Hi there! My name is Rennie and I’m a “glass half full” kind of girl. My optimism has been put to the ultimate test as I was forced to give up my career as a teacher due to progressing Multiple Sclerosis. I was not “just” a teacher, though. My entire identity was defined by being a teacher. My students were my children, especially since I have none of my own. My school was my home, and I willingly spent more hours there from September until June every year than I did at my own home. Teaching was my life, a fact I proudly shared on more occasions than I can begin to count. So what will this “retired” teacher, photography hobbyist, and eternal optimist do next? Stay tuned to find out!
Rennie,
I am so happy that you have taken this next step and started your blog! Knowing the person that you are, I am sure this will be very interesting! Best wishes and Happy Blogging!
Thanks, Liz! I am sure we will have many adventures together that I can blog about!
Congrats on your new way to show the world of all your ways of excellence: love, knowledge, strength. Best of luck and I can’t wait to read more. Love you very much, my special MS buddy 🙂
My dear, sweet Kate. We are in this together. I love you!
Congratulations on this new endeavor!!
Thanks for all of your help!
You are one of the most inspirational people I have ever known. I can’t wait to see what wonderful things are in store for you and because of you.
This is one of the nicest things anyone has ever said to me. Thank you. I am so lucky to have you in my life!
No appropriate words..just tears of pride reading your blog…
Infinity mostest.
Let me know how I can support your efforts. As a PT, I have been involved with the MS community throughout my career. I, proud of you.
Thanks so much for that, Lois! The best thing that anyone can do right now is just keep sharing my blog with everyone. Awareness is key. So many people out there just need to know that the struggle is real and learning to adjust is a lifelong undertaking!
After reading your story, I realized mine is similar. The difference being, I devoted my life to being a hairdresser. After nearly 40 years in my career, I was finally diagnosed with MS. I too stubbornly refused to retire, for 2more years, until my counselor pointed out that I was not accepting my “new me”! That and the Drs were not going to accept me working at what I loved and what I couldn’t accept was making me worse. I also planned, 5 more years and I would be set to retire !!! I was once told” if you can count your true friends on one hand, and that hand is full, at the end of your life, you have had a full life.” I’m fortunate , I only have my thumb left to fill. Thank you for sharing. I look forward too more optimism in your blogs.
I’m so glad that you can relate! Feel free to share it with others, too.
I didn’t know the “old” you. After a year of being imaginary friends, we finally met in a Cuban restaurant, and it was just you, just Rennie. Just wonderful, funny, upbeat, positive Rennie. I liked you before I met you, I love you now. I’ll have a glass of lemonade with you anytime, and stir it with a spoon, too. Hugs, friend!!!
How is it that you always know just what to say? I’m so glad I have you in my life.