18 years ago I was told I had # multiplesclerosis . 18 years ago I was a single gal ??‍♀️ living life. I was busy working full time as nurse ??‍⚕️ ,having fun with friends ? , traveling ✈️ ? ? , patiently awaiting mister right ?

I had to really hoped the symptoms I was experiencing was just from working nights, going to school to complete my bachelors degree, ya know-stress ??‍♀️ , not a chronic condition with no known cure. After a couple of months of various testing and multiple doctor appointments I heard “Beki, I’m sorry to tell you, you have MS”. I cried, I went through every stage of the grief cycle, I questioned the diagnosis, I questioned my purpose, things got really dark. I was full of the fear of the unknown. sexy of the evening

I was certain I would be debilitated to the point that no one would want to love me ? ,no one would hire me ? ,no one would want to help me mow my yard ? or drive me ? around town when my right leg & arm aren’t strong enough to press the accelerator & brake. ?

?? I had/still have an amazing support system who has/have NEVER given up on me (even when negative Beki shows up ? ). Thankfully over the past 18 years I have learned how to manage my fear & anxieties much better than I did at the time of my diagnosis. Praise God I have hope & assurance that He DOES use ALL things for His good. Even MS! ? I’m so grateful to be the voice & face of HOPE for people. Not just people with MS. People going through various health challenges, people going through infertility & adoption, people dealing with a loss of a parent etc.

When someone asks me “How do you do it? You’ve been through so much.” My simple answer is “MyFaith” ✝️ The fact is, I’m one big HOT MESS ? ! God has carried me through all these challenges & will carry YOU too ? I fully believe God has allowed me to experience what I have to this point so that I can be a blessing to others. Today I can honestly say I’m thankful for MS ☺️ It’s taught me so much ??

I couldn’t even begin to tag everyone who’s supported & encouraged me over the years. You know who you are ? My army is strong ?? & mighty ? ? ? THANK YOU ALL ?

In honor of my 18th Anniversary I’d like to challenge YOU to do a random act of kindness, “Pay it Forward”. Kindness does matter & CAN change the world ? ❤️

# MSwarrior # strikeoutMS # Hope # kindnessmatters # makeadifference # livewithpurpose # donottakeyourhealthforgranted # healthandhappiness # beablessing # sothankful