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Are You Drunk? Stroke? Drugs?

Friday, February 06, 2026

Primary Blog/Are You Drunk? Stroke? Drugs?

“Are you drunk?”
“Is it a stroke?”
“Are you on drugs?”

Those comments show up under my videos online — TikTok, YouTube, Facebook. About once a week, sometimes more, sometimes less, somebody throws one out there.

I’ve gotten used to seeing them. Not because they don’t hit… but because I understand something most people asking those questions don’t:

What you’re seeing isn’t any of those things.
It’s Multiple Sclerosis.

Thirteen Years Into the Fight

I’ve been walking through this battle for 13 years now. MS is unpredictable. One day your balance is off. Slurred speech can stick around. Fatigue shows up uninvited and overstays its welcome.

From the outside, it can look like something else entirely.
From the inside, it’s just part of the fight.

Some days you move strong. Some days everything feels heavier. That’s life with a disease that doesn’t follow a script. You adapt. You push forward. You keep going — even when it would be easier not to.

Why I Share the Hard Days

Every now and then, when the comments pile up and discouragement creeps in, I’ll say something about it. Not for pity. Not for sympathy.

I share it because of what happens next.

You all show up.

Encouragement. Support. Prayers. Real words from real people who care. Every time I start getting worn down, this community steps in and lifts me back up.

That’s why I share the hard moments. Because when I get tired, you give me the fuel to keep going.

Lessons From Living With MS

Living with MS has taught me a lot, but the biggest lesson is this: life is unpredictable. You don’t always know what tomorrow will bring or how your body will respond.

Some days are strong. Some days are a grind.

But while this disease has been unpredictable, God hasn’t.

He’s been steady. Faithful. Present through every high and low. And one of the clearest ways I’ve seen that faithfulness is through the people He’s placed around me. When my candle starts to burn low, He sends a community that lights it back up again.

That’s not luck. That’s provision.

Thank You for Standing With Me

If you’ve ever left an encouraging comment, sent a message, or just taken a moment to stand in my corner — thank you. You may not realize how much it matters, but it does. More than you know.

This 13-year journey hasn’t been easy. But it’s been filled with people who refuse to let me fight alone. And that makes all the difference.

I’m grateful for every bit of support. Grateful for the strength you help provide when I need it most. Grateful to keep moving forward with a community like this behind me.

Thank you for standing by me.
Love y’all.

Let’s go.

(No worries — that’s Coke Zero on ice in the pic.)

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Hi, I'm Derek Cole

GM, Simmons One Hour Heating and Air

With over 25 years of experience in the HVAC industry, Derek Cole has worked his way from the field to General Manager and co-owner of Simmons One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning. Under his leadership, the company was recognized as the 2024 Franchise of the Year for the entire One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® system across the United States, a testament to its commitment to customer service, technical excellence, and team culture.

​Derek's career has also earned national recognition. He was named to The News Top 40 Under 40, featured in Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise Player Spotlight, and has appeared on CBS, FOX, and NBC sharing practical home comfort advice with homeowners. His success with One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® has also been highlighted by publications including HuffPost and Bloomberg Business.

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