Family and friends play a huge role in our fight against Myasthenia Gravis. Sometimes we need their physical assistance, but all of the time we need their love and understanding. The best way to do that is in person. I realize that’s not always practical for some. Careers have pulled our family to different regions of the country, so we rely a lot on phone calls, messaging or FaceTime to stay in touch, but it’s always good when you can physically go and see them.
We just spent this last weekend visiting our two grandchildren in Missouri. It’s always such a fun time to see them. Our two-year-old granddaughter loves to play “Catch Me If You Can” by running from toy to toy and giggling down to her toes as you chase her, always while carrying a Bluey stuffed animal. She’s become quite independent and wants to do everything herself. Our five-year-old grandson kept us busy playing games, building forts and playing street hockey. Our favorite time, however, was when we all went down to the lake to do some fishing.
After a quick stop to Bass Pro Shops to pick up some gear for our grandson, Daddy and Pappy (me), we all headed out to the lake. Gram and Mommy kept busy chasing our granddaughter around the fishing pier while the boys got ready to fish. Daddy helped our grandson prepare his rod and reel and showed him how to cast. Before long, we were off to the races of who would catch the first fish. Our grandson caught the first one and was so excited. Plenty of pictures were taken, but the memory it made for him, and for all of us, will last a lifetime. Meanwhile, his little sister was having the time of her life just enjoying her snacks and watching all the excitement. Moments like these are so precious.
What I learn from trips like these is you have to make time to make memories with your loved ones.
If you live near your family and friends, they you already have an advantage. Just make sure you use it. Make an effort to spend time with them. Maybe it’s just a trip to the store or a meal at a restaurant, but it’s time spent together. Being with family and friends makes a huge difference in our attitude and emotional well-being. Don’t always wait to be invited to join your family or friends on an outing; instigate it. Plan something fun for all of you to do and then be the inviter. Make moments happen.
If, like us, you don’t live near your family and friends, then opportunities to be together come less frequently. That means you have to take full advantage when you can visit or when they visit you. Do things you all enjoy. Make memories and take lots of pictures. They’ll help you through the times when family and friends aren’t around. You can relive those moments by looking at the pictures.
But what if you don’t have relatives or close friends? As challenging as it might be, it’s up to you to make friends. Volunteer or join a local social group to make new friends. If you’re not up for that, go to the MGFA website at https://myasthenia.org and join the MG Friends Program. Meet people who are going through the same things you’re experiencing. MGFA will match you with an MG Friend who has similar needs so you can obtain information that closely matches your current situation. You can contact that person and engage in live, one-on-one phone or Zoom conversations, all while building a productive MG friendship.
And, of course, you can always reach out to me via email at [email protected]. I’ll be glad to be your pen pal. I can’t always promise a quick response, but I promise to respond whenever I can.
You don’t have to be alone during this fight. In fact, you shouldn’t be alone. Reach out to family and friends. Visit them when you can. Always check with your doctor first, but if you’re up for traveling, then do so. Go see them. Make some memories. And if you can’t travel or prefer not to, then message or FaceTime/Zoom your family and friends. If you need a friend, then the MG Friends Program is ready and waiting for you.
We can get through this together! Together we are #MGStrong!