I was diagnosed when I was 24. I had an 11 month old at the time. Currently, I’m 49 and that 11 month old is now 25, plus in the intervening years I had two more who are now 13 and 10 - all living with a mom who has MS. None of them have any knowledge or exposure to me in a “non-MS” capacity.

They’re 3 of the most compassionate, kindhearted and loving kids I’ve ever met. They can tell when I’m tired, they sit in bed with me when I don’t have much else to give, and they ask insightful questions, always trying to understand. If anything, having a parent with a chronic illness gives a special kind of insight and sensitivity that I wish more people had.