September 11, 2018 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson The Legacy I Hope to Leave Behind Death. It will come to each of us; this is an indisputable truth. The recent deaths of Aretha Franklin and Sen. John McCain are the inspiration for this week’s column. As I watched and listened to…
August 14, 2018 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson The Reflection of Me: A Daughter’s Tribute in the Face of MS The journey of chronic illness has taught me that our families are greatly affected by our illnesses. Spouses, parents, siblings, and many others can attest to their personal stories of loving someone who is chronically ill. My inspiration…
August 7, 2018 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson Revelations Learned in My Aha! Moments Have you ever asked yourself, “What am I supposed to do with my life?” or, “How did I get here?” I have asked these questions several times throughout my existence. Those questions regurgitated at the occurrence of every…
July 31, 2018 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson Making Myself a Priority Last week, I wrote about climbing through grief. This week, I will focus on what I learned in the throes of the cycle of grief. Several people share the opinion that I do too much. My cousin…
July 24, 2018 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson I Climb Through Grief from the Bottom Up It has been a while since I’ve written a column. Within one month, two of my relatives have passed away. Spiritually, I believe in eternal life. However, in my earthly existence, death has left its sting. Multiple deaths,…
June 19, 2018 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson The Importance of a Positive Support Network In July 2017, I participated in a Facebook chat for MS News Today entitled “The Importance of Support And Positive Influences.” The chat was created to prompt a discussion on the necessity of support and resources for…
June 5, 2018 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson Claiming My MS and Accepting the Reality of My Disease Growing up in a spiritual family, I can remember hearing the words “we are not going to claim it.” These were words of comfort, hope, and support when a catastrophic event was impending. The dictum was to pray,…
May 22, 2018 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson MS and Mental Illness: The World Needs You Spring has sprung! As I look around, Mother Earth is in bloom. Trees are sprouting new leaves, plants are growing, and the grass is green once again. I love spring and all that it represents — hopes for new…
May 8, 2018 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson My Solemn Truth on Pain and Suffering As some have said, “Pain is inevitable; suffering is optional.” I believe I am an optimistic, grateful, and spiritual woman. With that said, I must acknowledge that I have an irresolute reaction when I hear that suffering is…
April 24, 2018 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson This Was Me Before Multiple Sclerosis: A Letter to MS At times I find myself speaking of and referencing my life before my MS diagnosis. My thoughts led to the creation of the following epistle. I believe that words are curative and the spirit absorbs what we speak.
April 10, 2018 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson A Message of Hope from a Firefly While growing up, I loved seeing fireflies (or lightning bugs, as I called them) at night. My friends and I would chase them, trying to grasp one. There was something about the light and their ability to…
March 27, 2018 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson Moving Forward After MS Awareness Month We are approaching the conclusion of National Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month, but those of us with MS know that the responsibility to educate is unending. I was pondering what my topic would be this week. As…
March 20, 2018 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson ‘I’m Tired’ Does Not Mean ‘I Quit’ I made an unexpected appearance at the emergency room this week, which culminated in a short hospital stay. I have been ailing for weeks, making the conscious choice to live each day as best I can. Managing pain…
March 13, 2018 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson Living Just for Today Last week, I wrote about the incessant emotions of MS and chronic illness. This week, I will focus on living in the present moment. Remaining on a quest to continue the depiction of real life with MS…
March 6, 2018 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson The Ride Doesn’t Stop: MS-related Emotions Revisited “What is wrong with you?” I have been asked this question numerous times by significant people in my life. The most recent was a few days ago. The question usually occurs during the times I have an emotional…
February 27, 2018 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson The Sun Shall Rise I had the flu for several days, and it was disastrous. So, I did not write last week. I hope you missed the column as much as I missed writing it and hearing from you. Several of…
February 13, 2018 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson Intimacy, Marriage, and Chronic Illness Intimacy is defined as close familiarity and/or friendship. It can also describe an act. We have intimate relationships with the people in our lives. Those intimate relationships strengthen us as we travel the arduous path of chronic illness.
February 6, 2018 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson I Choose to Address Chronic Illness on My Terms Who decides how we choose to chronicle our journey of illness? I have thought about this for the past few days. Many people believe that sharing the negative aspects of illness exacerbates fear and pessimism. The mindset is…
January 23, 2018 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson Look to the Hills: Words of Encouragement from a Cancer Survivor to an MS Warrior We endured another devastating loss this week. My beloved sister-in-law, a cancer survivor whom I affectionately called sister, passed away. Although we knew her disease was terminal, she passed away unexpectedly in her sleep. Death is never easy,…
January 16, 2018 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson The Stigma Surrounding Depression Lots of columns and articles look at issues surrounding the topics of depression and mental health-related disorders. I have referenced them in various columns. What saddens me is the stigma surrounding depression that prevails in our society.
April 15, 2024 Columns by Leigh Anne Nelson What does ‘delicate balance’ mean in my life with multiple sclerosis?