Support of friends and family is so important and is so much appreciated...
In my Mom's case it would be easy for her to let herself get upset, down, feel alone, and even get depressed. But she has always been surrounded by good friends, family, and a devoted - loving husband. My Mom, Gloria Hastings, was officially diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis about three years ago. I am not going to mislead you, and tell you that everyday is like a field of beautiful Sunflowers blowing in the gentle wind... Nope, it is more of a roller coaster ride...one that you don't want to get on, but you somehow find yourself on it, and you want off, badly. There is no escape or chicken exit. For if there was it would be an easy choice to walk out that exit and not look back. My Mom has up days and down days. I believe there may be some upside down, loop-de-loop days too, but she probably wouldn't tell you that. What she would tell you is that she has a great support system.
~ She has a husband who loves the heck out of her and always has. He helps her daily with her meds and shots. He tackles the huge task of helping her make phone calls, do paperwork, and figure out all of the hoops to jump through to get the medicine she needs when she needs it. And, on days when Mom is exhausted and feeling extreme fatigue (a symptom of MS) he keeps going...completing household tasks, yard work and absolutely anything else that needs to be done or that he knows she would like to get done. He is her rock.
~ She has some amazing friends and family members who have never failed her. They call her, and go out to lunch and to various events with her. They listen to her when she needs an ear, and they hold her up when she starts to lean. She, in turn, has always done the same for them. These friends and particular family members know what it is to be a "True Friend" through thick and thin.
It is amazing how much stronger you can feel and how much easier things can seem when you have a friend by your side.
"The tremendous support of my friends and family has been both amazing and humbling. My MS symptoms are more than outnumbered by the thoughtful and caring acts shown by those that care so much."
- Gloria, diagnosed with MS in 2009
One of my good friends, who just happens to be my cousin's wife and the owner of The Rusted Chain jewelry, Beki Hastings, kindly agreed to help us raise funds for the National MS Society again this year. We are very grateful to her for her help with a cause that affects so many individuals and their families.
I helped Beki design this year's MS fundraiser necklace... "Two Are Better Than One..." 25% of each one of these necklaces sold during the month of March will be donated to the National MS Society.
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up." Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
To order one click on the following link, which will take you directly to The Rusted Chain's online store. There you can complete the easy online check out process.
The RUSTED CHAIN website
The Rusted Chain necklaces make great gifts for your friends too. And, what a great message to share with your friends! They are never alone, and neither are you!
"Two are better than one..."
A good friend is a treasure. A blessing from God.
I am thankful for each one of you that show support for my Mom and my family each and every day.
These are just some of the friends and family members that joined us last Spring in Emporia for the MS Walk. It was yet another opportunity for us all to get together and show our love and support for one another, and for my Mom.
