Re: what is normal anyway?

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Posted by Diana on November 09, 2000 at 13:53:10:

In Reply to: Re: what is normal anyway? posted by MeeMee on November 05, 2000 at 18:09:10:

: Heather,

: I am sorry that you seem to have a dilemma on your mind. I may not be the best person to respond to your concerns but I will give it a try. I don’t always consider myself to be “normal” in the first place. I teach the visual arts, I pride myself on being an individual and having acceptance of others for what they are and not what they are not, and I hope to be accepted on those terms myself. Having MS has given me some doubts, concerns, challenges and heartache as well as physical discomfort. For the most part I have told mostly family of my illness, some friends and some coworkers. I will need to begin to let more/others know of my disease because it has been affecting my balance, coordination and stamina more and more. What I will want is for others to be understanding but I also know that I cannot control a number of factors that they will deal with; misunderstandings, their own fears, pity, etc. One day at a time is an old saying that does not always set well with me, but it almost seems to be true to what my life is about. Try to be confident in who you are, what you are able to do, and with explaining to those who care, and having hope maybe your search for others viewing you as “normal” will become more of personal search for you accepting yourself the best that you can. What I have learned to understand about my life with my MS is that it’s almost as if I am going through a grieving process, losing part of myself and what I have been to what I am becoming now. Try to be strong. Try to realize that not only do you have limitations but others do as well.
: Best of looking for your love of life.
: MeeMee

Dear MeeMee,
That was wonderful. You couldn't have said it any better. Thanks.

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Re: what is normal anyway? Marilyn 15:15:13 12/21/00 (0)

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: : Heather, : : I am sorry that you seem to have a dilemma on your mind. I may not be the best person to respond to your concerns but I will give it a try. I don’t always consider myself to be “normal” in the first place. I teach the visual arts, I pride myself on being an individual and having acceptance of others for what they are and not what they are not, and I hope to be accepted on those terms myself. Having MS has given me some doubts, concerns, challenges and heartache as well as physical discomfort. For the most part I have told mostly family of my illness, some friends and some coworkers. I will need to begin to let more/others know of my disease because it has been affecting my balance, coordination and stamina more and more. What I will want is for others to be understanding but I also know that I cannot control a number of factors that they will deal with; misunderstandings, their own fears, pity, etc. One day at a time is an old saying that does not always set well with me, but it almost seems to be true to what my life is about. Try to be confident in who you are, what you are able to do, and with explaining to those who care, and having hope maybe your search for others viewing you as “normal” will become more of personal search for you accepting yourself the best that you can. What I have learned to understand about my life with my MS is that it’s almost as if I am going through a grieving process, losing part of myself and what I have been to what I am becoming now. Try to be strong. Try to realize that not only do you have limitations but others do as well. : : Best of looking for your love of life. : : MeeMee : Dear MeeMee, : That was wonderful. You couldn't have said it any better. Thanks.