Earlier this spring I accepted a part-time job working as an assistant EMS coordinator in rural Alaska and called it my dipstick test for future employment. The job was always going to be temporary because my husband was due to retire on July 1st and I knew we would no longer be living on Prince of Wales Island. What I did not know was how my health would hold up to part-time work after five years on disability due to multiple sclerosis. As it turns out, working a couple of days per week suited me well. I truly enjoyed working with outstanding people who gave me a sense of purpose I have missed over the years. I looked forward to getting out of the house, seeing different people and the feeling of contributing to my community again.

That said, when I began working MS was in the background of my daily life. With the changes going on this spring, MS decided to move forward. The dipstick test was not long enough to determine if the flare up was due to the preparation and eventual move, reduction in my medication or the increased activity in my daily schedule. I guess I will have to try again in the future. May I be so fortunate to find another superior group of people to work with down the road.