No Pedestals Please

I have MS, and I have chosen to do my best 

To give life my all ... Nothing less.

I didn't choose to have a chronic illness

I certainly wouldn't try to will this.

But, strength is not something you choose

Until choice is something you lose.

Someone told me today that I've made such a great decision

In my mind it didn't take much vision.

When pain becomes a daily part of life

And I can either cry or rise above,

I can easily become a burden to those I love.

To me there stands only one clear choice

I have to live my life with a smile and an activist's voice. 

©Sheryl A. Skutelsky, 2013. All rights reserved.