Normal is for people without any courage.

Life is racing by and it is hard to believe in a just a couple years we will be empty nesters. The first one is flying the coup this year.

That has been the topic of the year. Where is Megan going to college? That story is still unfolding. She has an incredible opportunity ahead of her regardless of her decision so stay tuned on that issue.

Kids are a good distraction. Spring is our “busy” season with dance, baseball, and fishing. It gets hectic but we love to watch our kids do what they love and enjoy. For me it gives me time to forget about my problems. A busy weekend is fun but usually catches up with me. I am thankful I have the time to recuperate and rest.

Ah but what I wouldn’t give to feel normal again. Normal is defined as the usual, average, or typical state or condition. Often times when life changes you are expected to conform to a new normal. I would say my new normal is hard to define. There are definitely elements that are usual or typical but just when you think you are getting into a regular routine something changes again. I think it is human nature to resist change.

I have resisted assistance, especially for walking. I have resisted medicine for fear of giving in to the disease. I have resisted new challenges for fear of failure. But eventually you have to decide what is important and when to give in. My new perspective is to do what feels right and what makes me feel better. I use assistance and don’t feel bad about it although I still feel judged and I still fight it sometimes. I take medicine if I can justify the benefits and it makes me feel better and not worse. I accept new challenges on occasion knowing some days I will find success and some days I will not.

Whatever challenge you face that throws your “normal” out of sync is often the cause stress. Sometimes we need to step back, look at the big picture and remember that today is just one day. Tomorrow might be different. If it’s not, then take a deep breath. Your normal might be changing. Life does not have a definite plan. We like to think it does but it doesn’t.

We could all stand to roll with the punches a little more. I try to be grateful for what life has provided me and the people that continue to make life worth the challenges.

Update: Another clean CT scan for cancer. It has been 463 days since the cancerous nodule was removed and there has been no evidence of any cancer since. I continue to have daily battles with MS. Sometimes you see me walking pretty good, with a cane, using a scooter at the grocery store or occasionally Rich pushing me in a wheelchair. Every day is a different adventure especially with my leg strength.