Columns A Life in Letters – a Column by Jamie Hughes This Too Shall Pass This Too Shall Pass by Jamie Hughes | September 15, 2017 Share this article: Share article via email Copy article link I posted this meme on social media last week with the caption “Current Life Status,” hoping a laugh might help matters. I’m sorry to say things didn’t improve afterward. I’m not a Debbie Downer or a Sad Sack by nature, and I don’t often write about my struggles here because, well, those of us with multiple sclerosis are already fighting a pretty tough battle. You come here to be encouraged, to be informed or to be reminded that you are not alone. To that end, I strive to be a source of humor and levity, to brighten your day a little bit with the words I clack out of a keyboard. Basically, my theme song last week was Monica’s video, “Don’t Take It Personal (Just One of Dem Days),” not because of MS, but because of my kiddos. I’ll save you the drama and just give a précis of the situation. My husband and I adopted two brothers from foster care this year. (For the purposes of this piece, I’ll call them Thing One and Thing Two.) The adoption was finalized this April, but we’ve had them in our home for two years. And, brother, those 731 days have been challenging, to say the least. Thing One is profoundly deaf, so we’ve had to learn how to be caregivers for a special-needs child. Thing Two is highly intelligent and very strong-willed, a combination that — as of now — has proven to be as delightful as orange juice and toothpaste. Last week consisted of two visits to their school, one to meet with a teacher and guidance counselor about Thing Two’s disruptive and defiant behaviors. The other was an IEP meeting for Thing One, who is struggling academically. After two years of pouring everything I have into them, it’s tough to be told that though they are improving, it’s far less than I expected. In a way, parenting is like growing and harvesting saffron — laborious, tedious, and exasperating. And last week was just one of those times when I was so tired that it was tough to keep an eye on the end game. But, believe it or not, having multiple sclerosis actually gives me a greater perspective on life’s struggles. MS is no picnic, mind you. When I was first diagnosed, I honestly thought my life was over. Doctors offered cold comfort at best, and the internet was, well, the internet. No, if I’m honest, it was a digital “Swamp of Sadness” that threatened to drag me down like its character Artax. It was other MS patients who gave me true solace, who told me it was going to be OK. One woman, a friend of a friend, took the time to reach out and call me. I can’t thank her enough for her kindness. Not only did she provide me with accurate information about medicine and therapy options, but also she told me she’d had the disease for eight years and was doing well. “Your life’s not over,” she told me. “It’ll just be different from now on.” I won’t make it eight years, I thought despondently at the time. But I did. Now, I’m 12 years past that lowest of low moments and still going strong. As Langston Hughes wrote in “Mother to Son,” “I’se still goin’, honey, / I’se still climbin’, / And life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.” Days like the ones I had last week can undo a person who has never faced real struggles and challenges — who has never stared down something terrible and spit in its metaphorical eye. But I have. I’ve been through something worse than a couple of cantankerous pipsqueaks and come through it smiling. That kind of perspective is invaluable, and it’s one of the reasons I’m glad multiple sclerosis came into my life. The transformation I’m hoping with my kids might be slower than I’d like, but one day “a change is gonna come.” And thanks to MS, I know I’m strong enough to see it through to the end. *** Note: Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Multiple Sclerosis News Today or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis. Print This Page About the Author Jamie Hughes Jamie A. Hughes is a writer-editor living in Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband, two sons, and a trio of very needy cats. She was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS in 2004 when she was just 25 years old. A lover of words since birth, she wasn’t about to let two little letters get her down. They don’t get the last word. And that’s why she writes her column — to help those dealing with MS to live more thoughtful, hopeful, and inspired lives. Tags adverse events, challenges Comments TJ Gordon I hope you have less challenging days & more enjoyable ones with your two boys. Reply Jamie Hughes TJ, both of them are amazing little fellas considering all they've come through, and it's a pleasure to get to raise them and watch them grow and flourish. But there are just some days when you get bogged down in the weeds that it is very easy to lose long-term vision. However, most days are wins, and things keep getting better and better. Thank you for the kind words and well wishes. Reply Gulnar Qurbanova You are a hero! Reply Jamie Hughes I wouldn't say that, but thank you for the high praise, Gulnar. I'm just a person failing over and over again who chooses to get up and try again and again. :) Reply Linda Evans I can totally relate to piece of writing. The days, weeks or moments of struggle that make you question. What am I fighting here ? Why am I fighting ? Can I keep fighting ? But, the biggest reward comes at the end of each fight. I've made it yet again and guaranteed to have learnt something from the down time. I sometimes think, ms has dragged me so far down to reality and constantly having to assess what is and isn't ok for me that you so appreciate such small things. I really mean it too. I cry harder, I hurt harder, I struggle harder BUT, I LAUGH SO MUCH HARDER THAN EVER. Reply Jamie Hughes Linda, that is so true! We appreciate things differently when our health is compromised. We see things more deeply, appreciate them more fully. And that, in some strange way, is really a gift. Glad to hear the piece resonated with you. Be blessed on the journey! Reply Karen Thank you for this article. I have had several challenges in life and each one brought joys greater than any easier time ever provided. I find that friends on the other side of the rabbit hole often don't see the good side of the struggle and I must explain and share it with them. And each challenge has prepared me to better handle the next AND has deepened my awareness to embrace the joy hidden within. I have enjoyed more than 50 years of deep friendship with my brother's wife (he died more than 40 years ago...he was my best friend and his passing devastated me). I felt God's presence at my Mother's passing. My Mother in Law lived with us in her later years and although the challenges were tremendous, the funny memories far outweigh the tough times. I could go on and on but in summary? MS is just another opportunity to more deeply enjoy family, friends, home, the outdoors and all that life offers. Reply Jamie Hughes Beautifully said, Karen. Glad to hear the article resonated with you! Reply Leave a comment Fill in the required fields to post. Your email address will not be published. Your Name Your Email Your Comment Post Comment
April 19, 2024 News by Lindsey Shapiro, PhD AAN 2024: Long-term data support early Kesimpta start in relapsing MS
April 18, 2024 Columns by Benjamin Hofmeister Learning how to write a ‘SOAP’ note feels different after an MS diagnosis
April 18, 2024 News by Marisa Wexler, MS AAN 2024: Sustained myelin, nerve cell gains with long-term CNM-Au8