I admire Leslie for his positive attitude and
outlook even with MS.
I was "able" one day and the next day
"disabled" due to a brain tumor I didn't know I had. If was discovered one
day, removed the next, but left me unable
to do the things I was accustomed to doing. I planned a great pity party,
but guess what? Nobody came!
I should have known better. I know too much about the love of the Lord to
wallow in self-pity. So I can't do what
I use to do; but God has given me the ability to do different things -
things I never could do before! So I stop saying
I have a disability - I have a differ-ability!
And it's great! I've met people I never would have before, discovered
hidden talents, made differences in the
lives of others. No, I can't claim that everyday has been sunshine and
roses, or that I don't occasionally miss the
life I had or don't get frustrated about the things I can no longer do.
But those times are becoming fewer and fewer.
One important lesson I've learned is humility. I was so self sufficient,
divorced, an ex-husband who did not pay
child support as ordered. Two children to raise on my own. But through the
grace of God, I did it. They are adults
now and I had planned the rest of my life out for me.
But then, the illness. All my plans for living on my own, doing for myself,
gone. I now have to allow others to help me
do even menial task - when I want to do it myself! I always have! But
I've learned to be humble, accept love and
help from others and just say "thank-you" and not feel ashamed. It's a
humbling experience that I didn't know I needed.
However, I thank God for showing me my differ-ability, the different things
I can do, the difference I can make.
