MS....multiple sclerosis.....I had never given much thought  whenever I heard the phrase before.... But that all changed  drastically  in April of 2001..

For nearly two years prior to my visit  with a neurologist, I had been going to see various doctors  in an effort to learn why my right leg  wasn't  working like it should be;  it was becoming weaker, ( I was  walking like someone who had too many cocktails at Happy Hour, and I don't drink !)   I was concerned that I would loose the use of it, if someone couldn't find out what was  happening.....so, back to the doctors again. . .

The MRI films showed lesions in the  white matter in the "control center" of my brain-- Multiple sclerosis was something I hadn't considered  in my wildest dreams. And now, the neurologist was reviewing the results of the MRI scan of my brain, and his diagnosis, "Multiple sclerosis,"   became my reality.

Compared to what was normal for me before this visit to the doctor last April, my getting around (walking) is about the same.   I still make countless times  up and down our stairs, but  slowly. When we go out,  some times I use a walker or Jerry's arm for support, or the carts in the stores, if we're shopping.  I'm not in any pain,  but I do get tired more easily, and so I take naps sometimes when I feel that I should.

(Everybody should do that!  )

For the last two years  I've been on Copaxone, a  medication  designed to keep the disease from progressing, and I am holding my own. The disease is presently dormant, and that's good news!  And the plus side to all this is I have lots of time now for working on genealogy on my computer--which I am avidly interested in, as you probably  have guessed by now!-- and web page designing, 

But most important, this quality time at home  has given me an opportunity to study, examine, and deepen my faith in God.  My journey now is inward, and, like all my other "adventures", this one is so amazing!  

Several years earlier,  Jerry and I  became activists for the  moratorium on the death penalty and we  have made many new friends and acquaintances while so engaged with this work.   We  have learned a great deal -both for and against--from these contacts,  and  about the broken legal system in our state and nation.  I have a new Prison Pen Pal, my second one, and find it an extremely gratifying activity.   

Jerry and I shall continue  being involved in social justice and human rights work.  We have renewed our interest in the Palestinian struggle for peace and justice under the illegal Israeli occupation of Gaza and West Bank.

Write me if you would like to share  thoughts about MS, prison ministry, the death penalty, the current Palestinian/Israeli situation, etc.  

Lynette

07/26/2004