I feel compelled today to re-post something Jessica wrote a couple of years ago ... some of the newest members probably would enjoy it, and maybe some of the older members might like to feel the comfort of her words again ... Love Priscilla

In 2004, Jessica wrote:

When this forum opened in February of 2000, it was slow to get started but has grown quite significantly. Some of you may even remember when our entire membership was wiped out and we had to rebuild our members all over again! Other than that nightmare, things have gone fairly smoothly the last four years.

As far as what this group of MPS family members mean to me?

I think of it as an island. A beautiful island with only occupants of MPS and ML friends and family. Some of us have been on this "MPS/ML island", meaning life in general with a handicapped child, longer than others. Those veterans have made a cozy little atmosphere of love, knowledge and understanding. We've been gathering coconuts a little longer and know the island and its treacherous ways.

Adrift in the ocean we see our newest members come to the island one by one. We are sad for them, because they too will soon learn the struggles we have endured over the years, but we also know that as a family, we can show them the joys our island can bring. As a team, we drag them in from the ocean off of their makeshift rafts and offer them a nice cozy fire to sit beside.

We veterans and long-time residents can tell them our stories and battles that we have conquered, but most of all we can show them the sunsets, waterfalls, scenery and rainbows in areas they may not have thought to look.

I once had a parent, who was newly diagnosed ask me, "How can you be so happy? This all seems so easy to you!"

Wrong! It is never easy being an MPS/ML parent. It just becomes livable and families learn to adjust, but first only with support from other families. I am a firm believer that no one knows what it is like on that wavy ocean better than another MPS or ML parent ... no one!

I feel blessed to have so many people around this 'beach side campfire' and I know if I should become adrift in the sea, they will be there to rescue me once again.

Love to you all,
Jessica