Dear Body

Usually I don't blog about intensely personal things. I like to keep my postings light and airy, similar to Paris Hilton's brain. But a recent visit to see my mom made me realize some things that I'm very grateful for, and often take for granted.

She's been in a senior care center since January for complications because of her multiple sclerosis. Hopefully she's coming home soon, after the house is ready for her return.

Having a seriously ill family member is pretty much, well, a big bummer. But, seeing her body deteriorate over the past several years has helped me to be thankful for my own good health, including:

• My hands: The digits point, poke and prod whenever necessary; I have complete fine-motor control
• My tongue: This speech articulator doesn't scramble my words; whatever I say is clear as a bell
• My legs: They take me wherever I want at a moment's notice; I think my gams are quite shapely, actually
  
• My bladder: This organ can contribute to one of the more disconcerting complications of MS; I'm happy mine obeys orders to hold and release at will

Thank you, body, for your tireless efforts to carry me through all my endeavors. I only wish I could say the same for my mom.

SSS: ...