By Dan and Jennifer Digmann

The mid-summer scent of grilled hot dogs hung in the air as the sun started setting and we twisted open another ice-cold beer.

Stadium organ music playing “Charge” faded into the background as our friend Erica asked Dan for another bag of Cracker Jack.

Welcome to an evening on our back deck.

That evening, our friends Adam and Erica, along with their son, Maximus, joined us for a baseball-themed cookout. What started as a simple dinner became one of our favorite summer memories.

Summer often brings invitations to travel, attend festivals, or spend money chasing epic experiences. But living with multiple sclerosis (MS) has taught us that some of our favorite summer memories don’t require a big budget or even leaving home.

It took only a little planning and creativity to bring the ballpark to our backyard.

We “splurged” on quarter-pound stadium hot dogs, built a baseball-inspired Spotify playlist, dug out a baseball card collection and memorabilia for decorations, and, of course, wore our favorite baseball apparel.

One of our favorite parts actually came before dinner. We made a quest out of tracking down bags of salted peanuts in the shell and boxes of Cracker Jack. But what made the evening especially memorable was more than the music, outfits, or menu.

It was the conversations they inspired.

Before long, we were swapping stories about our favorite baseball memories, talking about upcoming games we hope to attend, and laughing together over a baseball-themed dice game.

Hosting at home also gave us something that’s especially valuable when living with MS: comfort. We didn’t have to worry about travel, accessible bathrooms, or leaving early because fatigue or logistics got in the way.

We were able to focus on what mattered most: spending time with people we enjoy.

The best parts? A themed gathering doesn’t have to revolve around baseball. It could be movies, music, backyard games, favorite decades, or even breakfast for dinner. The theme simply gives everyone something to rally around.

Plus, you don’t have to take responsibility for making all the food. Your guests can share in the meal prep. In fact, Adam and Erica brought chili, pretzels, and beer cheese.

Living with MS often changes how we plan our days, but it doesn’t have to change why we gather. Sometimes a little creativity can turn an ordinary evening into something special without stretching your budget.

This summer, instead of asking what an experience costs, consider asking what kind of experience you want to create.

You may discover, as we did, that some of the best memories are made around your own table with good friends, good conversation, and a little imagination.

About Dan and Jennifer

Dan and Jennifer Digmann each have lived with multiple sclerosis for more than 26 years and are the creators of “A Couple Takes on MS.” Through their podcast and blog, they share honest conversations about life, love, caregiving, advocacy, and finding joy despite the challenges of MS. They have been married for nearly 21 years, and together they believe some of life’s best moments are built one step, one roll, and one story at a time.