Multiple Sclerosis is like a fingerprint, each person’s experience with it is unique. Some people need help walking, others may be able to hide their MS symptoms. I fall into the latter category most of the time – except during the summer. Heat can temporarily worsen MS symptoms, which means my legs get heavy and I move much slower in warmer temps.
One hot day I was in a parking lot and slowly walked to my car. A car pulled up before I could get across the aisle. To the driver I appeared normal, but what they couldn’t see was that I was struggling to lift my legs and moving as quick as I possibly could. Nonetheless, they were visibly upset that they had to wait for me to cross. When I was jusssst far enough along, they sped around me and yelled ‘let’s goooo’.
In that moment I was reminded of two things –
- I have MS and sometimes I move slower and that is okay.
- The importance of being kind to each other. I could have gotten mad, but what if the driver was rushing off to somewhere important? I don’t know their situation just like they don’t know mine. Which, is all the more reason to meet each other with kindness, compassion and empathy.
You never know what someone else is going through, so before you judge or assume the worst, try being kind and understanding. It has the power to change someone’s day (or life) for the better, and who doesn’t need a little more of that? Especially right now.