Greetings all,
For some time now, many of you whom I interact with on a regular basis have noticed a marked drop-off in my Forum activity. In addition, I have been asked on many occasions why I haven't been creating any new artwork or fiction for awhile.
I had been putting this off for quite awhile, just to be sure. Every once in awhile, something happens to you that at first you feel you should tell everyone, but then start to realize the finality of it. Kind of a self-denial sort of thing. However, things are pretty darn certain at this moment, so I feel it's time to let my friends know what has been happening.
A couple of months ago, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. From what I've been told, I probably had it for quite some time, but it often gets misdiagnosed, as there are many afflictions that can mimic MS. For those who are unaware, Multiple Sclerosis is an auto-immune disorder in which the immune system mistakes the nervous system for an invading body and targets it. It strips away the insulation surround the nerves of the body, notably the brain and spinal cord. Basically, things start to short out, send false signals or none at all. The sneaky thing about MS is that you can have 100 people with it, showing 100 different sets of symptoms.
I have been suffering mostly from moderate to severe leg pains, extreme fatigue, nasty tremors in my right arm and about 80% loss of sensation and control in my left leg. The arm and hand tremors often interfere with my typing, and it takes me longer to write things now. Also, the fine motor skills required for my artwork are becoming more challenging to control.
So, here's where I stand. I am not leaving the community, or stepping down as a Moderator. For the forseeable future, I will remain an active member of the community, albeit to a lesser extent. I have no immediate plans to retire from creating original artwork or writing new fiction, I only ask that you please understand the inactivity between works.
My spirits and humor remain intact, as does my belief in the healing power of community and brotherhood. The way I look at it, I can sit around feeling sorry for myself, or I can just see what I'm capable of doing on any given day. Take it from there.
When something like this happens, you do gain a somewhat deeper perspective on things, especially when it comes to the importance of the things we often overlook. Or the futility of the things we fight over. I urge all of you to be gracious with the gifts you have, hold on to your friends and never lose the ability to appreciate the magnitude of a single day.
I will, of course, keep you posted as things change or develop. We are a tight community, and one that is known for the bonds it creates. If there are any of you with a similar aflliction and would like to talk, my door is, as always, open. That's the great thing about the Internet...people can come together from all over the globe to lend support to one another.
In closing, I thank you all for the friendship, support and acceptance you've shown me since first becoming a part of this community. Counting myself a member of such a fine group of individuals has been a highlight of my life, no matter what else happens.
Thank you for your time,
Dave
