I have had the good fortunate of being a friend of Ann Sawyer both pre and post MS days. I have clear memories of her initial days of MS symptoms, her phone call telling me she was leaving work for the day.. she needed to go home. I recall the fear in her tearful voice.
Ann's world quickly centered around doctor appointments, second opinions, research. What I most recall is centering our daily phone calls around her much needed daily nap. I called before noon, or late afternoon.
I still picture Ann in her kitchen, starting to sort through all the information she was obtaining about herself, her illness, her body. Her famous "juicer". We'd kid Ann about this vegetable juice that she grew to love. I watched Ann develop this great appreciation for good, clean food......basic food....many right from her own garden. That is another fun memory, Ann and her husband, Steve, never grew a little bit of anything. They were always generous with their "crops".
Along with Ann's changes in her diet, I watched Ann changing physically. Initial days appeared painfully difficult at times, despite her positive attitude. One particular discouraging night was watching Ann walking out of her daughter's high school graduation. I recall her legs being particularly numb... she needed the trusted arm of husband Steve to safely get to the car.
It was after that time that I recall Ann becoming more confident in herself, what she had learned about herself. Ann quickly recognized what she could.. and couldn't ....do to feel good. She would experiment on herself.. her body was quick to give feedback.
With the changes in Ann came her eagerness to share her knowledge..... It seemed she was all of a sudden hearing about others with MS, the "friend of a friend" type situation. Ann's once mandatory nap time soon became unnecessary. She was busy corresponding with folks from all areas. Ann was, and continues to be, so struck by other MS stories.. she recognizes the pain, fear. She sees the unnecessary suffering.
I'm very excited for The MS Recovery Diet to come out. I am witness to what what others will be able to read about. Ann's knowledge, her good health, and finally......her spirit ... are very convincing.