Today I did not spend time in a doctor’s office going over my physical symptoms.  Rather, I spent my time at the doctor this morning sorting through emotional symptoms. For 60 minutes every other week, I sit and work through the mental issues and stress that come from day to day life with my psychiatrist of 11 years.

Today I am thankful for the people who inspire me.  I am thankful for the living examples in my life that have either overcome, or are living with chronic illnesses in the most positive ways that they can…

I have family members and friends with MS who are running marathons, working full time jobs, raising kids…

Today on Thanksgiving, I have so much to be thankful for.  I am thankful for traditions and for family.  I am thankful that I get to celebrate Thanksgiving with both sides of my family; the Dama’s and the Jaskolski’s.  I am thankful for all of my extended family; aunts, uncles, cousins…

I am thankful for the delicious food that fills my tummy.  Bounzadotes (sp?), Stuffing, Gnocchi and Italian Sausage, Turkey, Stuffed Mushrooms, Lemon Bars, Broccoli Rice casserole, Kids Wine, and so much more. 

So I just have to tell this story because it gets me teary-eyed every time. 


Last week when Brad and I were on the road to Cleveland to go for my autonomic nervous system testing, my Mom called to see how my day was going.  She and my Dad had been in Philly visiting Kristen, Jake, and the beautiful Cecilia Jane.  They were headed to BWI airport and we both still had a couple hours left to be in the car. At the moment she called I was struggling.  My back and head hurt, I was nervous, and I was experiencing the anxiety that a trip to Cleveland Clinic usually brings.  I was trying like heck to hold it together.  Sensing that I was near a meltdown, my Mom went into her pep talk, pick my spirits up, cheerleader mode.