MDA National Ambassador Blog-Insights by Ira: A Journal of Gratitude

Ira J Walker III

During the recent pandemic, I created a written nest of emotional solace by constructing a daily gratitude journal.  This was a journal that I diligently spent time each evening before bed documenting the various articles in my life that I was most grateful for.  Through completing this daily exercise, I can conclusively concur a notion that I had heard recited many times before: the more you reflect on the good things in your life, the happier and more content you will be, even in trying times. The pandemic presented many moments of anguish, heartache, and challenge, but turning to writing and purposefully concentrating on the good in my life helped bring a sense of calm and a focus on better times.  As we once again enter into the holidays and a season of gratitude, I want to share with you some of my sentiments of gratitude from a time ago and describe a few of the things that I am most grateful for during our current time. These are the things nearest and dearest to my heart and I invite you to my journal of gratitude.

Journal Entry from August 17, 2020: I’m grateful and blessed to be in a community within this great nation where we can peacefully have different viewpoints and ideologies, all while being diplomatic and remaining on a path of respect…

Ira at MDA Hill Day

 The late Coretta Scott King once wrote that, “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” I earnestly believe this to be the golden truth and want to share with you reflections from my astonishing community, the MDA community! This past September, I was honored with the opportunity to join with several individuals from the MDA community in our great nation’s capital city, Washington D.C.  It was through this occasion that we together met with our nation’s law makers to passionately advocate for legislation that will undoubtably bring about meaningful measures of support and continuously elevate those in the neuromuscular disease community.  The occasion was a tremendous success and, most importantly, clearly demonstrated the dynamic and incredible individuals that are a part of the MDA community.

Ira and Bill Bates

Our community is made up of individuals of different genders, ethnicities, socioeconomic statuses, political affiliations, philosophies, and ways of life. It’s vividly clear to me, from the recent event in DC and the many other opportunities that I have had to gather with those from our community throughout the years, that we are a strong, vibrant, determined community that collectively wants to bring about meaningful change and awareness – and show that we truly are a valuable entity to this world. I’m honored, blessed, and proud to be part of the MDA community and during this season of gratitude, I want to say, “Thank You” to everyone who ardently helps to evolve our community and strives for better days.

Journal entry from June 15, 2020: I’m grateful and blessed to have receive needed encouragement from a friend and a warm spirit…

Ira and Katharine at Camp in 2004

There’s a timeless adage that says, “opposites attract.” I believe this to be true and the evidence is in the friendship and bond that I share with Katharine Krekeler-Odom. She is my closest friend and someone who I am deeply grateful for.  MDA Summer Camp 2004 was one that I will never forget. I was having the time of my life and thoroughly enjoying camp with all of my friends.  That year, the pool lifeguard was a new volunteer who proudly wore an assortment of athletic t-shirts from a rival college, the dreaded Kansas Jayhawks. The lifeguard was Katharine. Throughout the week, I strongly let Katharine know how displeased I was with her choice of collegiate affiliations, and she gladly took breaks from her lifeguard duties when I was in the pool. Just kidding.

Ira and Katharine at their friends wedding

That week, Katharine and I developed a strong bond that has lasted nearly 20 years. Katharine and I have spent countless  times together over the years, while evolving into adulthood, taking in the best parts of life, including enjoying a multitude of musicals and cultural events togethers, sharing meals at the best of restaurants, celebrating the creation of her wonderful family, and witnessing many of our friends unite in matrimony together!  Katharine is, and has always been, a friend that holds a massive heart for those within the neuromuscular community and has selflessly volunteered countless times to serve MDA initiatives. Katharine truly is the person who I lean on when I need a warm, kindhearted friend to extend encouragement, reassurance, and hope. She is the person that, without hesitation, pushes me to strive for excellence. Katharine is an amazing, classy, and beautiful person that will always be a sister from another mother to me. She is someone that I want to celebrate during this season of gratitude and say, “Thank you!”

When practicing gratitude, it is so meaningful to reflect on the valuable and precious relationships that you have in your life.

Journal Entry from March 20, 2020: I’m grateful that there are many individuals in our society that take on the role of being brave and selfless…

Ira Jr. & Ira III

I truly believe this is the greatest nation on earth and it is a place that I’m unbelievably grateful to call home. Outside of the great people that encompass this great nation, I believe the reason this is a remarkable country is due to those who bravely and proudly serve our neighborhoods and community with the highest dignity. Throughout my adult life, I have developed a habit of extending words of appreciation when I see those who serve our nation and communities. From our men and women in the US military, to those who proudly wear the badge to serve as law enforcement, and those who courageously take the role as firefighters. It’s one thing to personally make this a consistent initiative, but I want to invite us all to adopt this stance on taking a moment to verbally thank those in services roles when we encounter these heroes in our communities. They truly are putting their life on the line for our safety and comfort.

Officer Ira Walker Jr.

I fully grasp this notion as I was blessed to be raised by a first responder, my father Officer Ira Walker, Jr.  As an individual that has spent over 35 years in law enforcement in the St. Louis area, my father taught me many things, including respect, the importance of decency, how to be a man of peace, and how to value those who audaciously commit their lives in protecting and serving our society. Being the son of a police officer has been a gift that I cherish, and I effusively understand the breadth and depth to the role that these brave individuals fearlessly take on. Many of these individuals not only serve on the clock, but also take time to be guardians to our community outside of their work, with many serving in various initiatives including those who volunteer for the MDA. From the annual MDA Summer Camps to the Fill the Boot drives and many other occasions, first responders have been an essential part of these initiatives.  During this season of gratitude, and as we should do each and every day, I want to extend a strong, “Thank You” to those who serve!

To come full circle and conclude, allow me to wish you and yours peace, joy, and (the greatest of these) LOVE, during these holidays.  Whether your holidays

Ira and his dad

involve gathering around the dinner table while connecting with friends and family, volunteering in the community, exchanging gifts and good tidings, or taking time to relax and unwind on your own, remember to reflect on the areas in your life that you can most appreciate and be grateful for. There is great power in the thoughts of gratitude and tis the season for intentional thankfulness.

Your MDA National Ambassador,

Ira J. Walker III