Comments on: In The Room

By: Maria Theresa Maggi

Maria Theresa Maggi — Fri, 11 Mar 2016 04:53:03 +0000

Gena, so happy to hear you are a West Wing fan as well, and a partner in binge watching it, to boot! 🙂 Thanks for all you say about my process of watching it “then” and “now” as it relates to the show’s handling of MS–still so much to think about, still mulling it all over.

And thank you, too, for appreciating what I say about the value of seeimingly non-productive, non-functional time. The longer I live, the more I see that time as more fruitful than I ever would have imagined. xo

By: Gena

Gena — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 11:41:34 +0000

I love this post in part because I’m also a huge West Wing fan (I’ve binged watched the whole show at least 2-3 times), and also because I think it’s interesting and admirable that you were able to give the show enough time to see your initial reaction to the writers’ handling of Barlet’s MS in a new light. I’m glad that things struck you in a different way upon consideration — and I agree that the message of learning to rely on others is important (important for everyone, not just important in the context of a chronic illness).

I also really love what you say about recognizing the value of time that seems, at least on first inspection, non-productive or non-functional. I struggle enormously to create pockets of what I might describe as “non-structured” time in my life — in spite of the fact that therapy and Steven are helping to push me in that direction. When I am able to give myself just a little more free space, I am struck by how much I learn. I think that what we might call “idleness” or “quiet time” is as vital as the moments of action in our lives, because it allows us to absorb and process experience in very important ways.

As always, great food for thought, Maria!

By: Maria Theresa Maggi

Maria Theresa Maggi — Wed, 09 Mar 2016 17:04:50 +0000

Danielle, thank you so much for this wonderful comment. I am moved that the image of me warming up by the stove while watching the show after those chilly nights of horseback riding made an impression on you. I really appreciate knowing that. And yes, I so agree seeming “low power” mode is often the most likely way our brains can let knew inspiration into awareness! Here’s to seizing it whenever we can.

By: Danielle

Danielle — Wed, 09 Mar 2016 15:53:58 +0000

Thanks for yet another beautiful story! For some reason I was especially struck by the visual I had of you originally watching the show after a chilly session of horseback riding, while warming up in front of your masonry stove.

Inspiration comes at any time, and yes, when we’re ‘wasting time’, that’s sometimes the only time our brains are operating on what could be phrased as low power mode, haha. But then, when inspiration appears we have to be clever enough to seize it. Thanks for seizing it and writing a new blog post.

By: Maria Theresa Maggi

Maria Theresa Maggi — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 20:21:36 +0000

Thank you, Veronica, for this great comment. You raise an important point, and I think many people with MS have times of feeling that way, or maybe always feel that way. I certainly do. That’s one of the reasons this rewatching is such an interesting and meaningful experience for me–I was able to sit with it more fully than before–but is that because I am doing better than I was then, or is it simply because I have 20 years of living with it under my belt? Hard to know. Your work in Seattle at the therapeutic riding center sound wonderful, as does the woman with MS who founded the place. You have done some great work with animals over the years–glad that’s continuing! And also glad you appreciate the “SpaceBalls” picture and the story that went with it! That’s my son. . .:) xo

By: Veronica

Veronica — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 19:15:50 +0000

I sometimes have issues watching shows or reading articles about MS… I think it still hits too close to home for me right now. I try to separate from it – but the reality that it could be me, is a lot. Too scary. Probably why I never watched West Wing – I’m not a fan of political dramas anyway, but then hearing that the character has MS, crossed it off my list quickly! I am, however, a huge fan of binge watching good shows. 🙂
Your post also reminded me of when I was in Seattle and volunteered at a therapeutic riding center – it was started by a woman with MS who found the horses helped her a lot. And I fondly remember all the horses I worked with, I still miss them every day.
Anyway, a lovely post, and I’m still so thankful your slow motion miracle keeps on keepin’ on. And I love the SpaceBalls picture (and story that went with it)! xo

By: Maria Theresa Maggi

Maria Theresa Maggi — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 05:40:43 +0000

Hi Lee, thanks for the solidarity on binge watching. 🙂 I’m glad you also enjoyed the memory that came up in the process. Fascinating to learn that both your parents worked on the Hill. And oh, I am SO happy to learn of your involvement with therapeutic riding! The volunteers I worked with were fine people, and some became good friends. They gave me rides to class, helped me through an accident with a spooked horse, helped me shop for riding boots, and one woman became a friend who helped me clean my house for over ten years following. I bet you were a fantastic volunteer and I’m so glad to hear your involvement helped with your own recovery. It’s really an amazing experience from any angle. Thanks for sharing that!

By: Lee

Lee — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 03:32:20 +0000

Hi Maria, first, on the shallow side, binge watching absolutely has its place! 😉 Thanks also for sharing the lovely story about getting to your son’s 6th grade open house–I love the reminder that friends can both figuratively and literally lift us up. I’m also now inspired to watch the West Wing, if only to get a better feeling for the experience of living with MS. Living in the DC area and growing up with two parents who worked on the Hill, I’ve actually avoided politics in shows and fiction to a large extent. But I think I can handle the executive branch. 🙂

Final note–I went through some challenging health problems of my own about 10 years ago (though they weren’t as rough as MS), and while I participated as a volunteer and not a rider, I credit working with a therapeutic riding program as part of my recovery. The kind people, the companionship with horses, the chance to help other people have fun and feel better–nothing could be more healing!

By: Maria Theresa Maggi

Maria Theresa Maggi — Sun, 28 Feb 2016 23:19:51 +0000

You are welcome, Susan! My pleasure. Glad you like the picture. Hope you enjoy watching. 🙂

By: Maria Theresa Maggi

Maria Theresa Maggi — Sun, 28 Feb 2016 23:19:11 +0000

Thank you Amy Lu! 🙂