Desiree
I question why your words were brought to me during this
time of my life. I question why your words weren’t given to me sooner. I
question if your knowledge could of prevented my baby girl from succumbing to
the turmoil she lives with every day. I keep questioning why and the only
answer I have been shown are your words.
Arlena, my beautiful baby girl is 24, was diagnosed with
Multiple Sclerosis. I know nothing of MS, I cannot come up with something to
say to her unless I shadow her with ignorance. She hurts. She cries. She wishes
for the end. She struggles. She’s scared. I cannot give her anything other than
a hug, and words telling her that it will be okay.
A nurse at the hospital told me of your blog, and pointed me
to the right address to find you. I live west of Dublin, Ireland in a town
called Celbridge. I have tried finding local voices to hear regarding MS, but
the best thing I have seen and the best words I have read have been yours. I
have been able to read everything you have written; sometimes twice. I have
seen your picture, and I cannot explain to you the drastic resemblance you have
to Arlena, but Arlena has auburn hair, and wears glasses.
I have read your words to her, and she feels like she can be
like you. She wants to be like you. She sees your pictures and sees your smile,
but she told me that you do not look sick. She told me that she cannot see how
you can be just like her but look like a normal healthy girl. She cried and
begged me to contact you.
Please, anything you can give. Words of comfort. Words of
hope. Anything. Arlena needs it. I need it. Please.
Sebastian
Sebastian:
I cannot explain to you the emotions that hit me while
reading your e-mail. Quite honestly, I never knew that those living on other
continents would be exposed to my writing. However, I am happy that you found
my blog. Primarily, I am happy that my posts have given you the knowledge and
comfort you’ve been searching for. I am going to write a letter to Arlena, but
please realize that my words are for you both.
Arlena:
You are a strong, courageous, determined young woman. Though
you may feel like your life is over, though you may feel like it would be
easier to give up, though you may feel like the pain is too much to take,
though you may feel inadequate, and though you struggle daily, please know that
you can continue to prosper. You can continue to grow. You can continue to lead
a happy and fulfilled life. Most importantly, you can accomplish the goals you
had set forth prior to your diagnosis.
I know you’re scared. I was scared, too. There are times now
that I become terrified at what is happening to me, but that terror only lasts
for so long. My best advice for you is to empower yourself with knowledge. The
more knowledge you have, the less likely you are to enjoy your blissful
ignorance and the more likely you are to knock your MS battle down and prove
that you may have MS, but it DOES NOT have you.
You are Arlena. You ultimately will shape your future. You will be surprised at what you can
accomplish despite having a horrible disease.
Never give up. Ever. You can do much more than you realize.
I promise.
You have an incredible support system, and that support
system will be there to pick you up when you fall and will be there to
celebrate your triumphs. I am always here to answer questions or listen to your
concerns. Please read my post, "Seven Years." It may shed some light on what I have done to "prove" others wrong - even myself.
Yes, I do look like a healthy, normal girl. Looking at me, it is very hard to realize that I have MS. I have my good days and bad days. My bad days, however, are never spent alone, and your bad days won't be spent alone, either. I have spent numerous years leading a relatively normal life. I promise you that your life is not over. In fact, your life is just getting started, and your character will be reflected with your overall determination and emotion regarding this road block you've been handed.
At the end of the day, you ultimately want to be a normal,
healthy young woman with every goal achieved, every desire turned into a
reality, and every step moving forward into the right direction. Arlena, you
can do everything you wish, and you can turn your desires and dreams into a
reality.
Never forget, however, that nothing worth having comes easy.
Hold your head up high, take a deep breath, and know that
you have been and are being prepared for something much greater.
I promise…
