1974-? What is really in my dash?

I hope this finds everyone doing well. I am excited for this is my first blog! I give all the credit for the tagline to this blog to my friend Parisjasmal. She was the person who not only put the idea of doing a blog in my head but she thought of the most perfect name very quickly. She thinks quick on her feet (maybe that is my problem!) Many hugs to you. Thank you very much. Check her out at http://monkeyposh.blogspot.com/. She cracks me up!!!

Hi, you may call me Miss S! Many of you have probably heard the story and meaning behind the dash. For those of you who have not, the dash represents who you are and what you were in this world. When you're gone and have moved on what’s in your dash that is what you are remembered for. Sharing what is in my dash so far is something I have wanted to do for quite some time. I wanted to write about my emotional feelings and actions during my 30+ years of living with Friedreich's Ataxia (FA). A rare, genetic, and slowly progressive nerve disorder that I was diagnosed with at the age of 12. It affects my balance, coordination, fine motor skills, and muscle strength. It is also a form of Muscular Dystrophy (MD). FA does not define who I am by any means, but it has been a huge obstacle in my way that continues to be. For example, I was homecoming queen, have lived on my own, driven a car, got a college degree, had several jobs, and have done many more things despite my disability that I will all share with you about in detail later. I am not a doctor so medical advice is not my forte. You can do anything you put your mind to. The mind is such a powerful tool. I also wanted to share about my life to give others with FA someone they could relate to. Since FA is rare, it is not common to know others with similarities. It was 4 years before I met someone with FA, and the instant bond we shared was indescribable. Throughout my life these are some of the most important lessons I have learned: Laughter is the best medicine, not to sweat the small things, and not to feel bad in asking for help when needed. Your attitude means everything. I am not claiming to be a cheery person all the time. I have my moments like everyone else including those "why me" moments from time to time. When I get frustrated with things I tend to cuss, clean, scream into a pillow, workout, listen to music, or write. Geez, that sounds like I get frustrated a lot! Not every time I do those things am I frustrated (especially when I scream into a pillow, LOL!) at myself. Like the saying goes, there is no use in crying over spilled milk! Laughter is the best medicine, and I am the first person to laugh at myself. That is how I keep my sanity. If I stayed frustrated at myself for all my actions that are beyond my control I would be a miserable person. Even I wouldn't want to be around me if that was the case.

I hope you enjoy my blog entries. Do not hesitate to leave me a comment or to share something about yourself. For those of you who are interested in finding out more about FA you can go to http://www.mda.org/ or http://www.ataxia.org/.

Miss S