Friends,   

What’s different?  Do you find yourself asking yourself that question as you have different MS symptoms?  I know I do.  A couple days ago, I went to the bathroom and it came out pretty freely, almost like it used to.  The rest of the day, I was wondering, hmmm…what’s different?  That was pretty easy, I’d like to pee like that all the time.  Well, it didn’t happen again so who knows what was different.

Last night, it went the other way.  My MS got really bad.  I had neurological sensations that went through my body, up the back of my neck and into my head.  My balance went way off, my legs got really heavy and I had real jerky electrical shock sensations going through my body.  I was up going to the bathroom every 20 – 30 minutes all night long.  It keeps going through my head…what’s different?  This is not good. 

This morning I got up and went for my bike ride around Pewaukee Lake and feel about normal again. Well, at least my normal.  Living with MS is not real normal for those who haven’t experienced it.  For those of us that live with it, we all have our own normal and it’s different for all of us.  So, what’s normal?  I guess that’s another good question. 😊

After all these years of trying to figure MS out and trying to put two and two together the question of “what’s different?” is still unanswered.  At the end of the day, I go to bed and say to myself “It’s just MS, get some rest and tomorrow will be a better day”.  Then I get up the next day and do what works for me…exercise of some sort.  After that, I just make the best of the day hoping I answer the question “What’s different?” with positive thoughts because I’m having a pretty good day.  

Of course, I have days like last night that it’s hard to think positive thoughts.  MS is tough and people that live with MS are some of the toughest people I know.  Let’s keep making the best of it.  It’s MS, let’s face it…we have it.  Let’s make the best of it even though it’s not easy.  What’s the alternative?

Who’s all getting ready for the MS Bike ride?  It’s going to be different this year since it’s going to be virtual.  Our Peppy Pedaler’s team will be riding for all of us and raising money for the cause.  To me, it’s really important we do the best we can for fund raining for the National MS Society.  Just because the Coronavirus pandemic is here doesn’t mean that MS went away.  We need the National MS Society now more than ever.  The National MS Society stepped up to the plate immediately with the COVID-19 pandemic.  They did research and continue to do research on how to live with MS and deal with the Coronavirus.  We need to do our part and raise as much money as we can to support them and their initiatives…especially now.

For all of you who physically can’t ride, we’re all riding for you.  If you don’t think you can ride but are willing to try, please let me know and show up anyway.  We’ll try to figure out how to get you riding one way or another.  We have lots of options.

Please join us at 7:00am Friday morning at Nettesheim Park on the SE corner of Hwy SS and Oak Street in Pewaukee.  Same place as last year.  We’ll all ride together as we’ve done in all the years past.  If you need me to bring a trike or two, please let me know.  

Let’s keep riding! 😊

Our prayer group on Wednesday mornings are a great place to get together virtually, catch up a bit and give thanks.  Even though we can’t get together physically, it’s so nice to see all that joins us virtually and learn how you’re doing and how this pandemic is affecting you.  I really like the good things coming out of this pandemic that are discussed…seeing God’s work as blessings.  It’s awesome seeing so many of you there laughing, listening, sharing, giving thanks and praying!   We have a lot to give thanks for, don’t we?

We’re going to be doing it again tomorrow (Wednesday) @ 11:30am.  We’ll get together either via phone or computer (your choice) and share, talk, listen, give thanks, and pray in however God leads us.  It’s a way for all of us to get together virtually to catch up and be there for each other and with each other.  I hope you’ll join us!

Here’s a link to our Zoom Meeting that Ashley provided for us.  Thanks Ashley!  Just click or call @ 11:30am Wednesday and you’ll be connected.  I hope to “see” you there!  😊

Topic: MS-Just Keep Moving Prayer Group

Time: This is a recurring meeting

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/786859505

Meeting ID: 786 859 505

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Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/acej2eGAIM

I hope you’ll join us on Zoom!

My heart goes out to all the people and families of the people that have been affected by COVID-19.  This is really getting serious and close to home.  Whether actually having it, being exposed to it, being affected by businesses being shut down, losing your job, working on the front line, etc.  These are tough times and we really need to take it seriously and do our part of practicing social distancing and all other recommendations.  I hope you and your family are safe.  Let’s keep everyone affected in our prayers and pray we all get through this as safely as we can.

As we all go through this pandemic together, I encourage you to share a smile with someone.  Perhaps you could give someone a call that you haven’t talked with for a while just to see how they’re doing.  This pandemic is tough in many ways.  We all could use a little extra love and encouragement during these times.

Let’s be thankful for all the doctors, nurses and everyone in the health care that are putting themselves at risk every day and every night as they serve those with the Coronavirus.  These are amazing, selfless, courageous people!  Let’s also give thanks to all the people in the world that are working diligently to develop testing equipment and ways to treat this Coronavirus.  Let’s also give thanks for all the people that are working diligently to produce protective gear, respirators, and any other medical equipment to help us get through this pandemic. 

We may be inconvenienced in many ways but others have it much worse.  Let’s be thankful we have each other.  I know I’m thankful for you! 

We will not be getting back together at the gym yet.  We’re going to get through this COVID-19 pandemic before we do.  I love you too much to put you at risk. 

I hope you’re doing your part to “keep moving” and stay healthy during these unprecedented times we’re going through.  I’m hoping and praying that none of us get this virus and have to deal with it.

Let’s stay calm, focused, healthy, flexible, have faith and learn as much as we can about the challenges of each day and make good choices.  Hopefully we’ll be back at the gym together soon.

I love and miss you all!

Dan

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P.S.  Please share how you’re doing and what you’re doing to keep moving…pictures and smiles please 😊