Moments that you need to embrace

My weekend has been very full of important events!  On Friday night, my husband and I went to the "Erase MS" gala in Los Angeles.  This event was important, not because of the awesome dress I got to wear, or that my makeup was perfect (or pretty close to perfect!).  It was important because I was surrounded by people who were faced with the challenges that come with Multiple Sclerosis and it gave me insight.  I took that energy to the next day, when my husband and I went to the APDA Zent-athon 5K walk for Parkinson's disease.   



As we rounded the last loop of the walk, I could feel my body getting tired and each step became a little heavier. I have to admit, I did think about quiting the second half but I looked around and realized that I was surrounded by my friends and my husband.  I felt safe and knew that if I needed support, they would be there to help.  So I took some Sinemet and a drink of water and kept pushing forward.  When I finished the 5K, I had a moment where I felt incredibly fortunate.  For the last two days, I had been around people who have unimaginable struggles on a daily basis all alone.....no family, no husband and sometimes, not even a friend. We become so focused on our own pain that we miss the moments that we need to embrace.  There is not a minute in my day that I have no one to lean on.  I know that when I feel weak, I could look to my family, my friends, or my husband (my rock) and I will find the support I need to keep fighting and for that moment of realization......I am grateful.