I hope this finds you as well as possible during these challenging times. Those of us who live with MD, our carers, partners, wives, husbands and family all know, or have an idea, of how tough and challenging life can be without the added addition of a pandemic.
Some of you will know what an isolated life felt like before Covid-19 came about. Now the world is having to experience what you may have experienced each and everyday due to your condition and the fluctuating nature of the dystrophy.
You may already know what life is like living with a condition that for some is life threatening in addition to life changing.
Some of you may be like myself, not knowing how the condition will manifest in the future or how it will affect your body over time. In many ways we are the strongest on the planet despite being deemed as a vulnerable group due to our underlying health condition.
When I say strong I mean strong in terms of our minds. The greatest strength at times of adversity. We are mentally tough and resilient because we have to be. At times like this our mental strength will see us through.
We’re adaptable. We’ve learned to rise to every challenge our bodies have thrown at us and continue to do so. I’ve attended conferences and been surrounded by resilient, strong and compassionate people all of whom are striving: striving for understanding. To be understood as human beings as well as to gain knowledge about research that affects our differing conditions.
Many, like me, still attend in the knowledge we won’t come away with the answers but we value those people around us. Those who get where we’re coming from or those new to the condition who are there with an open mind and a willingness to learn.
As an ambassador for the charity, and in particular those newly diagnosed who live in Scotland, I wanted you to know that together we are stronger. This COVID-19 virus is huge but still requires a microscope to be seen. I’ve no doubt an antidote will be devised to prevent future spread. When? I don’t know, but as a community who’ve lived with hope of a treatment for our conditions we can take solace that this virus won’t break our resolve or strength of mind.
At a time like this our community has more to offer those in social isolation than you might think. We’ve lived a restricted lifestyle in many ways for years. That doesn’t mean we stop doing what we value doing though. It means we evaluate, adjust and move forward as best we can within the limitations we have.
Writing is the thing I value doing. Helping others through the power of a crime story or words of comfort through a blog. Both bring me great joy to be of service where I can. Whatever your “thing” is you value, please continue to practice it where you can.
If you can’t right now, just remember this will pass and a time will come again when you will be able to.
Take care, stay safe and stay strong.
Best wishes
Ian.
Ian Patrick is an ambassador for the charity based in Scotland where he lives with his family. You can follow him on Twitter.