By Doug Ankerman

They call THESE challenging times, huh?

Well they don’t know squat about those of us with multiple sclerosis!

They don’t know challenging until they button a shirt with MS “fumble fingers.”

They don’t know challenging until they enter a place with a door that opens out—while sitting in a wheelchair.

They don’t know challenging until they have stuck their head into an MRI for the umpteenth time.

My point is, we MSers are some resilient compadres. So, we got this.

Okay, now that the tough talk is out of the way, can we get serious about the sweet stuff found underneath our hard, outer shells?

That’s right, we MSers are like an M&M!

To nurture our soft insides, we all need the support and connection of others. Today’s technology makes it easier than ever to email, text, even video chat with those we care about. Online support groups are available too. But with everything at our fingertips, a techno-dinosaur like myself still enjoys sending the old-fashioned, hand-written letter. Or a thoughtful card with a personal message written inside. On the receiving end, it is so nice to get something in the mail beside a bill and big, blue coupons from Bed, Bath, & Beyond.

However you prefer to reach out, I urge you to make the effort. Connect. Write, type, call or text. Not only will you be making someone’s day, but you’ll feel better as well.

These challenging times are easier to handle when you touch the heart and warm the soul of another. So, c’mon you tough M&M, why not help yourself by helping someone else.

Doug writes goofy things about MS and other stuff on his humor site at myoddsock.com