Meet Beth. Beth is my sister in law, although she tells everyone I am her sister:) and I am honored that she thinks of me that way. I want to tell you all about her because she has the toughness, and attitude that will, I hope, change how you think about things.Beth is 44 years old and has MS. She was diagnosed approximately 8 years ago. She has progressive MS which is one of the meaner types.
I won't turn this into a medical journal of MS- mainly because I am not a Dr and didn't even stay at a Holiday Inn last night, so I am unqualified.
This is about Beth and her unwillingness to give up or to surrender to her MS.
Early on in her disease she must have made the decision to have a positive attitude and a super hero shield of toughness, qualities that she has held on to. Would I be that tough? I can't answer that, but my first thought is no. I would crumble. I would feel sorry for myself and throw the biggest pity party you have ever seen. Not Beth. She has remained positive and focused on not letting MS have its way with her.
MS however, had other ideas.
She took up tennis (again) a life long passion for her and something that she was always good at. She would put on her braces and go play, even if it meant she paid the price later. She loved it.
The above photo was taken in 2006. Although she was having trouble walking she was bound and determined to go ride a bike in our neighborhood, and she did! I was like a nervous Mother watching her and hoping that she would not fall. She had a blast and could not stop smiling! I remember that she never said "I can't", in fact she would go out of her way to prove to you that she still "could". Toughness.
MS 150 Bike Ride, Summer 2007
Positive.
Until next time,
Mullet's out.
Early on in her disease she must have made the decision to have a positive attitude and a super hero shield of toughness, qualities that she has held on to. Would I be that tough? I can't answer that, but my first thought is no. I would crumble. I would feel sorry for myself and throw the biggest pity party you have ever seen. Not Beth. She has remained positive and focused on not letting MS have its way with her.
MS however, had other ideas.
She took up tennis (again) a life long passion for her and something that she was always good at. She would put on her braces and go play, even if it meant she paid the price later. She loved it.
The above photo was taken in 2006. Although she was having trouble walking she was bound and determined to go ride a bike in our neighborhood, and she did! I was like a nervous Mother watching her and hoping that she would not fall. She had a blast and could not stop smiling! I remember that she never said "I can't", in fact she would go out of her way to prove to you that she still "could". Toughness.
MS 150 Bike Ride, Summer 2007
Following the MS 150 someone asked if I had done the entire 150 miles, to which I quickly replied "No, it was too hard". As soon as the words left my mouth I regretted saying them and in fact was embarrassed. How the hell could I complain about riding my bike for 150 miles when my sister in law would have given her right arm to be able to ride around the block. Something in me changed that day. Thanks to her. Never give up.
Beth's son Christopher's graduation, June 2009
Beth and I rallied after her son's graduation. She was forced to sit all alone during the ceremony, apart from all family in a little roped off area with 3 or 4 other handicapped people. I am thankful for my passion for photography as it came in handy to show the school district how unfair and cruel it was to have her sitting all alone. Big changes came and the school district had to change it's policy on how it treated the handicapped. She was super proud of those changes and I was too. Persistence.
The past couple of years, Beth has declined, physically. She is in a wheelchair full time, but her mental toughness remains. Last year at Thanksgiving she was able to fly here to Florida and celebrate with the Parker Family. One of her main concerns was that she didn't want anyone to look at her and feel sorry for her. She just wanted to be treated like one of the family. Which is exactly what happened and a great time was had by all. Mindset.
Thanksgiving 2010
Mark & BethThe past couple of years, Beth has declined, physically. She is in a wheelchair full time, but her mental toughness remains. Last year at Thanksgiving she was able to fly here to Florida and celebrate with the Parker Family. One of her main concerns was that she didn't want anyone to look at her and feel sorry for her. She just wanted to be treated like one of the family. Which is exactly what happened and a great time was had by all. Mindset.
Thanksgiving 2010
I have been wanting to write about this for some time. A sort of tribute if you will. To one tough woman. She has a positive attitude in the face of some not very positive things that are going on her life. We could all learn from her. What will you do when things get tough? Will you face the challenges with a smile on your face and joy in your heart? Will you not think of yourself, but of others? Will you love freely and honestly with no expectation of anything in return? Will you push through when things get tough?
You should, Beth does.
You should, Beth does.
Beth is currently in a rehabilitation hospital awaiting a placement in a long term care facility. She fluctuates between moments of clarity and moments of confusion.
She recently asked her husband Bill to get a photo that was in the Herald Leader newspaper and then asked the nurses to put the photo in her room and to write under the photo "Never Give Up".
She called Mark the other day and told him to have me call her phone to see if I liked her new voicemail message. I dialed her up and her new message says "This is Beth, Never Give Up".
She is an inspiration to me and she can be to you too.
She recently asked her husband Bill to get a photo that was in the Herald Leader newspaper and then asked the nurses to put the photo in her room and to write under the photo "Never Give Up".
She called Mark the other day and told him to have me call her phone to see if I liked her new voicemail message. I dialed her up and her new message says "This is Beth, Never Give Up".
She is an inspiration to me and she can be to you too.
Positive.
Until next time,
Mullet's out.
