MS MuSings
a Monthly Online Magazine
By and For Those with MS,
Multiple Sclerosis
May 2008, Issue 104
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MS MuSings a Monthly Online Magazine By and For Those with MS, Multiple Sclerosis May 2008, Issue 104 |
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Tables of Contents Other Monthly Please Visit
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Playing this page: Wind Beneath My Wings This is Page 7 Click Name of the Person You'd Like to See
Click Name of the Writer you'd like to see
Sherry, Writer and Poet
Reach Sherry by email: skersey@centurytel.net
(That's Pat on the right)
Pat Dwyer born in Thurles, Co. Tipperary (Ireland). Living in Portlaoise since 1988 and spent 2 years in Ballyfin College, completing his Leaving Certificate there in 1979. At this stage of his life he considers himself an honorary Laois man! Opened Bealtaine Festival (The Bealtaine Laois Festival of Literature celebrates writing, storytelling, music and live performance in County Laois) with Tom Nestor in May 2002 launching his first book of poetry-From Thurles to Cuba with Love at the same event. Married to Joan, they have three children. Writes poetry in both English and Spanish. Prizewinner in the Spanish Section of the Dun Laoighaire/Rathdown International Poetry Competition 1998. Other publications include a poem in From Here to the Horizon, Laois Anthology 1999. The poem Un Cuba Libre was originally written in Spanish and later anglicised. This book Bright Clouds is his first venture into non-fiction and was written because he is personally affected by Multiple Sclerosis. Reach Pat by email: tejo@eircom.net Visit Pat's Homepage: http://www.brightclouds.msrcsites.co.uk/
New member. Profile, 45, DX 90. Pre-MS Life: Active outdoors-ite, massage therapist, avid plantswoman, favorite hobby was bellydancing. Since MS: ethnic chowhound, Indian spice fiend, bollywood maven, thriftmaster, hobbyist at tailoring/designing clothing, backyard wildlife photographer, garage sale troller. Food means everything to me, but am admittedly no gourmet. Often, the simpler the better, less can be more! I dream of baking simple flatbreads on an open fire! Fry spices in my dreams! Heaven is a tandoori oven -- baking the whole meal on skewers and slapping the breads onto the side of the oven! though unmanageable at the moment, I still can admire others' tandoors, can't I? Married 7 years to a poor fellow who was unwittingly converted to ethnic chowhoundry. Multicultural and sometimes wierd New Jersey is a living character in our lives. Currently sole treatment for MS is five-element-qigong, i.e. anywhere from 1-1/2 to 5 hours of daily meditation. Reach Cheryl by email: cheshfitz@yahoo.com
I grew up in Hawaii and the Mariana Islands. I went to school first in Seattle and then in Israel, and then lived in many places before finding my way back home to Hawaii in 1984. I have been married to David, who is from Israel, since 1990. We have 3 children: Elan who is 21 - married and in the air force, Eliana who is 8, and Yaron who is 3. I am 46 years old, and a full time postal worker. I was tentaviely diagnosed with MS in July 2004 and it was then confirmed by MRI in September. I am on Copaxone, and trying to treat symptoms with natural means. I use a cane any time I need to walk more than a few steps or stand up for more than a few minutes. I have really been knocked off my feet (literally) by this dramatic change in lifestyle. My whole family is reeling. Super Mom isn't any more. Before MS, my hobbies included teaching and performing Israeli dance, teaching vegetarian cooking classes, power walking 3 miles a day, swimming, searching flea markets for treasures, playing the piano, among other things. Now my hobbies are mainly limited to things I can do sitting down. I enjoy e-mailing, shopping on eBay, reading adventure novels, photography, and going for short, gentle walks on the beach with my kids to find shells and beach glass. I still try to play the piano, but the hands and brain don't work very well any more. The only physical activity I can handle now is swimming, which I can only do for 2 hours a week because of my work schedule. I am happy to find this kind, positive, and supportive group of people at Musings! Reach Laurie by email: kamalii@hawaii.rr.com
To reach auntybee: auntybee41@myway.com Bio: I was dx'd in 1989, a true animal lover, married with three grown children and my first grandson. I have a wonderful Canine Partner, named Fennec, a 3 and 1/2 yr. old service dog whom makes my life much easier. I continue to work part time hours for Pen Dot taking state ID and Drivers License Photo's, and will continue to do so as long as possible.
Rina, Poet (now deceased, November 2004)
Oh me cookies, where to start? Silly me, start with my name. My name is Rina Buitendag and me lives on my farm in the Valley Of 1000 Hills 40 kilometers from Durban, South Africa. All the workers on my farm are Zulu people. They are the most gentle and loyal people you would ever want to know. Me love to sit in front of my fire place during the long cold nights of May through September and write poems. Me have won several national and international awards for my poetry. Oh and me wrote two books with Loren Moore from Texas, U S A. Cookies, me did not tell you the truth. There is one worker on my farm that is not Zulu. He is Kentucky, my rooster, who crows every morning at sun rise until he has all in the house out of bed. He is our alarm clock.
Kathy, Writer (Kathleene S. Baker)
I was born and raised in the small town of Augusta, Kansas, that is only a few miles outside of Wichita. I married a native Texan in 1977 and was soon transplanted to Dallas. A large city offers many things, but I miss the slower pace of small town America. I have two stepchildren and three grandchildren. Pets have always played a huge part in my life, and I can’t imagine a home without them. In fact, they were my inspiration to begin writing. I’ve had stories or poems featured by Starfish, Storytime Tapestry as a Senior Writer, Driftwood, Inspired Buffalo, Women With Heart, Texas Bob’s World, Hearts With Soul, Petwarmers, Pearlsoup, SFPNN, Christian Voices, Heartwarmers, Warm Fuzzy Stories, and In The Light of Angels.I was more than honored when Starfish added me to their Wall of Fame as a Featured Writer. I’ve always felt my one mission in life was to give loving homes to the dear creatures God has provided for us – they are always at our side with their unconditional love. Reach Kathy by email to comment: Lnstrlady@aol.com
I'm John Caldwell I'm 54 living in the Dallas area with my wife Wendy and our 3+ cats. I am a former mechanic and worm wrangler club Pres.. I learned of MS in 1996 but I had it for years without knowing it. I tell you what, I know too much now <smirk> I was at 195 lbs when this hit, then I spiraled down to 120 lbs before I decided to take control. Now I am at 160 lbs. I write my stories/Tales down and converted a gift of gab to pen in writing and a “Rube Goldberg” style cartooning. I get some good ideas while I work on my smoker. john caldwell: kb5tvp@hotmail.com
Hello! My name is John Cole. I work for a large computer chip manufacturer in Boise, ID. I am a father of one (daughter) and grandfather of two beautiful litle girls, Jordyn and Madison. Writing poetry is my main hobby and I find great inspiration from my very good friend, Pin, who writes some incredibly touching poetry herself. When I'm not putting pen to paper, you can find me working with wood; making chess boards/pieces, lamps, and barnwood picture frames. Weekends usually find me hanging with my many friends; movies, dining, go-karts, golf, bowling, the list goes on--ya GOTTA have friends! Reach JR by email: colejohnray@yahoo.com
I was born and raised in Southern California near the
ocean. It was great back then because there weren’t too many people! Like Fleuri
of my story, I met a great childhood friend named Holly; unfortunately we were
separated by a variety of forces and after high school didn’t see each other
until 2003. She did find me by email 2 years before our fabulous reunion with
each other. Our childhood memories came alive and our adult friendship has
blossomed; what a joy and a blessing! Holly has given me insight into the
struggles and successes people with MS deal with daily. What a pleasure it is
for me to have written a story that I can share with you. A little more of my
history: When my first marriage didn’t work out, I moved to Idaho
City, a small town outside of Boise with about 400 people. I was a single mom
raising two girls. The girls are now in their 30s and are married, but no
grandchildren. When I was 33, I asked Jesus to be my savior and had a
major change in my life, and a lot of learning. I’m sure the freedom He gave me
has allowed me to explore my creativity, the one that got lost somewhere in
childhood. I’ve taught Sunday School and Wednesday night girls' classes, played
piano for 18 years in church and have written poetry and some short stories. As I enter into my 60s, I’ve now found more time and
different outlets in which to explore the talents God has given me. I play piano
at a Memory Care Home and at an Assisted Living Home. It’s a great blessing to
me, and we have such FUN! Holly and others have encouraged me to write more, and I
really do enjoy it. Again it’s FUN! I am remarried (8 years) and am currently working for the
Forest Service, but can retire any time. With the talents God has given me, I’ll
see what is in store for me next. My adventures again are beginning with new
thoughts, new energy, a trust in my God that I’ve never had before, and a dear
friend that I love dearly (of course that’s Holly)! You can reach Jacquie by email through the magazine: reynolds@psci.net
I am 56 and have had MS since I was 32. I have been married since was 16 and have 2 children and 2 grandchildren. I lived on a ranch all my life until the past 20 years I've had to live in town so I can get help. I live in Del Rio, Texas. Reach Doris by email to comment: george@wcsonline.net
Founder of disabledFriends.com with his nephew
Mr Lawrence Roper, a qualified
adult placement carer, has had a long history of caring for disabled people.
This has been clearly evident in the 20 years he dedicated in raising his
disabled nephew, Darren. Apart from Darren he has four other disabled people in
his family and continues to offer his unconditional support to them. Lawrence
biggest challenges facing this kind of responsibility has been the lack of
social services dedicated to helping disabled peole which others take for
granted. Such as creating and meeting new friends, visiting places of
entertainment in groups, as well as the ability to talk in debates, participate
in global forums about things that may effect them.
http://www.disabledfriends.com/
Visit the site and sign up today.
I am single again. I was divorced for many years but my ex-husband has passed away so I guess that makes me single. I am a mother of one daughter, grandmother of two granddaughters ages 16 and almost 5, step-grandmother of two...one girl 22 and a boy 20. I spent 30 years working in a Physical Therapy as a Tech. I also bartended on the weekends. As of right now I am retired from both jobs due to the MS factor. I have also brought my committee participation down to one...I am an elected School Board member. When my term is up I will have spend 12 years as a board member. My interests are varied...I love to read, garden, travel, cross stitching, embroidering, talking on the phone and spend time with family and friends. I have a passion for motorcycling. I owned one for about 25 years. When one of the hospitals was installing a cycle parking pad...I designed it. Still works after 25 years. Right now due to the MS factor I cannot either own one or ride on one due to the balance problem. I enjoy the computer and meeting new people on it. My goal right now is to change the way people view handicap people. I use the decorated canes and crutches as one step towards it. I also use humor as a big part to let people know we are human. I also would like to see many of the handicap parking areas changed. We have to walk way out of the way in order to get somewhere and most doors do not open easily. My goal is to change some of this. Both of my Physicians would like to see me doing talks at the MS support groups because of my positive attitude. I will probably do that one day. Reach Mary by email: maryk60411@sbcglobal.net
Paul signs autographs following his performance of "Please Remember Me" at an MSKids meeting. New Paltz singer adds voice to MS fight By JOHN W. BARRY Paul Nicholas of New Paltz has appeared on "The Montel Williams Show." The Poughkeepsie native has worked with record producers who have worked with Madonna and Santana. He has released a CD. And Nicholas, 30, has multiple sclerosis. Today, the singer-songwriter is scheduled to travel to Ohio and perform at an event staged by an organization founded by a mother and daughter interested in learning more about pediatric MS. The daughter involved with launching the MS Kids Connection was diagnosed with MS at age 13. The organization's "Main Event" will be held in Hamilton, Ohio. The master of ceremonies will be retired Cincinnati Bengals strong safety David Fulcher and the event will feature NASCAR Craftsman Truck Driver Kelly "Girl" Sutton, who at 16 was diagnosed with MS. "I had no plans last year," said Nicholas, who works at Starbucks in New Paltz. "And then I was on national TV." Nicholas in June appeared on "The Montel Williams Show," whose host also has MS. He was invited to appear on the show after approaching the Montel Williams MS Foundation about donating money from sales of his CD, "Remember Me Forever." "This year, I had no plans and I'm flying out to Cincinnati," said Nicholas, who added that he tries to be "a little hope and inspiration for people going through tough times." Millions affected According to the National MS Society, approximately 400,000 Americans have MS. Worldwide, MS affects approximately 2.5 million individuals. In New York state, more than 25,000 people have MS, with 400 of those in Dutchess County and 250 in Ulster County. Nicholas said he feels a special connection to the MS Kids Connection. Although he was diagnosed with MS at age 26, Nicholas was recently told by a doctor that he has had MS since he was 10. "Back then, I didn't know," he said. The connection that Nicholas recently learned he has to children with MS underscored his interest in getting involved with the MS Kids Connection. "When I first got diagnosed, I was so sad, you know," he said. "There was nothing really uplifting. The information out there, it's kind of a downer. I think I'm just putting a new spin and face on MS." Nicholas over the next several months will continue to work on his music and his commitment to those with MS. He is scheduled to be featured in the January issue of MS Focus, the national magazine of the MS Foundation. In May, Nicholas will perform as the opening act for an appearance on an MS awareness-related ship cruise by actress Teri Garr, who in 2002 revealed that she has MS. "I just do my best," he said, "you know." For information, visit www.paulnicholasonline.com. Reach Paul by email: mogulentgroup@earthlink.net or paulnicholasonline@gmail.com
I was diagnosed with MS in 2002, I have had symptoms for a few years, but I thought they were all work related, never to expect the devasting news. I could not believe what I was told, so I kept it to myself for a while and went to another doctor, and again was told the same thing MS. I thought my life was over. The symptoms vanished for a while so I refused to accept my illness, then here came the MonSter all over again, and I started adjusting to a new life. I have 2 sons and one beautiful grandaughter, and a wonderful roomate Shirley, and of course 2 dogs. I work full time refusing to give in, but it is getting very hard for me, but my mind sort of works like the little train engine "I think I can." I am determined to try to keep going with the help of my family and friends. MS is like an amusement park day to day, you never know what ride you will be on next. Thank you, my dear friends Tina and Kate for being so kind and understanding with me, and thank you Shirley for always being there for me, and my grandaughter Kaelegh for always adding sunshine in my life......... I love you all Someday i am going to stand on top of a mountain holding everything i ever dreamed of right there in my hand.. when you learn not to want things so badly, life comes to you Love and Hugs carole Still fighting the MonSter Reach Apples by email to comment: carloync@yahoo.com
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