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 8 Click Name of the Person You'd Like to See
Kathy Carr, Poet (Daughter of Ron and Shirley Crooker)
I was born in Wichita Falls, Texas. Dad was an Air Force career man and we floated around from base to base for awhile. We finally settled in Biloxi, MS. When I was 18, my folks, my younger sister, and I moved from the Mississippi Gulf Coast to New Jersey. There I met a fellow named Walt. After a lengthy courtship we married on 11 February: a sort of Valentine’s Day wedding. It was great. We’ve been married for over 20 years now. We have three daughters: Sarah, Julia, and Meredith. I do not have ms but my sister and first cousin have it. I was a Teacher’s Aid for Special Needs children for a number of years. I think the compassion and perseverance I have learned from those children, and my sister and cousin, helped me to better understand some of the problems faced in the ms community. I have come to understand why my sister refuses to put the abbreviation for multiple sclerosis into capital letters, and why she chooses to use the euphemism "monster slut" (ms) when referring to the disease…. I always enjoyed writing poetry and hope you enjoy the poem I offer MS Musings this February. If you like it I shall try to send along some more. Katherine Carr
Lorna and Buck at a Meet & Greet winter 2000-2001 I was born Spokane, WA, never mind when :-), and raised in Walla Walla, WA in southeastern Washington state. My dad worked for the railroad, and my mom was a housewife. I have one sister not quite two years older than me. I first noticed symptoms in 2000 of what was later diagnosed as MS. I've been doing the Avonex shot since 2002. After all this time, you'd think giving myself the shot would be a breeze, but it still isn't. I can do it, but it's a challenge! One time I was so hesitant the needle basically bounced off my skin, LOL. I've been married to my second husband for 12 years and have a stepdaughter in another state, but no children of my own. My husband is a realtor, and I used to work in various aspects of customer service after too many years as an admin assistant. Right now I'm on disability. We have two cats and two dogs. We used to have three dogs, but our beautiful greyhound, Buck, died last March. As you can tell from my picture, greyhounds occupy a big place in my life. I volunteer with a greyhound adoption group called GreytHounds of Eastern Michigan, GEM for short. You can find us at www.gemgreyhounds.org. I'm proud to say I was one of a handful of co-founders of GEM, and I think we created a well-run, responsible non-profit that will continue to be successful long after the founders have drifted into the background. I love to read, and I check out a lot of books from our local library. I'm also addicted to learning more about various topics, so I'm searching the Internet a lot, although I'm not an Internet surfer. I've tried two or three MS chat rooms, but didn't find them helpful. I do like MS Musings. Reach Lorna by email: nibujema@comcast.net
My name is Benita & I am 47 years old. I was born & raised in the mountains in Virginia, but have lived in Michigan (which is now home) for thirty-some years. I have been married to Steve...a wonderful man for thirty-one years. We have two daughters, Madonna, 30 and Melissa, 25. We also have Steven, a special grandson in our lives who is almost 7 now, and a wonderful son-in-law, Anthony. Steve & I love to ride our Harley, go fishing, camping and enjoy the outdoors. I love to grow flowers, and over the years I have spread that out over seven beautiful flower beds. It is one of those things that helps me in more ways than I can count. A couple of years ago I decided that I would try taking photos of my flowers so that they could stay with me much longer than just the growing season. I have also learned how to press them in flower presses & have made several wonderful gifts with those. I was diagnosed Nov. 3, 2005 with MS. It came as a shock & was a very scary thing to accept. I am trying to be as strong as possible. I hope to have many more years of gardening & enjoying the outdoors ahead of me! I would like to "Thank" Car as well as all of you who contribute to the web site. I am sure it is an inspiration to all who read it! It is great & I do enjoy it very much! Reach Benita by email: benitacrafton@hotmail.com
I was born in 1955 in New York City, grew up in the Los Angeles area ultimately settling near Seattle, Washington, in 1980. As self employed wall covering contractor for 24 years, I was also a semi professional musician playing the electric bass guitar and singing the lead in the regional bluegrass band "Crossfire" from 1990 to 2004. I have been the Treasurer and a Director for the Washington Bluegrass Association since 2001. I come from a long line of Irish musicians on my mother’s side and Sicilian on my father’s side. I first sang solo in church at age 4 and was always active in a chorus or choir. I began playing guitar when I was 17 years old. Next to my love of nature and animals is music. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1996 at age 41 and ultimately disabled by 2001 at age 46. Disability gives me the "rest" I never allowed myself previously. Though I wish I didn’t have to live with the constant pain of MS, I have become best friends with God, with whom I keep a running daily dialogue.Reach Sharon by email to comment: messinasl@yahoo.com
Jayne McClure age 41, Maroubra, NSW Australia I am jayne. I have Secondary progressive Multiple Sclerosis. I am single. A university and TAFE trained artist. I have never been married and as much as I love them, never had children. UNSW City College Of Fine Arts BA of (visual) Art graduated in 1990 Meadowbank College Of TAFE, Art CertIficate, graduated 1986 Worked in Various art galleries, and in theatre set design, construction and costumes. Have also worked in jobs unrelated to art, such as factories.
Elaine, writer and photographer
I live in a beach town that is fairly small....I find the beach a beautiful place for spending time... Elaine Blaney is an award winning
photographer who loves to free lance. My favorite place to do photography
is the Everglades. I am a distinguished member of the International
Society of Photographers. I have been published in several media. I
like to travel especially in Central and South America. I like to do
adventure travel and do my own outfitting for the trip. Recently got back
from Costa Rica and much jungle travel to remote areas. Reach Elaine by email: beachcmr246@yahoo.com
Debbie was born in the Westover Air Force Base hospital in Springfield, Massachusetts. Most of her early years were spent in Biloxi, Mississippi. She now lives in Dallas, Texas. Debbie is married to David Severt. She has two sons and a daughter, and two grandchildren. Debbie works as a manager at an apartment complex in Dallas. She is the sister of Kristine Lipartito and Kathy Carr, both of whom have written for MS Musings. Deborah enjoys camping and sailing, and going to as many places as she can, as many times as she can, to enjoy Earth’s beauty and bounty. "Me and Earth – Thankfully" is Debbie’s first article written for MS Musings. The attached picture is of Debbie and her two grandchildren, Andy and Isabella. (Debbie and sister Kathy, also on this page, are both daughters of another of our writers, Ron and wife Shirley. Debbie and Kathy have a sister and a first cousin with MS.) Reach Debbie through Ron: warann@comcast.net
Alice Frances Salisbury Crooker
Alice Frances (Salisbury) Crooker, daughter of Levi and Fanny Salisbury and mother of Marston, Frances, Abbot and Donald Crooker, was born June 7, 1874. She died June 4, 1946 and was buried June 7th 1946 on her 72nd birthday. Alice was married to Henry Hiram Crooker, born in Chelsea, Mass on October 18, 1872 and died February 3, 1953 at age 80. She wrote this original poem for her children and grandchildren. As a grandchild I recall sitting in the lap of both my maternal (Harriett) and paternal (Alice) grandmothers and being rocked to sleep after a busy afternoon at play. They both enjoyed selected soap operas, the themes of which appealed to my senses, and most probably instilled in me my love of classical music. I don’t recall Alice speaking the poem The Land of Rest Awhile to me as a child; however, I have no doubt she used to tell it to her children at nap time. Alice was a gentle, soft-spoken woman – a lover of flowers, and a really great Grandmom. Ron Crooker Reach Ron by email: warann@comcast.net
About Stuart Schlossman - Updated Nov 2007 Born – January 25, 1959 in Brooklyn, NY to Barbara and Murray Stuart grew up on Long Island where he attended Half Hollow Hills High School and also Hofstra University. Having moved to South Florida in 1980 to manage and develop the Export office for the Family Business, Mico Sewing Supplies/Mico International Corp. In May 1984 he met Patrice who then in May 1988, they married. He has two daughters and three grandchildren In December 1998 he learned that he had Multiple Sclerosis and soon thereafter began getting involved with the National MS Society. In 2001 he stepped down from being able to work full time and instead attempted to work just part time while it seemed that his MS continued to progress. In 2003 he had to fully stop working and was forced to retire due to his MS. The fatigue, pain, vertigo and cognitive issues became too much to handle (and have-to-worry-about making the drive to and from) work while experiencing symptoms. He though continued to do volunteer work for the National MS Society, an organization that he is committed to, because of their commitment to aid research funding more-so than any other MS organization. To this day, he continues to do fundraising and other activities with the Society. He does what he can do for himself, his family or the Nat’l MS Society when his body allows him to do so. Stuart has learned to better manage the time. Knowing that he can only do minor tasks for short periods of time and then his body requires much rest between each of these activities. It’s in this regard, that he has learned to manage his "able" time each day to carry forth with projects of interest. Stuart has been the Captain of Team Hot Shots, in Coral Gables. For six years, team Hot Shots has been one of the leading fundraising walk teams in South Florida, specifically at the Coral Gables MS Walk and Stuart (personally) has raised in excess of $60,000 since he began his (selfish) quest to fund research to find a cure. In addition to the MS Walk, he is a volunteer for the MS Society’s Programs Committee. Helping to organize programs designed for the MS Patient and their caregivers. He was the initial designer for the MS Society South Florida Chapter’s MS Health Expo, which takes place one time per year and encompasses almost every aspect that a patient and/or his/her caregiver may need to know of this disease. Other patient programs that he has helped plan include the yearly events such as: the MS Women’s Retreat, held at the Miami Airport Hilton, and Men’s Day, an event for the men of South Florida with MS. Another program which Stuart wishes that he can participate but can’t because of the amount of energy that is needed for it, is the MS Bike Tour. This is a huge fundraising event that involves riding a bicycle 150 miles from Miami to Key Largo and then back. This is a two day event and is held each Spring.. Aside from what he does for the National MS Society, Stuart has his own MS website, aptly called Stu’s Views and MS Related News and he has his own e-Newsletter which is distributed weekly via email to his ever growing Global e-distribution listings. Although it appears as if he does many different things, we must remember that all of it is done from his home office. Where when often is needed, he can simply go lay down in his bed or sit outside if cool enough, to rest from the pain, the vertigo, the cognitive dysfunctions, or the fatigue, all attributed to his Multiple Sclerosis. Stuart can be contacted to learn more of his newsletter, his website, or programs with the MS Society by sending him an email. stuartschlossman@bellsouth.net or calling (954) 684-1683.
Reach Stuart by email to comment: stuartschlossman@bellsouth.net Visit Stuart's Website: www.msviewsandrelatednews.com
My name is Phil See. I live with my wonderful, loving and supportive wife of 17 years in the Great State of Washington. I’ve been a musician for over 30 years and enjoy writing as well. When I was diagnosed with RRMS in 2002, I thought hmmm, didn’t see that coming! But, I didn’t worry nor was I devastated by it. I knew God wouldn’t hand me something impossible or that I couldn’t handle. Even when I experienced some muscular weakness and hearing loss in my left ear I figured, okay, I hope that goes away because I really want to play my guitar and other instruments. Though my left arm and hand had weakened, I was bound and determined to keep on playing and so I kept trying. A month later, by the grace of God, the weakness and hearing loss went away. And to this day it hasn’t returned. Now, this once enjoyable hobby of mine is both enjoyable and therapeutic. My goal now is no longer to be rich and famous but to spread inspiration, determination and even a glimmer of hope to others. My favorite music is classic rock but unlike lyrics normally associated with it, I try to keep mine positive. One of my songs called Reality has my code in the first line: It’s not about us or the things that we control. It’s about the difference we make in other lives. That’s reality. Visit my website: Seattle rock musician Phil See's Home Page. Free MP3 music download song lyrics
MS "SURVIVOR" SINCE 97 COMING UP TO MY 10 YEAR BATTLE WITH AN ILLNESS THAT HAS REDEFINED MY MIDDLE YEARS IN A VERY UNIQUE WAY. EACH DAY IS A NEW EXPERIENCE, MY MS CHANGES ALL THE TIME. I DON'T HAVE EXTERIOR SYMPTOMS BUT I HAVE MANY INVISIBLE ONES. I HAVE 2 GROWN SONS, I AM DISABLED RETIRED AND LIVE IN SUNNY SOUTH FLORIDA. I PARTICIPATE IN MANY MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS ACTIVITIES . DUE TO MS I HAVE JOINED A LOCAL POOL ALMOST DAILY AND PRACTICE WATER AEROBICS AND SWIMMING. I DO GUIDED IMAGERY AND TRY TO KEEP MY COORDINATION WITH SOME DISCO STEPS AT HOME. MY FRIENDS, FAR AND WIDE ARE MY TREASURE THANKS FOR LETTING ME SHARE ........... BLESSINGS GRACE M ROTH Reach Grace by email: Bettyvu13@aol.com
Catherine Zuluaga, writer
Current Personal Experience I am studying Professional Editing and Writing and concentrating on writing poetry using set form. I thoroughly enjoy experimenting with my newly found skills in poetry. As I am working on a memoir based on experiences of living as a carer/partner of someone with Multiple Sclerosis, (MS) I have decided to use poetry to introduce each chapter. Additionally, I am writing a children’s picture story book about a young boy whose mother has MS. In between my studies I am nursing/caring for my husband who has secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. I find my writing provides a great to deal of therapy for both of us as we share our thoughts. Below please find a list of my formal qualifications and professional experience. Qualifications 2006- 2007 Diploma Professional Writing and Editing Chisholm Institute 1995 Train the Trainer (Cert IV Assessment & Workplace Training). Holmesglen Institute 1992-1994 Graduate Diploma in Computing Monash University 1991 Bereavement Counselling Course Bethlehem Hospital 1983-1990 Bachelor of Arts (Economics, Italian majors) Swinburne Institute University 1977-1980 State Registered Nurse Royal Melbourne Hospital 1976 Higher School Certificate Genazzano College, Kew Professional Experience Registered General Nurse – worked in large public hospitals, private medical practice specialising in drug / alcohol rehabilitation and general practice for a multicultural clientele. Member of Malvern Nursing Agency for over a decade. Market Research – managed telemarketers and conducted research. Computer Training – in response to structural unemployment. Online Operations Coordinator Computer Science – developed first 100% online course for distance education. Strategic Course Renewal Quality Assurance coordinator - Project Management assessed and evaluated client service. Senior Lecturer in Computer Science at RMIT University – lectured face to face and online. Freelance Writer – educational and journalist publications. Writing and editing – electronic feature articles, e-zines for e-business. Recent publication of textbook on Computing Ethics and Law (2006). Reach Catherine by Email: czuluaga@tpg.com.au
David and I from last Christmas. Linda Chleboun, 47 years old, young, or somewhere in between RRMS 11 1/2 years, one of the lucky ones, still walking and driving, tho getting slower, besides the basic aches, pains, and fatigue, biggest problems are tremors and depression. Live in the incredible city (ok I'm prejudiced) of San Francisco, where I was born, with my partner David of 6 years and our 2 cats Dusty (Dusty Springfield) and Keef (Keith Richards) Spent 20 years in the book business when I gave it up to do something real and became a massage therapist. 3 months after graduating, the MS hit suddenly on my 36th birthday. Imagine Katherine Hepburn, that was the level of my tremors that hit at my BD party. Quick DX, a few months of doing ok as the docs got the tremors mostly under control till the depression hit a few months later. Barely survived 4 suicide attempts the first 3 years, clear of attempts since April 1999. Widowed once, divorced once (the depression helped there, but we're still friends) Writing, for me, has been better therapy than docs and meds, not to discount them in any way, just what worked for me. One step-son, many animals past and present. Reach Linda by email: angel10735@yahoo.com
Becky Campbell, writer Becky was a teacher of special education in her pre-ms days. Now she spends her time with her second service dog, Elrond. Elrond and Becky enjoy walking a public nature trail which is just behind her house. Her town paved the entire trail so it is accessible to them! Life is slower but still meaningful and busy.
Reach Becky by email to comment: rcampbell9520@suddenlink.net
Hello Car,
hope you had a great Valentines,, I want to thank you for publishing my
story in your Magazine. I am so sorry I havn't been able to get up with you
till now, but I was in the hospital again another bad attack, well I have a
lil news I got married in the time I last wrote you, so My name now is Maria
Abdelhamid,,,, not Dervin Laskan anymore,,,, if you can make the changes for
me that would be great, also I write poetry a lot I have hundreds of poems
if you would like to read and publish a few that's fine with me, Again I
want to thank you and I look forwards to staying in touch, I am sending you
a pic of me and my grandbaby la-mya, and me also a few poems hope u enjoy
them,,, please let me know what you think I have many more, wishing you the
best,
Sencerly a
friend
Maria
Abdelhamid,
Reach Maria by email to comment: arabic_queen1031@yahoo.com
Biography Johnna Crooker I was born in Louisiana on New years Day in 1989. I still live in
Louisiana. I have always loved to write and read poetry. I have written poems
since I was a young child and have continued to do so throughout my high school
years. I hope you all enjoy reading my poetry. I have some more poems I will
send to MS Musings for publication in the months to come. Johnna
Reach Johnna by email to comment: Johnnacrooker1188@yahoo.com
About Millie My name is Millie Bly and I have MS. My website is a wonderful place for
me to share all the beautiful things in my life. I am in a wheelchair, but
because of all the special people in my life, I still do most of the things I
love to do: Yoga, poetry, swimming, music, art, meeting new people… and a lot
more… Love to all… Millie Millie might be reached at Millie’s website http://www.funwithms.com/Fun_with_MS/welcome.html
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