A springtime downpour brings back memories of my biggest supporter
After my MS diagnosis, my grandma checked in every day to see how I was doing
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As I write this, the April showers that bring May flowers have brought forth a string of gloomy days here in central Texas. During days like these, I cannot help but be reminded of my grandma, who passed away about a year ago after a battle with dementia.
I remember my childhood spent in her backyard, tending to her abundance of plants and watching the flowers blossom after springtime downpours. These are the memories I will cherish for a lifetime and beyond.
As the oldest, I spent many beautiful days with my grandma, and the relationship we shared was one every child dreams of. We laughed, cried, and even irritated one another. The biggest turning point in our bond was when I was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
Before my diagnosis at age 17, I would spend a lot of time napping and lying down when I wasn’t busy with school-related responsibilities and chores. During the years leading up to my diagnosis and after my first episode of optic neuritis at 14, my fatigue gradually worsened, though I didn’t yet understand what fatigue really was. I also began to experience a taste of migraines.
A sense of calm
During this time, and even after my first episode of optic neuritis, neither my family nor I understood what was happening. I spent a lot of time at my grandma’s house, and she noticed my naps were increasing, which is when we began to butt heads. To anyone looking, I was simply being a lazy teenager, but it was my still undiagnosed multiple sclerosis that was zapping my energy. As my fatigue worsened, so did our bickering.
However, after my diagnosis, everything began to shift for the better. Many of my family members started to see me in a different light and better understand my behavior, especially my grandma. I remember feeling an unexpected sense of calm, even after receiving such life-changing news at such a young age.
This was largely because it gave me a clear answer during a time of so much uncertainty, and it gave my loved ones a window into my world and a deeper understanding of what was happening to my body, offering a sense of reassurance we hadn’t felt before.
My grandmother quickly became one of my biggest sources of support, checking in every day to see how I was doing and offering a steady hand through it all. Even when we didn’t see each other every day after I left for college, she always made a point of calling me to let me know she was thinking of me.
I keep her voicemails on my phone as a reminder that she’s still watching over me and making sure I’m OK. And as the rain comes down this April, I reminisce about all the beautiful moments we shared.
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, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.
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