May is Multiple Sclerosis awareness month

Recently I found myself watching a person walk. It seems so effortless and easy and sometimes powerful. It’s almost artistic in some way. One leg in front of the other seemingly floating on top of the ground. It’s so simple that the person is not even paying attention to those legs moving. It’s similar to an involuntary muscle like the heart or lungs that function without thought. You could literally stare into a phone and continue to generate motion and go where ever you want to go. I can never do that.

I’m looking at the person from the side so I see the power in the motion one foot in front of the other.

There’s a lady on my street whom walks to work most days and I nicknamed her the fast walker (inventive eh). To me she represents power because she appears to walk effortlessly. Her arms move back and forth and her hair swings side to side and she moves so quickly. I admire the way she walks it looks so easy for her.

I am envious.

I wish I could do that to not think about where my next step is going. To just simply walk without thinking about every step. If I lose concentration when walking I run the risk of weaving, losing my balance, or falling.

Every time I see my neurologist she makes me do a walking test; she’s checking my gait. And timing how long it takes me to go from one point to another. My stance I’ve noticed is getting wider and it takes longer to walk between those points.

She noticed too and suggested that I get a cane. I’ve only used it twice since that recommendation as I don’t use one for daily excursions. I did use it when I went to an art exhibit with moving projections on the wall. I knew I’d need it then just as a reference aid to the floor. Balance is an issue when there is nothing stationary to focus on.

And just the other day I used it when I took my granddaughter to the symphony – just her and I. I did not need it this time as I held my granddaughter’s hand most of the time or she held mine. She actually “used” the cane more than I did. We had a great time together.

As a person with MS I am aware of my limitations going out alone with my granddaughter. I have to take care of her and I take all possible considerations to ensure that. That’s why I brought my cane, it’s the only advantage I could make to provide that for her. But she’s 12 and I’m not sure who’s looking after who.

Its MS awareness month:

Be aware that approximately 75% of those diagnosed are female
Be aware there is no known cause or cure
Be aware that MS presents itself differently to each person
Be aware that life does not end at diagnosis
Be aware that finding love is still possible
Be aware that volunteering makes YOU feel better
Be aware that research will find a cure
Be aware that donations fund research
Be aware that 27 years after diagnosis I still enjoy life
Be aware that being positive manifests positive outcomes
Be aware that yoga helps

AhiMSa
Be safe