[Kelly Sawicki]

Being given a diagnosis was pivotal for me. I know in the back of my mind it may not stay the diagnosis of PLS but I have to handle what I have in front of me. So I take each piece and acknowledge it. If it’s not a good leg day or hand day or speaking day I make it a point to not have to walk a lot or I make sure I don’t have steak for dinner. I spend time texting rather than talking. Choices. We have choices. I make choices which will make each day pleasant and purposeful. I have two teenagers watching me go through this and I cannot be broken and beat by this every time they look at mom. We joke about my absurd slowness and my awkward laugh. We spend time hugging and talking. I have to live each day present. Physically and mentally. I cry and my kids have witnessed it and dried my tears but I make sure it’s not what they see most. My quality of life is the single most important thing and I will not waste it. Wondering and worrying without a diagnosis absolutely consumed me. That went on for far too long. I cannot let this diagnosis own me. Something clicked the day I left my dr with a diagnosis and my mind cleared and my mood brightened. I was done being and I’ve made it my mission to stay that way for my family.