MEMORIES - AT THE GAME

I would like to Blog a story about living my life, with MS, for over 20 years.

In 1993, I had kids in high school. Like most athletic high school boys they played sports, in Texas, that's mostly football.  I remember, it was a Homecoming game night and it was pretty special for one of my sons. He was  a senior playing on the Varsity Team that year! His position was, starting offensive lineman, center #55. I had looked forward to this, since I had taken him to all his Little League games and practices, from the age of 10. I was determined, I was not going to miss this game for the world!
But, as you well know, having MS and being in a football stadium, full of screaming kids and loud high school bands, is not compatible. Nor, at that time, very wheelchair accessible. So, my husband rolled me out on the football field, home team sidelines, in my wheelchair. But, they would not allow him to stay with me. I remember wondering, "How do I look, do I look OK?" I am wearing the school colors of black and gold, sporting and supporting. I remember thinking, I'm sitting out here, in my chair all alone, all the other people are up in the stands, including my husband! I remember thinking, shoots, I hope I don't have to go to the potty. That was before I had gotten my independence with a power chair. I even worried that, by being AT THE GAME, I was embarrassing my son! But, I got over it! Not only did I sit there, in my wheelchair, I had the nerve to try and cheer the team to victory! "Fight team fight, Go team go! Yeah Bears!" I believe they won that night, but I'm not sure, and that's just the point! I don't really remember if they won or loss the game. What I remember is after the game, on the way home, us talking with our son, who was sitting in the back seat of the car. Telling him, "You had a great game. You really looked good out there!" Then I asked, "Did I embarrass you by being out there on the sidelines in my chair?" And him saying, "No, not at all, Mom.  There are some guys who did not have one parent AT THE GAME. Let alone, one who put themselves out front, on the sideline, cheering for them!"
So, on days when having MS is kicking my butt! Or on days, when MS is a struggle and takes major effort, I think about this:
I may not be able to hang with the crowd. I might even be alone on the sidelines of the field. But, I am AT THE GAME, and I'm cheering my team on to victory from the sidelines!
So, let me encourage you! Do whatever you can to the best of your ability. The reward is, someday you will have sweet MEMORIES, that you did not miss being AT THE GAME!