Travis White
Travis Bikes America 
When I was a kid, I remember my mother saying, “Everybody’s
got something.” She didn’t say it
frequently but often enough that I remember. Since it was often accompanied
with a sigh and maybe a sad-eyed look, I always assumed it had negative
connotations as in, “Everybody’s got a cross to bear.”
I gradually learned that my Mom’s words also had another
layer of meaning. It wasn’t just that you’ve got something – you also need to
deal with it. She was a practical woman – and a strong-willed woman – and she
meant, “Don’t spend too much time whining and complaining. Everybody’s got
something – you’re not a special case. Just get on with it.”
My Mom’s words came to mind when I was diagnosed with MS in
2008. Since I was 58 at the time and generally healthy, I was stunned. But
then, I’ve always been a late bloomer. So what did my Mom – now long dead –
have to say to me? Pretty simple:
“Everybody’s got something – just get on with it.”
So, I’ve been trying to get on with it. I was angry for a
while but then decided that anger was getting me nowhere. Like my Mom, I’m a
fairly practical person and I realized that it’s not practical to waste any
time being bitter. So, as much as possible, I stopped being angry and focused
on what I could do rather than what I couldn’t do. (I should say that I have a
relatively mild case – relapsing-remitting – and my main goal is to avoid a
relapse).
As I focused on staying healthy, I realized that my mother’s
words had yet another layer of meaning. As she might say, “We’re all different
but we’re all God’s children and everybody’s got something to contribute.” We
all have problems to face but we all have something positive to contribute as
well.
So what can I contribute? Well, I have a background in
marketing and I’m pretty good at asking people for money. I decided that I
could contribute by raising money for the National MS Society. So far, I’ve
raised about $40,000. I also enjoy writing and I’d like to contribute my
thoughts for this blog. Maybe what I’ve learned will be useful to others as
well. As my Mom would say, “Everybody’s got something.” Turns out she was
right.
I'm glad our something (MS) has you. I like your positive attitude. Since we really have no control over getting MS, we should certainly control the things we can--attitude, nutrition, exercise, etc.
ReplyDeleteJulie
http://lazyjulie.blogspot.com
Good to hear from another "late bloomer". As Ms. Baker said, all we can control is our attitude and affect what we can. All the best with your fund raising.
ReplyDeleteFrom Terminator Salvation:
"This is John Connor. And if you're [reading] this, you are the Resistance."
Hi Travis.... this is really how I feel about MS too. I have made a link to your post in my blog. http://lumpycustard101.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/great-post.html
ReplyDeleteWhat MS Ride are you doing? I was dx 10 yrs ago and will participate in my 3rd this April...Homestead to Key Largo!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous post! I was a "late bloomer" too (my diagnosis was at age 55, almost 2 years ago) and I know how easy it is to get all wrapped up in our own problems. So many people out there with troubles far worse than mine, God bless you and God bless your Mother.
ReplyDeleteRelieved to see other "late bloomers," a term I like much better than late-onset. I was diagnosed when I was 50 and living in Nairobi, no less. I'm R-R too. Every time I go to my MS clinic and see people who are in worse shape than I, I feel humbled.
ReplyDeleteLike you, my Dad also shaped my thinking with his saying, "Everything works out for the best." I'm not sure how having M.S. works out for the best, but my Dad's words taught me to "Make the best of everything."
ReplyDeleteHannah P.S.
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