By Dan and Jennifer Digmann
When we hear the word “roots,” we tend to gravitate toward where we came from. We think about our parents and grandparents, our hometowns, traditions, and family stories.
But maybe our roots are more than these.
Continue readingBy Angel Blair
I’ve been thinking about family a lot lately. As time passes and the years roll by, I find myself missing those I’ve lost with growing heartache and longing for family history that will never be completely whole. There are so many questions I still have – gaps in time and incomplete stories that leave only trails of puzzlement now.
Having children has amplified this realization. And it’s funny because growing up, I never truly realized how greatly my family’s history, culture, and values would influence me and how I would raise my own children one day. Or how I would long for family tales and retellings of past stories. But you don’t think about these things when you’re young. We naively think our family will live forever and that they’ll be there when we have questions or need support and guidance for the paths we’re trying to forge. Sadly, this isn’t reality, which is why it’s so important to explore family roots and culture while we have the opportunity and chance to do so.
Continue readingBy Dr. Eva Jackson
Every MS diagnosis begins with a different story. For me, the diagnosis brought an unexpected sense of relief. After seven long years of searching for answers, I finally had a name for what was going on with my body. But that relief came with weight. The journey to diagnosis can be lonely, costly, exhausting, and filled with questions about the future. In the beginning, learning that you have an incurable disease affecting your nervous system can feel as if the world around you are still moving while your own world has come to an abrupt stop.
Continue readingBy Dan and Jennifer Digmann
To us, community is more than a group of people who happen to live in the same town, attend the same church, share an interest, or know our story.
Community is the people who show up.
They celebrate with us when life is good, stand beside us when life is difficult, and remind us that we never have to navigate life completely alone.
Continue readingBy Stacie Prada
When I think of my community, I first think of where I live, my friends and neighbors who will show up for me, and those I’m compelled to show up for. In times of crisis, a surge of community help is noticeable. A call to action is made, and people rise to the occasion.
Continue readingBy Angel Blair
When it comes to relationships, it’s important to surround yourself with people you feel comfortable with and enjoy being in the company of. The great part about this is that you can build your own community of people who appreciate, understand, and like you for you. At one time, community was only interpreted as the representation of your neighborhood or town where you live, but community can mean so much more.
Continue readingBy Dr. Eva Jackson
Have you ever wanted to free yourself from your daily routine, but an elaborate vacation was not within your budget? Maybe your family and friends do not have the time for a weeklong travel itinerary, or maybe you simply need a quick break without all the planning, packing, and expense that usually comes with traveling. Something unplanned can still feel refreshing, exciting, and meaningful. A staycation, a skill-cation, or even a bae-cation can all give you the feeling of taking a vacation without requiring you to go far from home. All these new terms for vacation can be included in the simple decision to slow down, step away from everyday stress, and enjoy a staycation.
Continue readingBy Stacie Prada
When looking for things to do in the summer months, I think of my favorite experiences and memories. Some were big, pricey events with lots of planning, and some cost next to nothing, were memorable for some reason, and were special for who I did them with.
This summer I’ll have close family visit me. Our primary goals are to spend time together and relax. Still, it’s the perfect opportunity to create an indulgent staycation for me and a fun vacation for them. They’ve already visited many times, so my goal is to do more of what we’ve enjoyed in the past and find new experiences for us to enjoy together.
Continue readingBy Angel Blair
Continue readingIt’s that time of year again— the peak of the summer months is upon us. For those living with MS affected by the heat, staying cool becomes top priority. And for individuals on a budget, summer planning can require some creativity and thinking outside of the box. But there are ways to try and enjoy the season while being cost efficient and budget savvy. It’s about finding what works for you!
By Samuel Fitch
Having fun in the summer does not have to mean spending hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars on a fancy vacation, cruise, amusement park, or long-distance trip. Those things can be wonderful, but they are not the only way to make meaningful summer memories.
Sometimes the best kind of summer is a simple staycation right where you live.
Continue reading