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My days are numbered. Medical experts essentially tell me this all the time.

I heard it most recently when I attended an MS conference last weekend hosted by the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor.

In not so many words, they said that most people with Multiple Sclerosis live with the relapsing-remitting form of the disease for so long and eventually transition to the secondary-progressive form after they’ve had the disease for 10 years.

I hate it when I go to these kinds of things because they often provide a subtle yet very in-my-face reminder that I truly have a chronic, progressive disease. I don’t blame them for their pessimistic forecasts because I realize the medical facts don’t lie.

With a decade under my belt, I guess I’m living on borrowed time.

While I don’t consciously think about it, I wonder if I unconsciously realize this with every step I take. Every stair I climb. Every race I run. Every shoe I tie. Every workday I complete. Every book I read. Every sentence I write.

Everything I do.

Such a reality check has the potential to throw me off my game and into a woe-is-me abyss that could consume my life. But I won’t let this happen. Guided by the charge of Coach Jimmy Valvano who said, “Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up.”

With a decade under my belt I know I’m living on, regardless what form of Multiple Sclerosis I have.

I consciously realize this with every challenge I face. Every obstacle I overcome. Every frustration I feel. Every battle I lose. Every battle I win. Every moment I live to its fullest.

Every day, I embrace.

We wanted to share with everyone the link to an incredible multimedia package about us that is in the April 25 Morning Sun’s print and online editions.

The project started when Morning Sun photographer Ryan Evon approached us about following us around to develop a photo essay for the area daily newspaper. This package represents more than a year’s worth of his work, and we couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. We are grateful for the opportunity to share our story and increase MS awareness.

Click here to see the story, photos and videos that tell our story and how we try to help others to move forward. Please check it out and share it with others! Thanks for checking this out an for visiting us on our blog!

I think my mom and dad will be surprised to hear that a gift they gave me more than two decades ago is something Jennifer and I turn to often in dealing with the daily realities of multiple sclerosis.

I’m surprised myself.

After all, when you get confirmed in the Lutheran church, it’s expected that you’ll receive some sort of religious memorabilia commemorating the event. You know: it usually is something like a cross to hang on your wall, a religious plaque to set on your desktop or special coin to carry in your pocket to remind you that God loves you.

Mine was a red prayer book that has moved with me throughout Iowa and Michigan in a silver, black and white shoebox – like an honorary piece of luggage that accompanied me every time I changed my mailing address.

I always remembered “The Lutheran Book of Prayer” was in the shoebox, but it wasn’t until I was diagnosed with this chronic illness that I dug out the book and took its contents to heart. Looking in the table of contents, under the heading “During Illness” I discovered the prayer that has given me the strength I need to positively move forward through my life with MS.

And now, it’s a prayer that Jennifer and I read most nights before we got to bed, and we wanted to share it with you in hopes that it may provide you comfort in your life:

Gracious God, help Jennifer and me to accept your will in our illness. As your children we believe that you cause all things to work together for our good, both of body and of spirit. But sometimes in the midst of illness and pain we forget or doubt. Forgive our weak faith. When we become impatient, encourage us by your word. Despite our worries and suffering, help us by our lives to reflect the radiance and confidence of those certain of your promises of help. Restore us to sound health if it be your will, and enable us with new vigor and enthusiasm to serve you zealously for many years to come. Give us your Holy Spirit that we may always witness joyfully to our Christian faith before men and women, confessing that all life, on earth and in heaven, is a gift from you. O Lord, have mercy. Hear our prayer for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

Since I was diagnosed with MS, I’ve never asked God, “Why me?” Rather, I continue to tell God, “Help me.” And I’ve learned he’s always here, I just need to be open to where he’s offering a helping hand.

Even if it’s in a silver, black and white shoe box.