I grew up in a home with 2 loving parents, lots of love, laughter, acceptance, and encouragement. Even then, we weren’t the typical American household. There was no cursing, swearing, gossiping, or prejudice allowed in our home. I thought everyone lived the same way.

When I left home to be on my own, I found that just wasn’t the way it was. It was a rude awakening for me to learn how other families lived with cursing and swearing accepted; gossiping about everyone and everything; prejudice concerning religion, national origin, race, and political preferences just to name a few. The mother spoke badly of the father, and the father was only there when he had to be or vice-versa. I praise the Lord for putting me in a family where love and respect was the norm, and going to church on Sunday wasn’t forced, but was encouraged.

As I grew older and was raising a family of my own, I realized there was something missing in my life. I didn’t know what it was, but I knew something was lacking. At the very first revival service I ever attended Bill Rudd, an evangelist, gave a message that reached right down into my heart. When the altar call was given, I was on my knees confessing all my sins, and asking God’s forgiveness. I prayed that Jesus would dwell in my heart and be my Savior. A feeling of love, joy, and peace that I had never known came over me. I felt liberated and born again. Halleluiah!

As time went on, my faith grew stronger. I read the Bible and had fellowship with other Christians. Little did I know that I was about to face a trial that would challenge my walk with the Lord. One February morning, I awoke having difficulties walking. My right leg seemed heavy and weak; my vision was blurred, my peripheral vision was compromised, and my speech was slurred. I tried to ignore the symptoms, but they got worse. My husband called the doctor, who directed me to go to the Emergency Room. I was admitted to the hospital and referred to a neurologist.

He ran many tests, including an EEG, Evoked Potentials, a CAT Scan, and a Xenon Test. An ophthalmologist was called in to check my eyes. The diagnosis was Multiple Sclerosis. My right leg was paralyzed, and I was told I had a permanent neurological deficit. I was confined to a wheelchair for nearly 14 months. During that time, I had physical therapy three days a week. All those months of physical therapy paid off. I was able to walk short distances using forearm crutches. Then I just need a cane for assistance, but used my electric scooter for distances. It's January, 2005 now, and I am facing new challenges. My MS has progressed the past year. I'm homebound now, but keep busy making Christian graphics, reading, and solving word puzzles. In October, 2004, I was diagnosed with early Parkinson's disease. God's grace continues to see me through the difficult times. I rejoice in those days when symptoms are calm. Thank you, Jesus!

At first, I was diagnosed with remitting/relapsing MS. In 2005, my diagnosis was changed to secondary progressive MS. Because He Lives, I am able to lead a victorious life. There are so many things to be grateful for and so many miracles in my life. How can I complain? I’ve been blessed with a loving husband, 2 daughters, 2 precious granddaughters, 3 loving supportive brothers and their families, and many wonderful online friends. Every breath I take is a miracle, every impulse that travels from my brain to my nerves and onto my muscles is a miracle, the blood coursing through my circulatory system is a miracle, every image that bounces off my optic nerve is a miracle, and every sound wave that vibrates off my auditory nerve is a miracle. The list goes on, and the miracles are too numerous to list. The only thing in life that is a constant is that God was, is, and always will be available to me.