MS Letters: To my beautiful boy
Debbie’s been living with relapsing and remitting MS for nearly 20 years. She refuses to let MS define her or her family. In this heartfelt letter to her son, she reflects on the challenges they’ve faced together, and how they’ve found joy in the everyday.
Ten years since you arrived in the world.
Ten years filled with laughter, learning, growing, and many adventures that others might have thought impossible. But we proved otherwise.
Multiple sclerosis has always been part of our lives, but it’s never defined us.
It’s just been one of the threads in the tapestry we’ve woven together.
The support that helped me mother you
In those early days, I was a first-time mum navigating the world of parenting with a disability. I had wonderful volunteers help me bathe you, soothe you, and venture into the world with you snuggled close. Through the charity HomeStart UK we made some life-long connections which helped lift the weight of the unknown and gave me the space to love you fully, to mother you wholly.
We discovered together what help was available, like carers who joined us on trips. And tools that allowed me to do all the everyday things other parents might take for granted. Like making a changing station downstairs, as well us up.
Together, we’ve shared holidays abroad, big days out, and new experiences that might have felt out of reach but never were.
With your hand in mine, the impossible became our norm.
Again, tips and tools helped us so much. There is power in having something as simple as a RADAR key to help us find a safe space while we’re out exploring.
You’ve been my little motivator
While I taught you how to read and write, you kept my mind sharp and curious. You asked endless questions and sparked adventures into science, books, and imagination. You helped me stay active— physically, mentally, and emotionally. You’ve been my little powerhouse, my motivator, my reminder that even on tough days, the world is still full of wonder.
Our family is strong
You’ve grown into a willing, thoughtful and determined boy.
You’ve helped me in quiet moments, and you’ve proudly spoken up, stood beside me, and shown the world how capable and strong a family like ours can be.
I’ve had the honour of volunteering at your school, where I’ve read with you and your classmates, helped with school fundraising, and gone on school trips. Those experiences have been just as priceless to me as the milestones we’ve celebrated together at home.
We want to stop the ‘MonSter’
While my MS has remained stable in scans, the daily dance with the “MonSter” continues. It means that sometimes, we do things a little differently.
As your mum, I’ve never once felt ‘less than’. I feel loved, capable and cherished. I know you wish we could stop the ‘MonSter for good. That one day a cure could be found.
That’s why I’ve chosen to get involved with my local MS Society, the Sutton group. Over the last few years, their dedicated volunteers have raised an incredible £100,000 to help stop MS, and that’s why I’ve been proud to join the team. Every person has a part to play. We do it for each other, for ourselves, and for our loved ones.
I do it for you
Thank you, my son. For your kindness, your patience, and your joy. For being my teammate in this extraordinary life.
With all the love in the world,
Mum
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