Good to see you posting again...
You'd forewarned us you'd be absent so I doubt there is a call for an apology... but it is heartwarming and sad at the same time to read your most recent post.
Sorry for the loss of your mate at a time like this... We can't replace family but you can surely use this electronic forum to help keep the shiney side up time to time...
It's a gift to be able to hold others in prayer...
MS isn't a good diagnosis, but many find many years of satisfactory living with today's treatments...
May your journey be a blessed one!