Blondie

This board is the first place I come to in the mornings, and I come back often during the day. I have learned a lot here. People have made me cry, smile, and laugh out loud. I read and post on three other MS forums, but NT by far is the best.

For the past six years, my MS has been going downhill. As each new thing develops I wallow for awhile in self-pity, then I try to figure out how to either make it better, get around it, or live with it.

My biggest supporter has been my husband. We were married two years when I was diagnosed with MS. Many a time he has pulled me up, physically and emotionally. Then last December, Montana came into our lives. This big, black Lab brought me out of the shell I was living in.

I used to read avidly, usually had three books going at once. ON made it uncomfortable to read, so I started going online more. I even started a blog, which has turned out to be loads of fun. I got on MySpace (got my DH hooked on it, too) and Facebook.

I listen to music (Sugarland is my top favorite), I'm knitting a lap robe for a friend who's in a wheelchair and a stocking cap for my grandson.

I used to love walking and hiking. Those are the two things I regret the most that MS took away from me.

I've got a lovely extended family. Visiting them has made the effort of travel worthwhile. They are so good to me and for me. Every one of them is physically fit and very active. I can't go walking or hiking with them, but they always manage to include me in something while we're together. Like strolling on the boardwalk in Ocean City, NJ, or riding the ski-lift up the mountain in NH. They always figure out something I can do with them, and I love them for it.

So, you get knocked down and somehow you keep getting back up again. You always have to get back up again.