Monday, January 8, 2007

Peace & joy

Well! Hello My Lovelies! What a Year!

I pray that the coming year brings you peace and joy! I have to say that this past year hasn't exactly been the best year of my life, but out of tragic events come new friendships and bonds with family! You all know that depression gripped me during the last 12 months and has changed my life. I have to say, for the better! Now! Isn't that weird? But I'll elaborate in my own unique way, if I may?

I've mentioned that I see a therapist once a week and she has enabled me to open a door somewhere inside me and let all the frustrations and baggage just soar up into the sky and give me some peace! I'm not saying that everything is perfect but that I have the power within me to deal with left-over 'trauma' from my youth! This lady is also a very beautiful woman both inside as well as out and her way of thinking has brought me to a higher understanding of grief, anger, sadness, coping with 'life', and my relationship with my lovely Arf! Now how brilliant is that?!

There is some sad news. My brother passed away just before Christmas from cancer (such a ravaging disease, isn't it?). But I had some private moments with him and have no regrets. There is a deep sadness in my heart that won't heal for a while but I can remember all the laughs we had at Christmases together and now he is in no more pain.

You've probably heard about a trial called CUPID. CUPID stands for CUPID stands for Cannabinoid Use in Progressive Inflammatory brain Disease. CUPID is a clinical trial which will evaluate whether THC, one of many chemical compounds (cannabinoids) found in the cannabis plant, might slow the development of disability in MS. It's taken orally. And guess what? I may be eligible to try it! I'll know more in about a month, so fingers (and everything else you can think of) crossed! The trial lasts for three and a half years, so I was asked if I would be here in the UK for that length of time (I may be thinking of moving abroad or flying to the moon!!). Do you think that was rather an "in the air" question?! Anyway, I received the information about the trial this morning. It makes for some light reading at bedtime!

When we had our extension built in the summer. We made friends with one of the builders and this has blossomed into a deep and very rewarding friendship for all of us. Now this is something that wouldn't have happened without my having MS. My mental wellbeing is something I now treasure and protect! Bless every one of you who have given me hope and encouragement. And take heart, my beauties! JJ's has been a cushion and a soft blanket for me for quite a number of years now. Should you need the same comfort, come and let it help heal your heart.

See ya next month or so!