april1848

I had two happy days at work and just had to share. For those of you who don't know me, I left a job a few months ago because of the way my boss acted when I told him I had MS, because he told everyone he knows that I have it, for telling me to go on Disability, etc. I was blessed to have found a job, and later I found out they hired me knowing I have MS, from my old boss.

I still count my lucky stars and to thank God for landing me at this place everyday. I am probably their most loyal employee for what they have done for me, and I have been working my butt off for them.

Yesterday I had my three month evaluation. It was great! My boss used words like "she's a leader not a follower" "very good understanding of the needs of the community" "ambition and drive" and "she has a wealth of knowledge to share with the company". My favorite was "she has nothing but the best in mind for her clients." The thing was a book so I'm not going to repeat it, but I had to toot my own horn a little. I'm PROUD.

I have put my heart and soul into this job and I forgot what it feels like to be appreciated at work. This is a HUGE deal to me. I was treated so poorly at the last one that I got used to it. It made me lose self-confidence and it made me incredibley depressed. It pervaded every part of my life. I also felt worthless and I was terrified that I was unable to work at all.

I am relishing in the fact that I am doing a good job and that it doesn't pass unnoticed. I relish in the fact that they not only know I have MS, but have offered to pay a third of my huge deductible every year. I relish the fact that I have my own handicapped parking spot (but I haven't used it yet) and that I have been offered every kind of accomodation. They let me do flex time, so it's easier to fit in doctor's appts and things like that. Honestly, my bosses are angels.

Today another nice thing happened at a staff meeting. I won the employee of the month award! It's just a piece of paper and a small cash prize, but it meant the world to me. The main reason I got it was my rapport with my clients.

Two jobs ago I worked at a different agency in the same field, and won the employee of the year award, and lots of cash along with it. I was thrilled, but this one means more. It means more because I earned it while knowing I have MS and while working my heart out even when my symptoms are bad. In my mind, this award was a lot more earned than the last one. I've won two smaller awards at this job, and I was asked to join one of the committees. I am extremely proud of myself. I never thought I'd get that feeling from a job again. I may not be able to work full time forever; I don't deny that,

Five months ago, at my last job, I would have laughed hard if someone had told me this would happen. I read somewhere, maybe an MS magazine, that you could nominate employers for treating their disabled employees well and for going above and beyond what the ADA requires. I'm going to look into that and nominate them, if it's not too late. In my opinion, especially as a former HR person, they deserve an award much more than I do.

Sorry about the length. I'm just extremely happy and I had to share with someone! Thank you for reading!

__________________
April
dx 9/07
Avonex started 11/07,
Stopped 4/10 due to no insurance.