When I was getting off the bus after work today, I ran into someone I know but haven’t seen in a while. He asked me how I was doing.

“I’m okay.” I said.

He gave my cane a long look. “Really?”

“Yes. I’m doing great actually.”

“I’ve seen you around, walking with that.”

“It’s for the MS.”

“Oh, I know.”

“How do you know?”

“My mother had MS. She would shuffle and her body would bend as she walked, like she was trying to fall backwards. Then she would sit and be able to get up again. She died with it.”

“Well, it doesn’t go away.”

“Oh, I know. But don’t let it limit your quality of life.”

“I’m trying not to. I get out and around every day, still go to work.”

“I know. You’re like my mother. She was stubborn as an ox too. She lived till she was ninety-three.”

“Thanks.”

“I meant that as a compliment. You’re walking around, you’re getting out, you aren’t hiding away in your apartment. That’s what you need to do. You need to get out there and live and you’re doing that.”

“Thank you.” I was touched.

“Don’t give up, don’t ever surrender. Life is worth living as long as you want to live it.”

He hugged me and then got on his bus. As I watched the bus drive away, I thought about my quality of life.

And decided that it was pretty awesome.