Illness can be a magnificent teacher if you allow it. In the 18 months since I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, each day I learn something new about me or the world. 

But not everyone I meet with this or other dis-eases is so open to illness being a teaching experience. I see the sadness that weighs on so many people that attend MS events. I hear it on facebook and forums. The message is, “I have given up joy.”