Real People Feature: Sara Graham

Who are you?

Along with the usual- wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, friend- I am primarily a student of life.

What is the best advice you've ever given or received and why?

I don't know if I would call it the best advice I've ever received, but one thing that sticks in my mind is something my father often said. "You don't need to have all the answers: you just need to know how to find them." 

I think this has helped shape my constant "look it up" outlook on things. I really don't like to be in the dark about things but seriously don't think I am the one with all the answers!

What has been the greatest challenge in your life and why?

Like many people, I have faced challenges throughout life. Most of my challenges have passed. Some of them did not work out the way I would have wanted, but it all worked out in the end. (I bet my children think I say that too much!)

But, my biggest challenge is lack of control. Most of us have a plan for our lives. It might be something we write down or we might just dream about it. Often, we imagine what we want to be when we grow up, where we want to live, or who we want to share our lives with. 

I was born third. My brother is 29 months older than I am. My sister is 13 months my elder. (I also have a brother who is 8 years younger, who helped shape who I am.) I can't say that I wanted to be better than my older siblings or to compete with them, but I did want to do what they did. I was/am a quietly competitive individual. 

I don't want to be the best at anything, but I do want to be better than ME. Let's just say that I always wanted to do it myself. It always bothered me when I had to ask someone for help. I liked to know enough about the car or the computer that I could fix it (or at least talk about what needed to be done). That has all changed.

You see, I have MS- a neurological condition that has affected all aspects of my life. Now I am reliant on others for things like shopping, driving, even walking. So, I have had to take my own advice and learn to deal with this. I now try to use competitiveness to force myself to eat better, to exercise more and to make more helpful connections with others. 

What has been the greatest joy in your life and why?

I have many joys in my life. My connection with others- especially my family- is one of the greatest. 

I am married to my best friend, and I can honestly say that he is the reason I can even think about doing most of the things I do! And I am extremely glad to have my sons all living productive, happy lives with the women they love. My family has grown with the addition of these three wonderful women and their families that I now consider a part of mine.

Oh, and of course, there are those two beautiful granddaughters of mine whom I love to spend time with.

What is one thing you have not done that you really want to do and why?

I now tell people that, if there is something you want to do, don't put it off. Find a way to do it now!

I always thought I would hike the Appalachian Trail when I retired. That will not happen now. I should have planned to do it earlier. 

Life is too short and circumstances change. Instead, I have changed my dreams to things that I can do now and, hopefully, I will be able to do these things before I need to change my dreams again. 

*****

What a woman, right? 

Sara is, undoubtedly, one of the most wholly beautiful people I have ever known, inside and out. Her awe-inspiring patience, wisdom and love are evident in every word she speaks. She's just one of those people who make you think...Dang. That woman really knows what's up. And she does. I could cry thinking about how much she does. 

Biggest love to Sara for sharing her story and for reminding us that we have the power to learn ANYTHING if we're willing to stretch and put forth the effort to grow.

And...if you're feeling the love in your heart, click here or on the right sidebar of this blog to check out Sara's amazing (and strikingly good looking) team of bike riders, Missing Link Chain Gang. Please consider supporting The National Multiple Sclerosis Society's noble efforts. Every kind donation truly makes a difference. Join the effort!

 Check out Sara's team here!

P.S. If you'd like to participate in a Real People Feature, send me a message at cally@frommyhearthtoyours.com or comment below. We'd love to hear from you.