Back in the Saddle Again . . . Finally!

I know, I know - what good is having a blog if you never update it? I made a resolution today (actually I make it about 3 times per week) that I would start doing this again in earnest. Now to the excuses - I boxed my self in by writing my first few blogs about the Church. My intent was never to write exclusively about the Church or, for that matter, on any single topic. I just wanted to relate my feelings, reactions and observations on whatever subjects interested me on a given day. I came to realize, however, that my take on the news of the day was not very interesting to read . . . even for me, let alone for anyone else! (Don't you just hate the bore you find at just about any gathering who thinks his opinions are so brilliant that everyone should stand enthralled by every word he says? I didn't want to become that bore.) I have, therefore, decided to apply some focus to this blog and write on a topic about which I should really know something.

I have always been accused for being a "jack of all trades and a master of none". For most of my life I would plead guilty as charged. In the last few years, however, I have been developing first hand knowledge and an expertise in a subject for which, during most of my life, I had very little interest. My new found (and reluctantly acquired) expertise is in how to try to deal with adversity in ones life.

I say "try" because I have yet to succeed at actually dealing with adversity. My attempts, shall we say, constitute a work in progress. My hope is that in writing about my "journey", some of what I am experiencing my resonate with you and help you deal with whatever challenges life, in its vicissitude, throws your way. Even if no one reads this, however, writing this blog should have one salutatory effect. I know it will be a personally cathartic exercise as I move down a somewhat frightening road.

For those of you who do not know me well, the previous three paragraphs must seem very mysterious. My story, alas, is not very unique nor captivating. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), an incurable, autoimmune disease about 11 years ago. Officially, it is estimated that 400,000 people in the US and 2.1 million worldwide have been afflicted with this disease, although I have my doubts about these numbers (more on that in a future posting.)

What is MS? The official definition from the National MS Society is as follows:

Multiple sclerosis (or MS) is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system (CNS), which is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves.

Unofficially, it's a demon that sneaks up from behind and grabs you. This demon tightens it's grip every day and vows to never let you go. The purpose of this blog is to chronicle how I and those around me deal (and don't deal) with this demon who has now taken over our lives. It is my hope that, as this "process" unfolds, my thoughts will help others dealing with their own demons to realize that they are not alone. I also hope that writing this blog will help fortify me as I unwillingly take this trip.