Having Multiple Sclerosis changes how I see my past, my present and my future. I have many friends and many acquaintances and then there are a few that I consider to be more than just a friend. They are the ones that even if we don’t speak for a period of time, when we do, the months or years simply melt away. 

One special woman has been and always will be the one that I know had a divine intervention into my life. We have discovered that over a 28 year period of time, there were many opportunities for us to meet. We lived in the same neighborhood. Her son went to the same schools that my children attended. Our families went to the same church and religion classes. 

We finally connected after I was diagnosed and decided to attend a Bible study class. After a few weeks I was drawn to her dedication, humor and personality. When I spent thanksgiving week in the hospital due to a relapse, she came to see me with a Starbucks coffee and conversation. During that visit we also discovered that our birthdays were one day apart! Coincidence or something bigger?

We have been present for each other’s best days and worst days regardless of where I am in my own health struggle. That is a true friend! 

When you live with MS or other chronic illnesses it can be difficult to meet or keep true friendships. We find out soon enough what is real and what is fake. 

I cherish the men and women in my life that possess the empathy, compassion and genuine love for me in this journey and I pray that you may find the same.