If our MS lives were like Hollywood, what makes a movie a classic?

I turn 49 next week. The fact that I’m in middle age already is unbelievable. I don’t think of myself as old. My mileage might be a little high, but I’m not old. I suppose I could consider myself to be vintage, like clothing, or perhaps even classic, like a timeless movie.

I think I prefer classic over vintage. Being timeless implies that a film’s age isn’t what makes it a classic. Rather, it might be the film’s message, the impact it has on society and culture, or the fact that it remains burned in our memories. I have those qualities only if people’s memories include the impacts I’ve had with the floor, but I’d still rather claim to be classic than old.

Despite my ego, this column really isn’t about me. It’s not about classic films, either, although today is National Classic Movie Day. Instead, it’s about the people I consider to be my mentors or guides during my time with multiple sclerosis (MS). These folks are my classic inspirations, and you might even be one of them. When I’m not trying to sound clever in my columns, I’m usually asking questions I’ve heard or read from others with this disease and seeking answers in the comments below.

You likely have mentors, too, and you very well may be a classic like me. If you’ve ever asked or answered a question about MS, if you’ve ever given or sought advice, or just validated someone by telling them that you feel the same as they do, then you are as classic and timeless as any film.

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Telling the whole story

According to the National Day Calendar, classic movies share several common characteristics. I’d like to highlight two of them and draw comparisons with people who have MS and are classic inspirations.

First, classic movies “tell a story through iconic characters that inspire us.” “Story” is the key word here. If I ask for advice or just commiseration, I want your story, your personal experience, rather than the textbook answer. I can get the latter from my neurologist, but he doesn’t have MS. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Documentaries have their place, but they aren’t classic movies.

Second, classic movies “contain ideas we can relate to and that seem relevant to our current lives.” I realize that our similarities sometimes begin and end with the name of our disease, but our stories and ideas can still be relevant to one another. Symptoms, frustrations, and workarounds are all relatable, no matter what level of disability we’re at.

Don’t be afraid to share the good as well as the bad. If you hide negative details from the audience, they won’t see the entire film. Be a classic inspiration to others with multiple sclerosis.

Actually, come to think of it, maybe I’m more of a a cult classic.

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.