Of Multiple Sclerosis & Why I Did It
Reasons
I decided to climb a mountain because it’s been on my list of things to do for years. And I love crossing things off a list. I’ve been known to ADD things (already done) to a list, only so I could take the immense pleasure in crossing them off. Something about making those strike-throughs is SO gratifying. I realize that’s wacked, and wackier still is publicly admitting such.
That doesn’t really answer why I did it, does it? I did it, because I could. Flippant. Okay, here’s another try: I did it because I could and another in my life, a beloved other, can’t. Truth.
My sister has Multiple Sclerosis. Before the disease, SHE was the adventurous one. Climbing trees and riding a bike around cow paddies and over dirt roads like a mad woman, she was one fearless child. She’s my inspiration in life. Her spirit and passion and resolve are lava-like – hot enough to have frightened the disease into not having stripped away all her physical capabilities.
The disease is afraid of her. That’s not to say it hasn’t won in some regards. SHE can’t climb a mountain. SHE can’t hike into the backcountry. She can’t take an Animal Tracking course or ride a bike. Some days she can’t climb 2 stairs. And some days, she struggles to get from her bedroom to the living room.
It seems only right that because I can and she cannot, I should. So I do. And she’s right beside me every grueling step of these hare-brained, a bit out there escapades I relish. When I feel myself getting lazy and making excuses for not having done anything physically challenging in a while, I sense her kicking me in the pants. She’s my mental barometer against too many bon bons and a soft city life; against taking my health for granted.
My hope is that at the end, my physical exploits will have been enough for TWO healthy, adventurous explorers whose good health wasn’t squandered on cushy hotel rooms and pointless shopping trips.
I climbed a mountain because it is my job to make up for the strike-throughs in her life not made by her own hand. Damn them all.
Two Explorers
About SRT... I’m a traveler, writer and photographer for whom the open road frequently summons. Adventurous solo road trips are a staple for me, and a curiosity. So I created this website to share them and inspire you to step out and give them a try. Welcome! 
Indeed, you are doing a great thing to honor your sister.
When MS takes over one’s life, there are so many of the little things that become a burden to do, and that’s the time when you wish you enjoyed those little things more.
However, don’t lose hope! Today, CCSIV – the liberation therapy – proved to be very helpful in the treatment of MS symptoms. Also, stem cell therapy seems to provide the cure for those that have MS. Unfortunately for the moment both treatments are still awaiting FDA approval, but soon, hopefully, they’ll be available and everyone with MS will be able to do all those things that they can’t do anymore.
Comment by Ms Symptoms — September 7, 2010 @ 6:13 pm
A beautiful tribute to your sister 🙂
Comment by Lisa at Wanderlust Women — October 7, 2009 @ 6:43 pm
Tammie
You are an inspiration to so many,, one superbly talented writer and most importantly …..I believe you’ve led your life the way that we all should,,,,but few do…….You are a true….”liver of life!”
Thank you for sharing your visions and thoughts.
You are one incredibly special woman and Tom is one lucky man!
Nothing you’ve accomplished,,, or the fascinating and marvelous way you’ve strung together words to tell your awesome stories, has surprised me in the least. The public part of it,,, well,, yeah,,, I guess THAT is a bit of a surprise….but even with that, I realize it’s a perfect example of how you tackle challenging and difficult obstacles in your path head-on to pursue your continuing growth and evolution.
Much health and continued happiness so you can continue to touch so many lives by following your passions~ and sharing your perspectives in words and photos. We are lucky.
My prayers are with your sister~
…always & forever~
Comment by Bruce — October 4, 2009 @ 8:41 pm
Yep. No question. Lisa has fire. I remember as a young boy in the house with her countless times I would try to get out of doing chores. Mom and Dad left her in charge while they were gone. And Tammie, even at this early age, was on some darn ‘solo’ road trip somewhere. Back at the ranch, Lisa and I battled. I would wage war on the vacuum cleaner hoping to damage it or tear a wire (when she wasn’t looking of course) to diffuse the threat of actually having to use it. But Lisa persisted. Every time I would stop the vacuum she would find me and ask, “Why did ya stop?” So I’d begin again, and again and again. And Lisa persevered always holding my feet to the fire. I suppose this is where she got her early training in determination. I remember those days like they were yesterday. I love thinking about those days and this blog post made me think of them. I thought much about Lisa, too. And I remember even then Tammie was trying to help all of us “cross off” things from our list. For that and much more, I am thankful to both of them. All my love to you both…sisters.
Comment by James — October 2, 2009 @ 8:22 pm
Our strength comes from generations of perseverance? and as I feel that I inheirted it correctly….”piss and vinegar”, from our wonderful Gom! I am no stronger than the next person, if put in the same situation. I use to say that life was not fair, at a point so long ago, I realized, What made me think that I was any better than the next guy that bad things happen to? Thinking of that now and reading what you have written, my views have changed somewhat. I am better than many out there….because I have an extremely wonderful sister that loves me so much and a fabulous family that does also! Life can deal you unspeakable torment, but if you have someone there with you to ease and support you part of the way, It makes the climb not so ‘solo’….
Comment by Lisa — September 25, 2009 @ 5:03 pm
Seeing those two bright faces pop up on the monitor this morning made a proud mother cry. Our strengths have been magnified by her, the epitome of strength, as is the bond between you two. Get ready…I know what’s coming next! Maybe for three…..
Comment by Clay Mama — September 20, 2009 @ 7:46 am
Hi Tammie,
MS is a tough condition. Your sister is an everyday hero – for conquering her condition one step at the time. And bravo to you for doing what you can to support your sis. I admire the bond between the two of you. It’s so precious!
Comment by jen laceda — September 19, 2009 @ 10:04 pm
I was born in 1960, the same year my Mom was diagnosed with MS. Although she may not be able to climb a mountain, she is still alive and full of life.I hope she doesn’t see this or she will be demanding to go on the next SRT with you! (which would really wreck the “solo” part)
don
Comment by Don Deckert — September 19, 2009 @ 7:02 pm
Your words explain it so wonderfully. My son was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes when he was 12 (now 18). Maybe not as dibilitating as MS but our attitude is to NOT let it change who he is, but to add to it. Of course some things that did change, me attending those Boy Scout Campouts to make sure his diabetes is managed and cared for and not to dump the responsibility on a volunteer adult. But because of it, like you and your son, we have created a bond that not alot of parents can say they truley have with their children. The more I read of your postings the more I think you are the adventurous soul you are because you see things like not many others take the time to do. You appreciate the simple things in life, family and nature and a great adventure for the soul…and most of all the courage, desire and perserverance to get out and DO.
Many happy adventures to you.
Comment by Michelle — September 19, 2009 @ 7:02 pm
Tammie, (My wife’s name too, btw) You are an awesome person. My wife was diagnosed several years ago with MS after she went blind in one eye. Sight has returned after steroid therapy but she has the relapsing remitting type and goes through the same thing frequently. She has not been plagued with the other debilitating effects as of yet. Hopefully I can be to my wife what you are to your sister. You rock!
Comment by Jim — September 19, 2009 @ 6:40 pm
Tammie,
You amaze and inspire me and more than once have moved me to tears. Well, you did it again, so please send Kleenex! You are a blessing to your family and the countless people you’ve touched through social networking.
That you crossed the paths of Tim and I has never felt the least bit accidental or coincidental.
Someday, we will raise a glass together and salute your summit, your sister and my sister and I’m buying!
Comment by Sheila — September 19, 2009 @ 6:06 pm
Your sister is a blessed woman, both in her own fire and the fire of a sister who loves her that much. You are blessed as well to have someone that close that lights your fire. You both burn bright. It’s that fire that inspires me and makes me happy to stand in its glow. Here’s to both of you. Climb on!!!!
Comment by Pops — September 19, 2009 @ 4:31 pm
You know those Southern “Steel Magnolias” you always hear about? Well, I have the privilege of knowing two of them; Two beautiful, fiery and “tough as nails” women. Love you both!
Comment by Joie — September 19, 2009 @ 3:48 pm