By Monica Proctor Wilson

Dear MS,

I began gardening five years ago, growing vegetables and fruits. Gardening is harder than I expected, but there is something about it that reminds me of who I am and how I got here. My roots formed long before you (MS), entered my life.

Raised by a village of strong Black women, patience, faith, hard work, and love were instilled in me in the womb. My childhood was built on a strong foundation, and I learned my roots and limbs would need to be watered, given sunlight, weeded, protected from the elements, and given space to grow. Because of these deep roots, my identity was not compromised in the face of MS. Instead, resilience was formed. Resilience does not mean managing MS has been easy. It does not mean I never get tired, frustrated, afraid, or overwhelmed. It means that somewhere deep within me, I learned that difficult seasons do not mean the end of my story.

MS, you tried to ruin my garden and break my limbs. Thankfully, I have been able to pull the weeds, enrich the soil, and nourish new seeds. Since learning to navigate living with you, I’ve learned how to bend without believing I am broken. I have learned to be dependable, caring, resilient, and resourceful. I learned how to adapt when things do not go as planned, how to keep searching for answers, and how to advocate for myself. I learned to create balance that allows me to care for others while remembering I must also care for myself. MS has required me to tend to myself in ways I may not have understood before.

As a gardener, I would not blame my garden for needing water or consider a flower weak because it needs sunlight. A gardener understands that every season requires something different. Sometimes I must remind myself that I am not only the gardener; I am also the garden that needs tending. When MS brings another difficult season, I remember where I come from. My roots are strong because of the women who came before me. My identity has been shaped by resilience. MS has challenged me, but it has not erased who I am.

MS, I want you to know:

• That my body is my garden and I will water it daily
• My MS needs tending and I will pull the weeds as necessary
• My roots run deep and limbs are extension of that strong village of black women that poured into me
• And we are both still growing and thriving.

With love, grace, and gratitude,

Me

About Monica:

Monica Proctor Wilson has been living as an MS Warrior for 20 years. Proud wife, mom, and proud Yaya of four and avid gardener.  When she isn’t tending to her garden, she serves as a facilitator for SPEAK MS, a virtual self-help group dedicated to supporting others on their journey. Guided by her motto, “Staying MS Strong,” Monica is passionate about building community, sharing knowledge, and empowering others to thrive.