Daily Reminders

We are all forgetful. I know that and with age this becomes increasingly worse. Kick in an added life altering disease, and you've got yourself starring in a daily game of Where Did I Leave My Mind.

 So, my advice to you is to keep on top of your MS. Read about it, talk about it, write about  it. 

I compare this (loosely) to the journey into puberty and adolescents.What on earth is she talking about? I am sure you are asking yourself this question. What could multiple sclerosis possibly have in common with puberty? Nothing maybe, other than this is what my dear son is battling right now and I was just hoping that he could figure it out on his own.

Stupid Plan!

I remember THE BOOK that my mother handed my brother and me when it was time for our big talk. I read obediently to myself and then I helped my younger sibling with a second reading. Our next assignment was to go to Mom with questions/comments/concerns. Tracy, my brother, had no problem with that. I, on the other hand declined any one-on-one concerning the subject. 

Now I am faced with helping my child through this period of life.

So...I bought him his own BOOK and felt rather relieved when my dearest and oldest friend assured me that this was the very tome that her boys (now grown) adhered to.

I've know this girl all my life. We have been involved in many childhood/teen/young adult adventures. I've always known she had a much more adventurous streak in her, but I have always trusted her judgment. She warned me that this BOOK differs a bit from what we were given. 

No kidding! I read last night after everyone else  had retired and truly hoped that no one was looking over my should because I know my cheeks were red with embarrassment.

Was I such a prude? I asked myself this repeatedly. My friend assured me that I will probably be much more uncomfortable talking about this with my son than he will be; and that he will eventually be grateful for my candor. I certainly hope so.

The BOOK I speak of is Lynda Madara's "The What's Happening to My Body?" Book for Boys.

I don't know if I would have been ready for such a liberal approach to such a delicate topic, but the more I read and the more I reflect on today's youth, I tend to appreciate the honesty that Lynda Madaras uses in her book.

So, what does this have to do with My MS, My Story? It's a daily reminder that we need to be aware of the ever changing dichotomy of life. MS is no longer viewed as an institutionalizing condition. Puberty is not a silent topic. Let's educate ourselves in order to better understand our place in society.