18 msfocusmagazine.org Life with MS By James Brown My name is James Brown and I was born in 1967. I had a normal life until MS broke me down. I needed upper spinal surgery because my left leg used to trip me and I couldn’t walk. I was in the hospital a lot, got all kinds of tests, and they eventually gave me a spinal tap. This is when they discovered the MS. Recovering and dealing with MS, I had to get used to not working. Because of the pain and suffering, laying around, and not being able to do for myself, I had to get a house- keeper. But through that, I found a substitute for pain and suffering. Myhappiness came in the form of a godson and goddaughter. When they entered my life, it seemed like MS almost went away. I still have problems, but with the love of these two children, I found relief from MS. I found a release from the pain, stiffness, aggravation, setbacks and defeats. I found a rainbow in my life. I knew the family of my godchildren for years.Their grandfather and I worked together in 1990. I got married in 1992 and he even attended my wedding. The family and I lost contact, but years later I met his daughter at a local grocery store. She is now my house- keeper,aswellasthemotherofmygodchildren. If it weren’t for the kids and the love and support of this family, I don’t think I would make it. They come to visit and bring me food. We have a lot of fun together. My godson sits on my lap on my scooter and my god- daughter rides her bike. I playwith them until I get so tired that we take naps. It is amazing to me, because I did not think I could make it. With the love God provided through this family, I feel more happy and satisfied. Having my godchildren in my life is the most amazing thing. My godchildren are my heart. We all must have someone to love and accept us for who we are. The love will overtake the bitterness of life. MS is not easy, but this family makes me feel like everything will be fine. I would rather have a life with MS and those kids than a life that is “normal” and with money. The kids smother me with their love, their kisses, warm hugs, and kindness, and all of that eliminates my pain. It is nice to have people close to me who understand me and help comfort me. When I found out I had this disease, life stopped. Until one day I realized that I can’t give up because of MS. I must keep going no matter what. Setbacks are not defeats; never give up and never give in. Just find a way that you can find a great friend who you can talk to and trust. After all, I didn’t think I would make it until I discovered my godchildren. My Godchildren are my Heart