheaded, making it hard to stay on my feet, but I know these symptoms will fade. Tomorrow is a new day, and I’m hopeful it will bring more relief. I’m taking my cues from my little one, knowing that the swelling should start to reduce after three days. What truly warms my...

This morning started with a gloomy sky, the kind that makes it hard to leave the warmth of bed. The air was thick with humidity, and the clouds hung low, threatening rain. Yet, life doesn’t pause for weather or mood; there are things that need attention, and so I pushed myself to get up and face the day.  The weather didn’t do much to lift my spirits, but as I sat by the pool, watching my kids splash and play, a wave of peace washed over me. There’s something magical about children’s laughter, the way it cuts through the gloom and fills the space with joy. In those moments, everything else fades into the background. It’s a reminder that even on the hardest days, there’s always a reason to smile. But then, unbidden thoughts of my neighbors crept in, casting a shadow over my peace. It’s hard to understand how people can carry so much hatred in their hearts. We live in a world of diversity—different colors, languages, beliefs, and experiences. These differences are what make life rich...

Yesterday, I took the time to mow the backyard, knowing rain was on the way and the grass had gotten too tall. Sure enough, it rained overnight. This morning, once the grass dried out a bit, I needed to tackle the front yard before heading to my first appointment of the day.  My original plan included a stop by the gym and pool, hoping for some relaxation and exercise. Unfortunately, no one wanted to join me, and I was too fatigued to go alone. My anti-fatigue medication wasn’t doing its job today—maybe I needed a higher dose, or perhaps it was just the weather weighing me down. Instead, I made brunch, checked in on everyone at home, and headed out for my preoperative appointment. Thankfully, the appointment went smoothly. I was cleared and ready for surgery in a couple of days. Once back home, I ensured the kids were all doing well before heading out to mow the front lawn. But what was supposed to be a peaceful, relaxing chore turned stressful when the neighbor—let's call him “Mr....

Today was one of those rare, cool days that I usually love, but unfortunately, fatigue got the best of me. Despite the refreshing weather, I just couldn’t find the energy to do much. The only thing I managed was making waffles for the kids, which was a small victory in itself. After that, I needed a nap—my body just wasn’t willing to keep going. At some point, I did manage to take care of my son’s bandage. I removed half of it, and he took care of the rest, allowing me to apply some antibacterial ointment. He even took a little nap afterward, which was nice because it meant we were both getting some much-needed rest. The cool, refreshing air outside is calling to me, but I just can’t seem to muster the energy to leave the bed or even keep my eyes open for long. It’s frustrating to feel this way, especially when I want to enjoy the day, but I’m learning to accept that some days are just like this.  Sometimes, our bodies demand rest, and all we can do is listen. Today, I’m embracing ...

Today was one of those days that started off slow but quickly spun into chaos. I slept in a bit longer than usual, and the cleaning ladies were already here, busily working on a deep clean of the house. The day began with the usual hustle—letting the dogs out, waking everyone up, and preparing for the day ahead.  The kids had swimming class, so we bundled everyone up and headed out. Afterward, we treated ourselves to some ice cream at Costco, which is always a hit with the little ones. We came back home, unloaded our shopping haul, and I found myself in a conversation with one of the cleaning ladies about the natural cleaning products she was using—something I’ve been more conscious about lately. In the middle of our chat, my little guy suddenly appeared, chin bloodied from a fall. My heart jumped into action mode. I cleaned his wound, inspected it carefully, and had him hold a clean towel while my oldest son and niece watched over him. I rushed to grab some gauze and a big band-ai...

Today was all about tackling the basement, a task I’ve been putting off for a while but finally decided to dive into. I started with the usual cleaning and organizing, but what made today special was the help I received from my kids. My son was the first to offer his help, eager to spray and wipe down items. His enthusiasm was contagious, and soon enough, my daughter wanted to join in. Before I knew it, we had a full-fledged cleaning team, with everyone chipping in. The more help, the merrier, and it truly felt like a team effort. By evening, it was time to take a pause, but the work wasn’t quite done yet. While the little ones were sleeping, I took the opportunity to box up all their toys and play items. This way, the cleaners will have an empty, uncluttered space to work with, ensuring they can access every corner of the basement. The kids were so eager to help that they nearly went through two entire bottles of our natural, plant-based cleaner. The basement now smells wonderfully fr...

Thursdays are my designated cleaning days, and today was no exception. I had a full to-do list: cleaning the backyard and front yard, emptying the trash bins, and finally, mowing the lawn. The grass is still growing like crazy, so this was the second mow of the week—something I wasn’t exactly thrilled about but knew had to be done. While I was busy with the yard work, the kids played nearby, their laughter and energy keeping me motivated as I powered through my tasks. It was a productive day, but there was one moment that really caught me off guard. Our neighbor, who I’ve noticed before, was at it again—picking up debris like dog poo, trash, or lawn weeds and disposing of it on my property. It's incredibly disturbing and, honestly, hard to understand why someone would go out of their way to do something like that. But I’ve decided not to let this bizarre behavior spoil my day. After all, life’s too short to dwell on negativity. Instead, I’m focusing on making the rest of the day en...

Today was one of those days where everything seemed to happen all at once—appointments, duckies, and swimming class, all back to back. It was hectic, but the kids had a blast, especially with the duckies. We started off with an appointment, and then it was time for the kids to collect their duckies. They were so excited, and finally, my son managed to get the correct number. Unfortunately, by the time he did, all the prizes had already been claimed. It was a little disappointing, but he took it in stride, happy just to have participated. After a quick stop at home to drop off the kids, I headed to another appointment. Then, it was back home to pick up the kids again and head off to swimming class. The swimming class is always a highlight for them—they love the water and the chance to splash around. Of course, we couldn't end the day without our usual treat—ice cream! Ice cream days are always fun days, and today was no exception. It was the perfect way to wind down after such a bus...

Today was a typical Tuesday for me, which means appointments, a quick trip to the nail salon, and donuts. But this time, I decided to keep things simple. My kids stayed at home, so it was just me and Coco heading to the appointment. Coco, as always, behaved wonderfully—he's becoming quite the pro at these outings. At the appointment, I made a small mistake. Wanting to be nice, I tried to interact with some kids who were there with their mom, waiting for their turn. It didn't go quite as planned, but sometimes, being friendly doesn't always land the way you expect.  After the appointment, I decided to make a stop at the fitness center on the way home with Coco. I checked out some tennis classes, paddled a stationary bike for a bit, and took Coco for a walk around the area. He did a great job, enjoying the fresh air and the activity. The rest of the day was spent at home with the kids. It was a regular day, but what made it special was the cool weather. It’s been a while sinc...

Yesterday, despite an unexpected injury, turned out to be a day full of small joys and accomplishments. The day was dry but hot, and though my activity was limited, I made the most of it by staying in the shade. Even then, I found myself sweating, with my hair sticking to my back, a constant reminder of the summer heat. In the morning, after taking the kids to their swimming class and treating them to ice cream, I managed to plant three new plants. It felt satisfying to see them in the ground, adding a touch of green to our yard. Later, I covered the trampoline with a tarp, creating a perfect shaded spot for the kids to play all day long. Their laughter was the best background music as I moved landscaping lights and tidied up. As the evening approached, I was busy cleaning up and organizing tools, ladders, steps, and wires. I used the right side of the house to move items from the garage to the basement. The day was winding down, but my tasks were not yet complete. I gathered the kids...

Yesterday was finally another hot but not humid day, perfect for gardening. I had a few tasks to tackle, but the highlight was receiving the first of two trampoline boxes. As Thursdays are cleaning days for the early Friday trash pickup, I spent the day gathering both indoor and outdoor trash. Today was even more exciting because the second trampoline box arrived! All gardening and bush trimming tasks were paused as my oldest son eagerly assembled the trampoline. My daughter helped when she could, though she was a bit cranky and glued to her phone. However, after eating and bouncing on the trampoline, she transformed into the happiest kid ever, jumping and listening to music until almost 11 PM. She didn't want to go home, but with a swim class the next day, she reluctantly went to bed. I gathered all the electronics and brought them inside, marveling at the backyard lights that beautifully illuminated the trampoline. However, the tranquility was disrupted when our exquisite neighbo...