Robin Clifford Wood
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​blog: You'll Never Be Quite the Same

Multiple Sclerosis and grace under fire

4/16/2020

7 Comments

 
Picture

            Another measure of quarantine time startled me this week. Tessa – my precious, affianced, piano-craftsperson, dog-mama, hat-knitting daughter – had to go for her second monthly infusion of Tysabri (a Multiple Sclerosis drug treatment) since this viral scare began. I remember worrying about Tessa entering a hospital at the start of this viral explosion, and it stunned me that a month had already passed. Back again today.
            My daughter’s grace in the face of this disease awes me. She does not hide it, nor does she allow it to define her life. In fact, she absorbs it so matter-of-factly that I occasionally (sheepishly) forget the MS is even there. So far, her treatments have kept most symptoms quiescent, and she rarely raises the subject. She’s too busy building her piano-technician business, supplementing with entrepreneurial knitting during quarantine, planning her wedding, making a life. “Well what else would I do?” I can imagine her asking.
            Excellent question. What else should any of us do when life veers off its familiar track, when the plans we had must be scrapped and readjusted, when health becomes uncertain and we must mentally and emotionally prepare for the onset of serious illness, just in case? Hmmm…
            If ever I begin to feel quelled by the threat of COVID-19, I will summon my mighty daughter to mind, and carry on living my life as best I can.

 
My 60th year in 60,000 words
Day 235: 229 words, TOTAL = 38,575; 21,425 remaining

7 Comments
Rick Miles
4/16/2020 07:00:41 pm

I will always love that girl!

Reply
Joan
4/16/2020 07:53:51 pm

Your daughter is facing this challenge with spirit and strength. I would expect nothing less from a gal with such strong parents. Now keep writing

Reply
Dan
4/16/2020 08:15:25 pm

Cheers to you and Tessa from a fellow MSer (classmate of your son’s, diagnosed last fall)

Reply
Robin
4/16/2020 09:03:08 pm

Oh Dan, so sorry. Are you a high school or college classmate? Do I know you? I hope you have found a good care facility.

Reply
Dan
4/16/2020 11:23:06 pm

I was in Sam’s college singing group, so I had the pleasure of staying at your home once on tour!
The process of getting diagnosed was terrible, but since then I’ve had good (though expensive) care and no more attacks.
Wishing you and your family all the best.

Reply
Robin
4/17/2020 08:18:25 am

Oh of course! I remember exactly who you are, though I thought of you a "Daniel." Thank you for reaching out, and I wish you all the best as well. **Robin

Katie
4/17/2020 01:09:42 pm

You write so wonderfully. I see where your daughter gets her strength.

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    Author

    Robin Clifford Wood is an award-winning author, poet, and writing teacher.  She lives  in central Maine with her husband, loves to be outdoors, and enjoys ever-expanding horizons through her children, grandchildren, and granddogs.

    To read about the "60th year in 60,000 words" challenge, go to the August 27th blog post. 
    ​
    https://www.robincliffordwood.com/youll-never-be-quite-the-same---blog/tomorrow-is-launch-day
    ​

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