One year ago today — October 22, 2020 — I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. I went through a range of emotions on that day, from shock to sadness to anger. While I was glad to finally have a diagnosis to explain the barrage of symptoms that hit me all at once just four months earlier, I wasn’t quite ready to accept a future living with an incurable disease. I felt so much despair. Getting that diagnosis was life changing. So I adopted the “mind over matter” mentality, but that rosy outlook went straight out the window when I fell down a week after my diagnosis.

Since that day, I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs. However, it was important for me to believe that no matter how bad I have it, there’s always someone else who’s worse off than I am. Living with MS isn’t easy, which is why I’ve decided that it’s important for me to be mindful of the good days that I have and not just moan about the bad days.

Today, I celebrate. At the root of that celebration is gratitude. I’m grateful for so many things. I’m grateful for:

♥ a husband who does everything in his power to care for, console and uplift me
♥ my family who, despite my quirks, love me no matter what
♥ gainful employment with a great company
♥ my freedom of speech
♥ our dog, Chaka, who believes she’s queen of all that she surveys
♥ good friends who make up the fabulous links in my chain
♥ the ability to laugh at life even when I want to cry
♥ being able to be there for a friend in need
♥ tears that help me show my emotions
♥ being able to feel the warmth of the sun on my face
♥ the many books on my bookshelves
♥ music that literally is music to my ears
♥ my strength that has helped me weather many a storm

And most of all, I’m grateful for the gift of life.

As I continue to celebrate this wonderful life that I have, I look forward to reaching milestones, rolling through the ups and downs, living out my dreams and more. And life is for the living, right? So I want to do things that make me happy…or try new things. Little things. Big things. But today, on this day of days, I’m going to treat myself to a gift. I don’t know what that gift is yet, but it’ll be something just for me, something that brings me joy, something that will be my medal for a hard-fought year.

Would You Like to Help Me Celebrate?

For my 1-year anniversary of my MS diagnosis, I have a favor to ask: would you consider making a $1 donation (to commemorate one year) to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (and, of course, you’re free to donate more if you wish)? I know it’s a small amount, but I wanted to find a way to mark the occasion while helping a worthy organization.

Should you decide to help me celebrate by donating, be sure to select the “In Honor of” designation (see image, left) under Honor Gift Type. Although I won’t be notified of your donation (since you won’t be filling in my recipient information), feel free to add my name, “Valerie Albarda,” in the “Honoree Name” spot. Or not. (But you’re required to fill out that field).

I thank you in advance for helping me celebrate my 1-Year MS Diagnosis anniversary.