Not your typical anniversary

Written By
Kim Fryling-Resare

This time of year I’m busy with preparing for the approaching holidays but also, I always seem to think about an important anniversary for me. In mid-December, I mark the anniversary of my fateful emergency room visit and subsequent hospitalization that resulted in a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.

While I try not to linger too long on the unpleasant details of this event, I also don’t want to forget that time in my life. While some may think this is a morbid anniversary to acknowledge, I think it only cements the fact that I’ve come a long way since the time of my diagnosis – both mentally and physically. I was a different person then and I know that the experience of being diagnosed with a chronic illness has shaped me into the person I am today. 

People say that things happen in life for a reason and I’ve come to believe that. If it wasn't for MS, I wouldn't have let go of all the toxicity in my life and moved towards becoming a stronger person. I have discovered valuable perspective and strength that all stems from that initial experience, and the memory motivates me to keep going, continue to do the best I can, and try not to take anything for granted.

So I will continue to mark this time in my life, not for the event that happened, but for the positive changes that have transpired since that event. I made a choice to take those lemons that life was throwing my way and make that proverbial lemonade. Now, don’t get me wrong, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows but moments, like this anniversary, serve as a reminder to me that everyone has something that they are dealing with, we are never alone, and there is always light and strength at the end of the tunnel.

To sum it all up, on the anniversary of my MS diagnosis, I have chosen to celebrate strength. I will continue my mantra and always remember: “That which does not kill us, only makes us stronger.” 

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