July 2012~

Howdy from hot and humid Charleston, South Carolina! 

This is Edwina ("Eddie") Garcia writing.  I hope this finds you well.

I am sorry for not writing in so long; for a while, I thought I was gonna buy the farm: I was in a very bad way.  I was bedridden and needed help with just about everything, but then I got a new medication that has finally eased the worst of my MS symptoms and I am again able to get around and function like a (semi) normal human being.

I'm not gonna lie to you and say I don't have my bad days, 'cause I DO.  Today just so happens to be a good day; I thank the Lord for that!  

That's another thing.  I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour.  I went to a friend's church (Pentecostal) and realized that I needed Jesus, so I asked Jesus to come into my heart.  He has helped me through the worst of my illness; I know He will never leave or forsake me, no matter what I happen to be facing.

The only thing I am wondering is this: "How long will it last this time?" (In this case, the remission from the worst of my MS symptoms.)  I should enjoy and thank God for the reprieve, but still: I can't help wondering from time to time.

I am no longer working.  I have finally gotten my disability: I got my first check last month and it has been a huge blessing.  It has been a lot easier for me to catch up on past due medical bills and to provide for my own personal needs.  I owe it all to God; He has had His hand on me, even when I have been downright ugly and nasty towrads Him.  I feel guilty whenever I think back to "my ugly days", but He is trying to help me work past that pain, and also the time when I was bedridden and so needy.

I am living with my mother; she has been a huge help to me, taking care of me when I have been so needy and being my biggest support system.  I lost my Papi last year: he had leukemia (cancer of the blood).  He lived six months after the diagnosis; he really suffered!  I miss him terribly; I know Mami does too, but we'll make through this together.  We cartainly aren't alone!

Well, my eyes are starting to weird out again, so I'm gonna head on out and lie down until they straighten themselves out.  That's one of the worst things of having a disease like MS: you never can do what you did before you got the diagnosis.  In my case, this is so very true .  Take care; until later, this is Edwinna Garcia saying peace out and God bless!

~Love, your friend in South Carolina, Eddie.  :)