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CARE E-MAGAZINE: SPRING 2013
husband so that we get a chance to talk. I'm not always successful, but I try to find time to sleep enough and get daily exercise. I spend time with my daughter, friends and family doing fun things as well.
WHAT ARE SOME CHALLENGES YOU FACE? Some of my challenges include staying positive even while being realistice, knowing when to push my daughter and when to back off, and finding time to read and learn more about MS and possible treatments. Also, finding the balance between helping my daughter with her needs, my relationship with my husband, and finding time for myself.
HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR PERSONAL NEEDS WITH THE TIME REQUIRED TO BE A CARE PARTNER? That's a big challenge for me. I'm constantly working to create that balance and not always successfully. I am lucky enough to have supportive family, friends, coworkers, and church community from whom I have learned to accept help.
WHAT ARE THE RESOURCES YOU HAVE FOUND HELPFUL? For learning about MS, I use the National MS Society website. Gatherings of MS patients and families around particular topics have also been helpful. It was hard to learn to ask for help and accept assistance, but it has been vital. The community around me - church, family, friends, coworkers - offer many kinds of assistance.
DO YOU HAVE ADVICE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH OTHER CARE PARTNERS? Get educated about MS and about the available resources, and don't hesitate to use them. Don't be afraid to ask for help, because you'll find that many people are more than happy to lend a hand. Find the joy in every day. You can't control what happens to your loved one with MS, so look for and hang on to every good thing. Lastly, keep your sense of humor; it will carry you a long way.
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