After 21, birthdays seem to progressively become less anticipated. 30, then 40 and once your 50th birthday bash concludes, the celebrating virtually stops for most. My moms 47th birthday (sorry mom) is March 24th, just a few days away, its hard not to celebrate even the not-so monumental birthdays for her. Every year is another accomplishment, a milestone, and a celebration of victory!
In my mom’s case, it had always been a surprise of her age in relation to her physical health. She is so young, looks so healthy and yet her body is so sick. The saying, “its what on the inside that counts” does not apply to my mother at all. The physical inside does not reflect the beautiful and glowing outside, which I recognize as my mom and hero.
My mom suffers from multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the myelin sheath within the central nervous system, which is made up of the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. My mother was diagnosed with MS when I was about 4 years old. She had experienced some of the debilitating symptoms of MS for a long time, until doctors were able to finally diagnose her.
MS is broken down into four different disease courses, basically translating into mild, moderate and severe. The disease progresses overtime to lead to an overall disability preventing one from walking, talking, and performing other activities of daily living. However, because of the generally slow progression of the disease, often times people living with it appear to be healthy to our society at first glance and so that is why it has been referred to as the “invisible disability”.
For my mom, her symptoms vary but include numbness and tingling in the extremities, the inability to walk, loss of vision and overall lethargy. Due to the remission and exacerbations phases of MS, my mom has really great days matched by darker ones as well. I could continue on listing the numerous surgeries and doctor’s appointments my mother has completed over the years, but the ever-growing list is enough to make your head spin and heart heavy. At the end of the day, I’m convinced my mom could be a practicing surgeon with all her time spent in hospitals, yet I’m the one getting the healthcare degree!
Growing up around this disease, I have found in myself a natural instinct of subconsciously knowing my mothers symptoms just by the tone of her voice, or the delayed motor functions that she tries to conceal. I have developed an innate ability to care for her and be strong when her body isn’t able to. I knew as I grew up that I wanted to help people like my mom. I knew I wanted to care for and support women and men, brothers and sisters, and all loved ones the way so many people have cared for my own mother. As I write this article and prepare for my college graduation, I also am prepping to embark on my journey as a nurse to set out and fulfill my lifelong dream that I have become so passionate about because of her. I could not be where I am today without this superwoman in my life.
March is MS awareness month, and also happens to be my mom’s birthday.
In my house, we celebrate something that my mom has coined “birthday month” which is a celebration of the person’s birthday from the start of the month to the birthdate. Although I may like to argue it’s because she happens to have the longest month of us all, I’ll never turn down a chance to celebrate her!
From the exquisitely wrapped gifts, the special candle-lit breakfasts, the life size blow up cakes on the lawn, to custom birthday banners, my mom certainly knows how to throw one hell of a birthday party. My mom does birthdays like I’ve never seen anyone do them before, but I would expect nothing less from the woman who does everything larger than life.
So this month, I’d like to return the favor and spread the love she’s been celebrating life with for 47 years!
To the woman who taught me how to tame our crazy curls, who taught me the true magic in a Windex bottle and most importantly taught me that the love of family is life’s most precious gift. You are the epitome of strength and my heart will be forever filled with our memories. Happy Birthday MONTH mom, Happy MS Awareness Month, and here’s to all the boss mommas out there! May we know them and may we love them.
The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America celebrates MS awareness month by raising money and “Changing Lives Monday through Sunday”. If you would like to donate or spread awareness about the cause, click here for more information!