Louie in Tennessee is aggrieved to learn that her friend in Alaska has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. So she writes to her and tries to offer her some encouragement and hope.
Saturday, October 8, 2005, 11:49 a.m., C.D.T. (Got a late start today! *giggle*)~
Dear Sikik Grace~
How wonderful it was to have heard from you again; however, I was aggrieved to learn of your having multiple sclerosis! How terrible! But I want to let you know that I will be praying for you, and I will also let you know that you aren't alone! There are many people with this disease, and thousands more are diagnosed with it each and every year! I was surprised at how many people have been diagnosed, and I have gotten involved with the MS Society because I know people who have multiple sclerosis, and I want to help spread the word, and bring hope to those affected. I know several people who have it, such as Sari Annike Gustaffssenn (now Constantinos) in Finland, M'Kaya Jefferson in New York City, and others, and it is because of them that I want to help.
But you DON'T have to suffer in silence. You can have a very happy and rewarding life if you wish to do so. Your life is "NOT over", as you put it in your letter. Sure, MS and its manifestations CAN make life difficult when you are flaring, but your life is NOT over, not by a long shot!! I will be sending you some information about MS, and I will be sending you some brochures and flyers; and I will also be sending you a listing of local chapters in Alaska (and across the rest of the U.S.) that you can get into direct contact with; and they will be able to help you. Don't suffer in silence, and don't be afraid to ask for help! That is what friends are for, and if I could physically come up there to Alaska, I WOULD in a New York SECOND! But my kids and my job keep me grounded, and I was going to come up to Alaska sometime in the spring of next year, but now we will be unable to because we cancelled our cruise, and the money we got back, we donated it to the Red Cross to help the hurricane victims. We thought it was the only right thing to do. So we will have to start saving for an Alaskan cruise all over again, and if all goes well, we are shooting for 2007 to take our Alaskan cruise with the family.
I will be lifting your name up in prayer, and if you wish, I will be adding your name to our prayer chain at Christ Community Assembly of God, my church, and I can have my Church Family pray for you. We are huge believers in the Power of the Holy Spirit, and we are huge believers in the Power of Prayer! Prayer DOES work, and we have seen it for ourselves! You can't go through this just by yourself! You need people to stand behind you, and you need the support! So let me continue TO be your friend during this difficult time, and if you need ANYTHING, you can call me or email me, as we have been doing since we started writing one another!
Please give me a call sometime; I miss your sweet little-girl giggle, and I miss your voice! I would really love to hear from you, even if it is only for you to cry and let it out! I will listen, and I WILL be your friend as you go through this hard time! I love you!
(((HUGS))) and prayers!~
As always, your friend in Tennessee, Louie May Sandusky. :( >tears<
Beautiful love and support shown here, Karen - as ever! :)) We ALL must learn to live one day at a time and to take each momentary gift and blessing as it comes... and to realise that moments of pain will come and go and not last forever. Empathy that is active with not only encouragement but practical offers of help and friendship - such things are to be valued almost as highly as the good health we so often take for granted anyway. Bless you and thank you. Kate xx
lovely writing Karen; my very close friend is recovering from transverse myelitis and she has to live with the fact that it could re-occur as MS
Take care
Brian
wonderful and so full of encouragement Karen, great write!
love and peace, Carole
Reviewed by Tracey O'
10/8/2005
Karen,
this is a very touching and loving letter Very hopeful and full of encouragement. It is wonderful.xoox (c :) MS runs in my family.. two uncles have got it. One deceased now but the other is taking some heart medication which is slowing down the MS. I wish I could remember the name of the medication it's a really simple one. MS... No your life is not over & with modern medicines and technology we will soon have this one beat too. IT is a sad crippling disease though to watch lively people lose coordination slowly very heartbreaking and frustrating to all. But like I told my uncles it doesn't matter to me if you can jump over the Grand Canyon or if your poppin' wheelies in a wheel chair you're still my cool uncle and always will be that. I see YOU not the disease. Your soul mind and heart will always be who you are. That's what makes You, You.
Thank You so much for this kindest most loving letter you have written here it will touch many and encourage them through too.
You are a very kind lady Miss Carin' Karen.
My love for you,
Tracey xoox (c :) 42
I wish the world had more Louies and Graces - such compassion and love they have for each other - its amazing! Another excellent compassionate letter, Karen! Well written!
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