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Gwendolyn Powell
Let me introduce myself. My name is Gwendolyn Powell, but my family and friends call me Gwenie. I was born in Washington, DC, on September 14, 1958. I am the fourth of five girls. ...view moreLet me introduce myself. My name is Gwendolyn Powell, but my family and friends call me Gwenie. I was born in Washington, DC, on September 14, 1958. I am the fourth of five girls. I live in Maryland with the love of my life, my husband, Timothy. We have been married for forty years. I am the mother of two children and the grandmother of six.
My parents instilled in me the importance of faith, family, and friends. They taught me that no matter what I might be going through, someone else’s challenges and difficulties are greater than mine. Those words helped prepare me for a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in 1994. Since then, I have experienced paralysis, blindness, numbness from my neck down, and double vision, along with many other MS symptoms. I could have given up a long time ago, but instead I chose to fight—and my family has been right there with me. Don’t get me wrong. I’ve been knocked down by MS many times, but always, after I regain enough strength, I choose to get right back up. Rather than crying “Why me?” I prefer to ask “Why not me?”
Four members of my family have multiple sclerosis, or what I call “my little monster.” I was the first one to get a diagnosis, so I was able to help ease some of the fears and concerns of the others. I have laughed and cried with them, prayed and wept for them, and sat beside them in silence when no words of comfort were enough. I’ve cooked for them and fed them when they were too weak to feed themselves. I was there when my niece took her first breath, and when my brother-in-law took his last.
I wrote this book not only for those of you dealing with MS, but for anyone facing a challenge that you feel you might not be able to handle. I know you’ve heard it said many times, but you are not alone. Always keep your illness behind you. Never let it define who you are. I’m not saying to ignore what you’re going through, but keep it on its toes. Stand tall, stand straight, and fight. Some people might abandon you when you need them the most, but new friends and relationships will enter your life. Keep smiling and laughing. Enjoy this new chapter in your life. Love is a powerful thing.view less