Why?

It's really hard to believe that October is almost over.  I love fall; the changing leaves, the chill in the air, sweaters, boots, chicken and dumplings, pumpkin muffins, Thanksgiving, and family.  While October is an awesome month, November is a really special month as well.

Aside from July, November is "birthday" month in the Hogsed and Broadwater families.  Lets see... there's my mom, my mother-in-law, a few cousins, my nephew Bryson; and Grandma Ruby and Uncle Chuck.  They celebrate their birthdays with their Heavenly Father now.

A lot has happened in our families over the last few months and it makes me realize how blessed I am to have such a unique support system.  Coincidentally (or possibly not so coincidentally) I've been hearing more and more about multiple sclerosis (MS) lately.  MS is a condition that's extremely near and dear to my heart.  My Uncle Chuck was diagnosed with this disease in his early twenties.  Aside from not actually suffering from MS myself, I learned first-hand all of the hardships and obstacles that are birthed from this condition.  It's such a unique disease because it affects no two people alike.  Currently, there is still no cure.

I came across a poem that my uncle wrote at least 20 years ago, and I thought I'd share it with you.  He was so positive and had such amazing strength.  I tend to think that I got a lot of my creativity from him.  He loved to dance, paint, read, he taught me calligraphy, and he loved to write poetry.  He had a crazy sense of humor, too.  Sound familiar???

Why?

by: Charles Martin

Am I so different,
Because I can't walk?
I can laugh, show compassion.
When lonely we can talk.
I must not get too close, they say.
A discreet distance is a must.
He can't do things that we do
I feel it's only just.
My strength within beyond compare
Surviving the loneliness
And all the stares.
It's made me stronger
Through victory and defeat. 
Helped me to endure
Through false friendship and deceit.
I'll walk again someday,
Whether it be near or far.
My last resort
I wish, I wish upon a star.
I call upon my God today
To bring me back to health to stay.

In case you're interested in finding out more about MS:
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/index.aspx

~ Heather