b"Practice positivity I used to take every day for granted. I took I have been preparing for my journey withmy health, family, and talents all for granted. MS my entire life. My parents divorced whenThat all changed when I received the call from I was about 5 years old. I experienced neglect,my neurologist's office. witnessed substance abuse, and watched myToday, I am grateful for my diagnosis mother struggle to raise my younger brotherbecause it pushes me out of my comfort zone. and me, all while pursuing a higher education.I am grateful for my diagnosis because it has I struggled to navigate a brutal socioeconomicforced me to prioritize myself and my health. climate, growing up as a child of color below theIamgratefulformydiagnosisbecauseit poverty line in an affluent and discriminatorybrought me closer to my family.city. However, no matter how difficult the situation, no matter how small I felt, I alwaysI am grateful to all the students I have had had food on the table, a roof over my head,the pleasure of teaching. I am grateful for and my family, which was more than so manymy band mates and creative partners who others had. At a young age, I adopted theunderstand the physical limitations this disease mindset that it could always be worse, and Ican cause. I am grateful for my clients who havecarriedthat withmemyentirelife.are willing to work with me and understand While that phrase may seem like it doesntI may not be able to meet every deadline. I am apply to every situation, it is the core of mygrateful my teachers and peers challenged practice of positivity. me and gave me the space to discover what I Fast forward to me receiving my diagnosis.love. I am grateful my family supported my My It could always be worse mindset kickeddecision to pursue music. I am grateful my in. Believe me, I went throughand am stillpartner supported my decision to leave my going throughthe grieving process. There arefull-timejobtopursuemypassion.Iam many days the pain and fatigue are unbearable. There are days when I mourn the loss of thegrateful every morning that I wake up and person I was before my diagnosis. But in thoseget to do what I love. Lastly, I am grateful for difficult times, I remind myself my worst daysthe opportunity to share my story, and I am help me truly appreciate the good days. grateful to you for reading it. I hope my story Show gratitude has brought you some inspiration, advice, or I am grateful I have MS. I want to say itcomfort.again. I am grateful I have MS. Much love, The MS Drummer COOLING VESTSTell us what you want to YOU WANTsee in MS Focus Magazine.TO WEAR. Email comments to: editor@msfocus.org or write to: Editor, MS Focus 6520 N. Andrews Ave., MSF cooling program supplier Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309855-232-723317 msfocusmagazine.org"