21
nationalmssociety.org/pae | 1-800-548-4611
my special grandmom When 11-year-old Jenna Troyano was asked to write an essay at school, she chose to write about her grandmother, Jeannette Palmieri. Jeannette, from New Jersey, has been living with MS for more than 30 years. Jenna got an A for this touching tribute to her ‘special Grandmom’.
My special grandmom by jenna troyano
“You have a special Grandmom” I hear my Grandmom say to my little brother. When I heard those words I thought to myself I really do have a special Grandmom don’t I. When I look at my friends Grandmom’s they don’t look like my Grandmom or do what my Grandmom does. My Grandmom may be special, but I wouldn’t trade her for any other Grandmom in the world. Even though she lives her life with Multiple Sclerosis I still love her with all of my heart. Multiple Sclerosis is a neurological disease. Every case is different, but my Grandmom’s case has gotten so bad that she can’t walk. She was diagnosed with MS at 29 and has been struggling with it ever since. She could walk with a cane or walker for most of her life, but in her 50’s it got worse and now she can’t walk at all. My Grandmom once asked me “are you
disappointed in me because I can’t walk?” I said “no the exact opposite. I am proud of you for persevering even though you can’t walk.” It’s true I love her and are proud of her for continuing on with her life. My Grandmom is an inspiration to women. She screams keep going don’t give up. She makes you want to keep going and most important she makes people be better. She changes the way they look at life. Makes them appreciate what they have. She does what she can to live a full and happy life. She is special and I love her for it. Since my Grandmom has MS I am aware of all the people around me that can’t walk. My whole life I have held the door for people who can’t or have trouble walking. Also when I see people parking in Handicapped spots without a tag it makes me realize that because of my Grandmom’s special needs I am aware. It also makes me realize that because of my Grandmom’s special needs I would never even think of parking in the handicapped spot or not holding the door for people who can’t or have trouble walking. When I am with my Grandmother I do not feel uncomfortable or out of place because I don’t care what people think. I love my grandmother for who she is and would never even thinking of trying to change her. Even though she is a special Grandmom I would never trade her for any other Grandmom in the world. I am always thankful that I can walk. I have high respect for any Handicapped people and that will never go away. Therefore my Grandmom is special and I love her. I don’t care what other people think of her all that matters is what she thinks of herself. I know she may be discouraged sometimes, but she is normally positive, optimistic, and cheerful. She is perfect to me. n