When my husband was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis years ago, needless to say we were both devastated. It felt like a dark cloud had descended on us and blocked out all the light. We began attending support groups and educational meetings to learn more about the disease along with coping mechanisms. We eventually began to see a counselor affiliated with the National MS Society to work on our individual issues as well as our relationship, now faced with new challenges and changes in our roles.
With time, professional support, and a lot of hard work, we started to learn the steps to a new dance. We had to create a new routine, new ways of doing things, and new ways to relate to each other and life in general. The counselor thought we had made good progress and suggested that we consider presenting, as a couple, at future programs for those newly diagnosed with the illness. The purpose would be to show others that life does go on and it can be good in spite of the illness. We would also share how we worked through– and in some cases around–this new reality in our lives.
We agreed to do it and, in the process, were uplifted by the opportunity to help others. It was a way for us to make something positive out of something that had been so negative. Erasmus, 16th century theologian and teacher said, “Give light, and the darkness will disappear of itself.” In helping others, we were helping ourselves and the dark cloud began to lift.
Who can you share your wisdom, insights, experiences and struggles with that they – and you – might be uplifted in the process?
©Donna Cardillo. All rights reserved.
1 thought on “Give Light and Be Uplifted in the Process”
Donna, thank you for sharing such a personal story as a means to teach a lesson of inspiration. I agree, a challenging or difficult time in life can bring heavy darkness. It’s as if you can’t even see a glimmer of hope. Your suggestion of beginning to help others who’ve struggled with similar difficulties is one I can relate to. I lost my uncle to suicide in 2010 and since then, now having found the light again, have helped others with this pain (as best I can since this is a pain so unique to each individual’s experience). Thank you for sharing that living in light is a way to lift ourselves up and enjoy the new dance of life we can enjoy.
Comments are closed.