I recently watched an interview with Meredith Vieira and her husband,Richard
Cohen,an Emmy and Peabody-award winning former television producer,journalist
and reporter who has had MS since 1973,when,at that time,the standard practice
of “diagnose and adios”was all that was offered: “Go home and
rest,there’s nothing the medical profession can do for you.Good luck.”
Since then,he has become an advocate for our disease,raising awareness and
asking for research contributions,and expertly using his own experiences as a
guideline for those who are battling this illness themselves.Through his
skillful writing–he authored a compelling memoir called”Blindsided”(he
has been legally blind since never fully recovering from optic neuritis)with
such honesty and eloquence,never veering from the sobering truth of his
debillitating condition-as well as an ongoing online column for AARP magazine,called
Chronically Upbeat–Cohen has become a lifeline to others navigating through
the rough waters of chronic illness,and is now a powerful voice for those
seeking guidance.
We need his voice.
But don’t call him brave or heroic,just determined to live life fully and to
help fellow MS sufferers do the same.Cohen says:”There are no medals,no
merit badges or awards given for coping; only a life lived well,with meaning
and purpose,that are their own rewards.”
Here are some other suggestions:
Stay connected.Healthy relationships and family support will sustain you.
(He and Meredith have been married for 26 years and have 3 children).
If you want your kids to become happy and secure adults,don’t keep secrets at home.
Be open and direct with them;they are smarter than you are, and will
intuitively know when you are not being truthful.
A sense of humor always helps.Note the absurdity of it all,and laugh about
it-try not to take it too seriously,and realize that progressive diseases
progress.Make your peace with that as best you can.
Good advice from a wise man!
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