On Pins and Needles
The wind buffeted my face as the landscape below came closer. It dawned on me there was nothing I could do anymore. Either my parachute would open or not. The decision was largely out of my hands and nature would take its course. I accepted that now. I would just go along for the ride and enjoy the scenery. My free fall made me feel remarkably free.
The parachute opened fine, and down I floated to a safe landing. It was the best birthday gift ever. It just goes to show you that attitude is a muscle you should flex every day. That's one reason why I still go climbing, too, despite my fear of heights. Whether it's on cliffs, mountains or boulders, I've climbed roughly once a week since I started three years ago, and it's taken me everywhere from Las Vegas to Italy and Switzerland. So far I've done all it without a wheelchair, walker or cane—in fact, without any hint of disability.
Here's how I figure it: if I can defy gravity, I can defy this disease.
Roehrich lives in Ringwood, N.J.
© 2008
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Member Comments
Posted By: desislava.store @ 04/17/2008 5:16:54 AM
Comment: My sister got the diagnosis 3 years ago and startet Betaferon treatment immediately.It has stopped the process and she feels well.Getting a family member with MS made me realize how little we know about the future and that we should never take anything for granted.And also it unrevealed many myths about MS,I thought that this was a heavy disability,which proved me wrong.It is possible to have an active life with MS,and I admire deeply people who do it!
Posted By: momoney163 @ 03/25/2008 5:44:31 PM
Comment: Amazing, truly amazing. What a success story! I'd like to use it on my site, www.imsurvivor.com if you don't mind. It's a site dedicated to just what you represent, a survivor making lemonade out of lemons. Good for you. Of course we welcome you to join the site. It would trulay be an honor to have you.
Posted By: kayvmsc @ 03/03/2008 4:04:31 PM
Comment: He's got courage. I have MS and my legs are now quite affected, but I've had MS for almost 30 years and am still moving with help from a walker and my friends.