Nona Benton is my name.  I live in Las Cruces, New Mexico, with my husband, Elmer, and our youngest daughters, Emma and Abbie, who are twins (they are seventeen).  We also have a son, Georg, and another daughter, Ophelia, who live on their own with their own families.  

Yes, I am a grandma.  Six times!  My six grandchildren range in age from three months on up to six years old.  I love them all so much!  I have five grandsons: Eian (3 months); Corbin (2 years); Talon (3 years); Drake and Dryson (4; they're twins), and one granddaughter: Ronee' (6).

They are all so beautiful!

I go to church and out to eat as long as my own health will allow it.  See, I have multiple sclerosis that really plays havoc with my body sometimes.  I cannot walk for long distances, so whenever I am out, I use my electric scooter, which has been a godsend; for shorter trips or around the house, I use my crutches.

I have had MS for the past fifteen years.  It is a pain in the behind, but compared to a lot of people who have it, I am stsill able to get around (with help) and can manage some of the worst symptoms most of the time with the help of medication.  It does flare up sometimes and when it does, I usually spend my time in bed until the flare passes (usually in a few days).

My husband and kids are very good to me.  They all live close by, so they can check up on me whenever we need something from the store or have things like mailing our mail, getting the mail from the mail box at the end of our driveway, and such done.  In addition, Georg will run me to the doctor's or pharmacy if Elmer or the twins, or Ophelia cannot do it.

Even with my health problems, I am so blessed.  I can go to church every Sunday and visit with my Christian brothers and sisters, sing in the choir, go out to eat every Friday (if my health allows it), and send words of encouragement via cards or e-mail, to let my friends know that I am praying for them, even when I have my own trials to contend with.

I don't know why God allowed me to have MS, but I refuse to let it live ME.  I am a woman with MS; I am NOT my MS.  I want people to know that I am a person, first and foremost, and if they can't accept me for me, then I'm better off without them.  I try to honor God in any way I can and I even thank Him in the lean times because He's allowed me to go through the fire numerous times.  I have emerged through these fires a little scorched, but better and stronger than ever before!

Well, Ronee' and Talon, who are over visiting,  want to go to the store with Elmer, so I'd best be going.  I am going to the store as well.  It will be nice to get out; it's rained for the past few days, but today is partly cloudy and I want to get out while the weather is nice.  I hope you enjoyed reading my story.  I will write in here again soon; until later, this is Nona Benton saying so long and God bless!

~Love, your new friend from New Mexico, Nona.  :)

~To be continued.~