I had been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, but I was still on my feet, when my married daughter asked me to attend the Writers Round Table group with her. I was hooked! My dream began its roots that evening.

That night has been close to twenty years ago, and several set backs later. But I have persevered amid, hardships and difficulties and others' doubts that I would reach my desires and goals.

MS has sucked from me more than I, sometimes, care to acknowledge. I first began to use a cane, and then two canes. Then I started using a wheelchair on occasions when extended endurance was required.

All the while I continued to write with my dream before me. Though there were often tears smearing the print. Often my words spoke of depression and anguish and despair.

After our four children were out-on-their-own, and married, we packed up and moved across country. By this time, I was spending full time on a three-wheel scooter. I, also, under-went two operations, in a short time, but my dream was becoming clearer as I prayed for my eyes to be opened to my blessings, and to be able to see the humor in life. I began to write of that which I was blessed with, and many times in a humorous way.

I began to submit my writings, and found others were encouraged by my words. I was hooked, and more-than-ever encouraged to persevere.

After a year-and-a-half, and at the age of sixty, we moved, again, back to the place it at all begun, back to our home town. We were back where my dream had begun. Though by now, I could see others doubted I would ever realize the completion of the desire I had long cradled.

Along with the move, I had a fall which landed me in the hospital, again, this time for three weeks. But, I used my circumstances to gather more material for the dream that was becoming clearer, as I aged, and as I became increasingly, what some would consider, more handicapped. My hospital stay only spurred me on.

I was released from the hospital in May and by August my manuscript was well on its way. My first book was released on December twenty-sixth. Within a year from that time my second book had been released.

Now, at sixty-two, I not only have realized my dream of publishing a book, but I have published two books. Plus, I am completing my third book and compiling my fourth. Many more wonderful things have come into my life as well. I am doing speaking engagements, radio interviews, writing newspaper columns and I have my own Internet e-zine and website.

One can never become too old, or handicapped, to realize their dreams! Always keep the desire before you, and persevere despite, or amid, hardships, until you have given birth to your dreams.

Betty King is the author of, "It Takes Two Mountains to Make a Valley" and " But - It Was in the Valleys I Grew." She is a freelance writer, speaker and a newspaper columnist. Her award wining writings appear in Chicken Soup series, Alice Gray's series other books and magazines, including Venice Gulf Coast Living, newsletters and other mediums. Betty has lived with MS for over thirty-seven years. She and her husband of forty-six years live in Illinois. Visit her website, www.BettyKing.net or email her at, baking2@charter.net .