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I've started writing again after about one and a half years away. For those who don't remember me I have the disease multiple sclerosis. My MS has done alot of things to a once healthy body. I know this might sound strange. Even though I can't do the things I once did there are some good things in becoming disabled like I am now. I've always tried to find the good out of something bad. Now is no different because of my MS. Below are some things that I think are good which have come out of my MS.

The best thing my disability did for me was that it got me to quit drinking beer. It wasn't like I would go out and drink a 12-pack in an evening or something like that. However, by 1990 I was starting to rely on beer too much if something was bothering me or I didn't want to face something. I always got my work done and I even owned a couple of small businesses during this time. However, after my work I would either go to a bar or to a liquor store to buy some beer. It was getting to be a habit. I was single at the time so I wasn't hurting anyone but me. One day after writing this article I had lunch with two friends.  I had half a bottle of beer and got the worst headache. I think my beer drinking days are done. 

I'm not proud of this but I'll admit I did alot of drinking and driving during my youth. When I think of some of the times I drove my car drunk I'm amazed that I'm still here. Luckily, I never killed anyone and more importantly I didn't kill myself. If I'd killed myself my son wouldn't be around now and who knows what he'll accomplish in his life. Maybe he'll be a doctor someday and find a cure for my disease. One never knows?

A couple of other things that my disease has done for me is this. I think I'm nicer, kinder, gentler and more emotional. I've also become more humble. When you can't do things you once found so easy to do and you need to ask for help it makes you very humble quickly. When you have to ride a scooter or use a walker at a young age like I had to you also learn to look at things differently! I appreciate everything alot more. I say thanks for everything these days. When someone holds a door for me I usually give then a heartfelt thank you!

Jon Wegner is a 51 year old resident of West Fargo, North Dakota, USA. He's lived there for 1.5 years after being a lifelong Minnesotan. Jon has multiple sclerosis. His MS took most of his walking in 2007 and he suffers a myriad of other MS related problems. Although he can still drive his van he uses a scooter and a rollator (walker) to go shorter distances.