Marathon Men and the Women Who Love Them

Remember a few posts back when I said that when I wake up in the morning I feel ready to run a marathon?  Since I wrote that post, the idea of a marathon has been rattling around in my head. 

The term can mean so many things depending on the context in which it is used: Betty plans to run an actual marathon (why?); back in college, I enjoyed marathon "study" sessions; living in California I worked lots of marathon double shifts at Fotokem; Ryann really loves when Nick Jr. devotes an entire day to a SpongeBob marathon. 

The whole idea of a 'marathon' implies patience and endurance and the ultimate achievement of something pretty awesome.

I may never run the Boston Marathon, but I sure am in one hell of a marathon with my MS recovery.  Think about it:

Patience - While I have seen great improvement in my symptoms, I know it may take years to achieve full recovery.  I am patient in allowing my body the time it needs to un-do the damage done by MS;

Endurance - All this being patient requires a sturdy dose of endurance.  I realize that I must endure various stupid MS symptoms until my body has recovered enough to no longer recognize them;

Ultimate Achievement - Recovery. I know that I will recover;

Something Pretty Awesome - see 'Ultimate Achievement'.

I've read more about MS and the various paths to recovery since starting this blog than I had in the 7 years leading up to its inception.  It is inspiring to read about real people recovering and regaining the lives they had long ago written off. 

Although it takes time and dedication regardless of recovery path, real people are really recovering.  Real people are getting out of wheelchairs and walking again.  Real people are free of spastic limbs, impaired vision, crushing fatigue.  Real people are participating fully in life. 

I hope that this blog can provide even the tiniest bit of that same inspiration to anyone touched by MS.    To let people know that with patience and endurance, we can cross the finish line and achieve the ultimate goal of recovery.

I received a fabulous message from a man I've never met who lives with MS.  He asked if I think he can begin to recover as well.

My answer was that I don't just think he can - I believe he can.  I truly believe that anyone with MS can take control of their lives and begin to recover.  To what extent - I can't say.  It's a marathon, to be patiently endured for as long as it takes. 

Enjoy the marathon.  Enjoy life.

        Fiery rain and rubies, cooling sun

       now I see that my world has only begun.

                                           --Gene Clark/This Mortal Coil