Take the Plunge to Keep on Moving!

My friend Ann from church took me to see Dr. Sharon for a massage. Little did I know where that massage would lead me. Turns out Dr. Sharon also does therapeutic work in the water. I've tried water exercise before but weakness in my right hand makes getting into swim suits difficult and I get SO cold - like shivering uncontrollably cold. Then I discovered this little pool hidden away in Canton, Georgia. Dr. Sharon keeps it nice and warm and encouraged me to wear whatever worked. So, I did! And I do!

Two or Three times a week I make the half an hour trek to the pool and I work with Dr. Sharon doing all kinds of therapeutic exercises. Recently we started swimming laps. I love that! That's why I'm wearing the silly mask. So yeah, while everyone else is in swim suits, I show up in my bike type shorts, swim shirt and my swim mask. Hot!

Visiting in the pool is always fun. Everyone is there overcoming various obstacles: cancer, fibromyalgia, MS, back problems, arthritis, etc. But everyone shares the determination to keep showing up, keep moving and I think there's an unspoken rule to keep on laughing! Some of the ladies tell me how much I'm improving and how well I'm walking. That always makes me smile. It's an encouraging atmosphere.

I haven't been able to dance or jump up and down for years. But in the water I can do those things. I don't care how stupid I look. Sometimes I just like to dance and shake my booty and do lots of jumping jacks - just because I can! There are some things I still can't do in the water, like hamstring curls or lifting my right leg into a march or a run. But that doesn't stop me. Dr. Sharon still has me do it. Apparently my brain doesn't know any better and thinks I'm doing it!

Several months ago a drunk driver ran into the pool house. That was crazy! We've been re-routed to another entrance, up a different ramp now for months. It's been an ongoing conversation and headache for Dr. Sharon. But this too shall pass (just not soon enough).

The music is always cranking and rain or shine we're there busting some moves. Come and join us sometime!

Kayaking with MS

Okay, I'm finally blogging about our trip to the Everglades! December 27, 2011 - January 3, 2012. Good times!

BMS - Before Multiple Sclerosis, I enjoyed a lot of kayaking, camping and adventure sports. Because of my disability, I wrote off most of the activities I use to cherish. But, if you read my "Craggy Thanksgiving" blog back in November you'll recall that my husband proved to me I could still do some of what I love. That is, if I allowed others to help me.

I had every reason under the sun not to go on this trip including some recent family challenges. But I went and in hindsight I'm glad I did. Hindsight because at the time, well, it was a little scary. Most people with MS will understand my biggest fear - potty time! Yep, all the what ifs. . . kayaking for hours at a time, five nights and six days with no plumbing and no way to predict what my body was going to do. Certainly there were a few times I said to Greg "this will probably be my last camping trip" as I held on to a tree for dear life. But, I can't think of a prettier place to be stuck in fear. And guess what? It all turned out fine.

I would paddle and rest, paddle and rest and mostly rested - taking in the immense beauty and peacefulness. Thankfully my husband is a very strong paddler and didn't need me to help power the boat. Once on the beaches, Greg and my older son Galen took turns piggy-back riding me from place to place. I wasn't able to contribute much but I enjoyed watching my kids fish, kayak, make fires and enjoy themselves.

Watching my boys fish makes me smile!

Campsite at Tiger Key.

Marjorie enjoying the scenery.

We saw this huge group of White American Pelicans on the paddle out. Gorgeous!

Other than potty time, the biggest challenges were getting in and out of the kayak, in and out of the tent, dragging my right leg through the thick sand, and taking my daily shot in a tent. Thankfully the blessings far outweighed the challenges or maybe the challenges gave more meaning to the blessings. The blessings: the clear night skies, open water beauty, dolphins, fish galore, birds galore, beautiful weather, a huge sea turtle passing through, private beaches all to ourselves, allowing myself to be cared for by others, watching my boys fish for hours, being entertained by two adorable little kiddos who were with us, having time to journal and read, the solar charger for my iphone and having occasional range to share a picture on Facebook, Amy washing my hair (oh that felt good), warm campfires, mosquito nets, and a very loving husband, sons and friends who were willing to do whatever it took to include me.

Thank you for this beautiful trip.