What a New Season Means to Me

If you’re anything like me, then you are just as excited about the turn of the season that happened a few days ago. It is officially spring, here in the Northern Hemisphere of the world.

Pretty soon, cherry blossoms will begin to bloom again, the sun will grace us with longer and warmer days, and new life will begin to sprout from the earth as Mother Nature dethaws from another harsh winter. And, if you’re living with SMA, it means cold and flu season is just about over.

I’d be lying if I said typing that sentence didn’t give me an adrenaline rush. I’m itching for the days when my muscles don’t atrophy after being outside for more than 30 seconds and my bulky winter clothes don’t impede on my driving abilities, and most importantly, I’m able to break free from the four walls of my home without the heightened risk of getting sick.

Winter brings a game of roulette for those whose well-being is precious and fragile. There’s a fine line between recklessly socializing while exposed to germs and keeping yourself from going stir crazy. Somehow, I fall short on this every year. As much as I wish I could give some wise words of advice on how to combat the doldrums of winter, the truth is that I’m still trying to figure this out. My best attempt at lending out a hand to those who are in similar predicaments, though, is gently assuring them that they’re not alone.

After spending months secluded from my everyday life and alone with my thoughts, spring always becomes my redemption song. It’s a chance for me to get reacquainted with the world and make up for lost time. It’s a chance for me to plant new seeds in my life and allow myself to grow. And, it’s a chance for me to begin again.

Alas, I pause from writing for a moment and look out my window to a fresh blanket of snow before me. There’s a text waiting to be opened from a friend who has just informed me a section of the nursing home she is employed at is on quarantine due to the flu, and a weather alert is warning me of another foot of snow on its way. We’re not out of the woods yet here in New England. But the day on my calendar reminds me that I’m almost there.

I’m almost ready to dance to my redemption song.

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Note: SMA News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of SMA News Today, or its parent company, Bionews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to spinal muscular atrophy.