About the Author: Bill is retired, but works tirelessly
for the new MS Group in the Seattle area that he founded. He is the father
of seven and grandfather of ten. He has been a regular contributor to this
magazine since its start.
From the Author: "This month I have been out
more than I have in 5 yrs before! I've been going out and enjoying the
simple things in life. It's easy to do since we have the van now. I just
need someone to drive and we go! Wow, something I didn't think about much
until now. I even got a tan! Guess I've been out in the sun too much! Oh
well, when I get hot and melt, I use my seatbelt so I don't fall out! LOL
Tony and wife Robin live in Alberta, Canada and very
much enjoy doing things together. Before retiring, Tony was a Cad
operator. He now enjoys being on the computer and taking pictures.
He has been a contributor to the magazine since its first issue.
“I was diagnosed with MS 10 years ago and so I retired
early. I was never able to go back and work again. I was a hair stylist
and managed a large apartment complex, not at the same time (actually I
did for awhile).
I am married, have 2 grown children, and 4
grandchildren, and all of my family live VERY far away from me. So my life
consists of my husband and our lovely 4 yr. old Golden Retriever, and our
friends, and our interests.
I just stepped down as an MS Support Group Leader after
5 years. I also am not a volunteer any more for the MS Society or the
Government Relations Committee. I still do a little bit here and there to
help, but that is all.
We just moved after 18 years in the same home, and my
husband is nearing retirement age so we completely changed around our
priorities.
I was born in New York, had my childhood in Europe (my
dad was a pilot), my teenage years we lived in California. I have now
lived in Washington State for 30 years.
I plan now to devote more time to my family, friends,
my interests, and travel when we can. I have been writing for MuSings for
a year now, and it has given me new friends and has been a delightful and
helpful experience.
From the Author: “Hi there! I'm Luis M., 59 years old, retired teacher and
having MS for about 28 years, the last 10 as chronic progressive. I need
help in order to survive from one to the other. My only and beloved PCA is
my wife of 38 years, wonderful, intelligent woman I just adore. . .During
her hours at work I keep myself busy with the pc, ham radio, my call's
N2GKI, used stamps with interesting cancellations, reading specially
novels by F.Paul Wilson and now I have an added happiness in my life, my 8
months old grandson Joshua Jude whom I visit every other week and spend
quality time watching him discover the surrounding world. My wife and I
have three grown children, Emmanuel is a lawyer and works in NYC, Andrew
is an artist painter-restorer working at the National Gallery in
Washington DC, and my daughter, she teaches in a Public school in
Manhattan to children with developmental difficulties.
I fell in 1946-47 while going to an errand. Hurt my
left knee and about 6 hours later I had high fever and was unconscious.
The drs.(?) said either Polio or Tetanus, let's hope for the first.
I was treated and my mother became my PT and within 6 months I was walking
again BUT with a skinnier left leg and a very weak left knee.Needless to
say I am happy the definitive diagnosis of PPS was made! I lived over 50
years IN DENIAL of having had Poliovirus."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1946-47 Poliovirus
1973 Possible MS
1976 Definite MS
1991 Chronic Progressive MS
2000 Post Polio Syndrome
Reach Luis to Comment:
LMN2GKI@aol.com
Cher@sc.rr.com
My name is Cheryl, I am 35 years old. I currently reside in
Summerville, South Carolina with my husband of 16 years and my three
children (ages 13, 8 and 2). Spacing them that far apart seemed like a
good idea at the time..... lol..
I was dx'd in November of 1999 with R/R MS and have been using Avonex
to fight the MonSter ever since. I'm not crazy about the shots, but I
consider them the best weapon I have at my disposal right now until
something better comes along. I imagine every shot is a severe punch in
the gut of the MonSter!
I love spending time with my family and friends when I'm not on the
computer :o) (Which according to my husband, is a rare occasion!)
Being diagnosed with this disease has created many changes in my
life, I have to admit most of them for the better. Finding that I have
MS has been a very rewarding experience for me, and I would not exchange
the friends I've made or the lessons I have learned this past year for
anything less than a cure for every single one of us! To my dear, dear
friends...I LOVE YOU ALL!!!
Reach Cher by email: onlyonecher@aol.com
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annnieM, Poet, Contributor
Deanna with Grandniece, KKKKatie!
I
am a very lucky lady! I have a wonderful hubby, Dave, whom I write
about all the time. He's a workaholic and a man, so a great supplier of
angst for me to write about. In reality, he's my rock and I love him
dearly! I have 2 kids...Zach and Zarah...more fodder for my musings!
They are great kids and wonderful human beings! I am enjoying them
immensely! I got a huge extended family, too, and I know I'm rich in
that respect. And friends...I've met some of the most amazing people
through this magazine! Car and Strat and Cher and...well..look at the
party pics! ALL of them are the nicest people you'd ever hope to meet.
I
live in a lovely little valley and I gotta tell you i can just look out
the windows of my sunporch and get inspired. Anyone with writer's
block...come visit! We'll set ourselves up with coffee or cool drinks
and push open the windows for a little aromatherapy and relax and soak
in the vibes. Trust me! I am a lucky lady!
Reach
Deanna by email:
dmattox@rapidnet.com
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Gaz, Contributor
About the Author: Gaz thinks of himself as
"easy-going," but I know for a fact that he is now an elected official in
his city. Gaz lives in Australia with his wife, and is the father of three
children. He was an elementary school physical education teacher. He stays
in touch with youth now days by tutoring and coaching from his walkabout.
Gaz was one of the torch bearers for the Olympics in
Australia, a true honor that was bestowed upon him.
To reach Gaz by email:
starrg@ozemail.com.au
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Kym, Poet, Artist
Message from Gaz: “Car, have attached a photo of my mate.. Kym Freeman who
wrote the poem I sent you. I will give you a little background that you
might be able to use.”
When I asked Kym if I could use this poem his reply was
simply… “yes mate you fellas are in your own prisons with MS.”
Kym is a talented poet as you can see from this poem,
but he is also a talented artist and musician. I enclose a photo of the
Cowra Bridge that Kym has painted aboriginal motifs on as a gift to Cowra.
He comes from Northern Queensland and lives with his wife Trish just
outside Cowra. One night he turned up at my home with some 'gumbi gumbi'
which is aboriginal medicine in the hope it may make me feel better. We
drank a toast to each other and yes I did feel better but it didn't cure
the MS. I am proud to call him my mate.
To Reach Kym, email Gaz at the address following his
biography.
From the Editor: Please see the poem by Kym in the
April issue of the magazine and another in a more recent issue. They are
very powerful and beautifully written. I do hope to get some more of Kym’s
poetry in the future to put here in the magazine
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jan4ever, Contributor
From the writer: "It's hard to update our own lives when they
don't seem to change from year to year!
One thing has changed I am 55 now. I'm still married to
my Bill. I still live in Florida and still work when I can for Kelly
Temporary Services, I say that I am working for the Social Security
Department so that I can get my hours in to try and collect disability.
Working is hard on me and I push myself so maybe that is a goal that keeps
me going! I have not been to the Wellness Center in a year and when I get
back to FLorida I intend to get back into the workout program again I
think that exercise does help the body and I see the difference since I
haven't gone. We spent another summer in Michigan with the family, as
usual it was wonderful, but this body gave up on me so many times, I hated
having to use a cane and falling down a lot. But this too shall pass and
when I get back home I intend to get strong again! I enjoy that the
musings has given me another purpose to write and help keep my mind active
again."
nfn14138@naples.net
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Rowedy, Contributor
I'm Julie Turner, a 46-year old woman, married to a sweet husband, Gene.
We have 6 horses, 19 or 20 cats, depending on if the new stray is planning
to stay, and 2 dogs. We live outside of Mobridge, SD, on 60 acres of
prairie. I have been doing quite a bit of substitute teaching this year.
My MS is doing pretty well, probably due to the Swank diet. The other
little diseases I have are under control due to medication, I guess. I
enjoy riding and showing horses and visiting with my friends here and
online. This magazine is very good, so I contribute without really having
the writing skills to do so.
Reach Rowedy by email:
gjturner@westriv.com
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Cissy, Contributor
Cissy is 42 and lives in Cave Creek; Arizona with her husband of 22 years
and their two children ages 15 and 12. Cissy was diagnosed with R/R MS
three years ago.
Cissy began writing for Musings shortly after we began
publication. She is a devout Christian and is part of the MS MuSings
Prayer Circle.
She is active in her children’s school as the Vice
President of the PTO. She is also active in her church as a choir member.
She participates in activities with the Southwest Chapter of the National
Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Reach Cissy to comment:
KCNJbrue@aol.com
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Paulette, Contributor
Hi, Paulette here,
I was diagnosed with MS 11 yrs ago, I was working doing a perm and my
thumb went numb sleepy. First thought it was carpal tunnel, but by the
time I got to my neurologist it was numb sleepy all the way to my
shoulder. So, from there a few MRI's done and then the news MS.
I use Avonex, have been using it for over a year now. I
am doing well on it, no side effects for me from the beginning. I am
disabled, I taught cosmetology for 6 yrs and was branching out in the
field when all of this took place. I have symptoms that you can't always
see, only I feel. The more I do the worse my symptoms become at times. I
took my disability to have a more function of time with the family. I am
still walking and capable of taking care of myself. I use a cane on those
needed times, for now I am doing fine.
I am from WA State, I am married 22 yrs now to a caring
husband, I am 40, I have 2 grown children. Both are married, and enjoying
themselves. I am a new homeowner, keeps my husband busy keeping up with
the place. I enjoy gardening and time outdoors.
I enjoy writing, have often thought about doing it,
then along came Car and here I am. I try to write from my
thoughts often bring feelings from heart. I like to meet new friends,
enjoy helping if I can. I have met some good people in MS chat rooms, have
had a lot of support from them. I have learned a lot as well, more than I
would ever if I didn't have them around.
I guess this is it on me, hope to meet you sometime :)
Reach
Paulette by email: Tue4@aol.com
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Stan, Contributor
From the
Author: "My name is Stan. I've had MS symptoms for 34 years, a proper Dx
for 27. I've been on Avonex for a bit over 2 years. I still work (the
federal government in Washington, D.C.) and broke down and bought a
scooter 4 years ago. I have been married to the same woman for 33 years
and we are the proud parents of three "kids," ages 30, 21 and 18. An MS
diagnosis explains the big gap in ages!
". . . on a good hair day, I can still pass for 45. I
am in fact 57 but I often walk and feel like I’m 75. And as one friend who
knows my full life story once said, "Let’s face it Stan, you’ve lived
100!"
Reach Stan by email:
tonto666@hotmail.com
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Pincushion , Contributor
About the Author: Julie Cornelison (Pincushion) lives
in Idaho with her husband Keith, and 3 children. She was Diagnosed with RR
MS February 2000. She uses Copaxone for treatment. She works full time as
a flow developer for Micron Technologies, and is actively involved with
her Children’s sports. Her hobbies include swimming, chatting on-line
Writing for MS Musings, and reading. If you would like to reachJulie you
can email her at
pincushion_00@hotmail.com
"Today is tomorrow’s yesterday"
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One of our newest writers, MommyBear2
Candy Derosiers
From Candy: "I am a 38 year old
housewife who has been sewing most of my life. I have been diagnosed with
Multiple Sclerosis and don't get out much so I spend my time between
designing new stuffed critters and writing. It all started when I was
about 9 yrs old visiting my Grandma Bond. She had always sewed for all us
grandkids and I found it fascinating to watch her work. This particular
day I was thumbing through the J.C.Penney's catalogue looking at the
newest Barbie fashions. I wanted them all but knew we did not have the
money so I didn't ask. Grandma saw me looking and said why didn't I try to
make some of them myself. It sounded like a good idea so I asked her for
some scraps of material and set about the task of duplicating the outfits
I coveted. When I had finished, I proudly displayed Barbie's new sun suit
for Grandma's inspection. She gushed over my talent and encouraged me to
do some more. The outfit looked identical to the one in the picture except
for one small detail. I had not yet learned about sewing the seams with
right sides together. So poor Barbie was sporting a perfect replica of a
designer original...with all the seams showing! Not to mention all the raw
edges were on the outside. But she was dressed and I had made my first
fashion and now I was hooked. Grandma and my mom then set about the task
of teaching me the finer points and I have been sewing ever since. I used
to make my own clothes when I was in junio4 high and high school. It was
always so thrilling to me to wear fashions that I had created myself. The
fact that they were originals and no one else would have the same thing
was a big plus.
So what started from a necessity has
grown into one of my biggest passions. Nowadays I create fashions for my
kids and my Little Darlins line. I get such a charge out of creating
something new from the picture in my mind."
philcandy@ccom.com
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Richard Tanner,
Contributor
From Richard: "I'm 66 and have MS now since 1980. SPMS
since 1996, and live in central Fl. with my wife of 34 years. We had 2
children and now have 5 grandchildren. We like to travel and we both like
baseball. I have been retired since 1986 as my MS started to cut into my
gait and strength early on."
Richard of
happymspages
RET1000@aol.com
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Derri Pender,
Contributor
Reach Derri by email:
derripender@hotmail.com
Visit Derri's website at:
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Des, Contributor
From the Author: "Des (short for desert where I live) is
Ruth Scalpone. I live in Tucson, Arizona, with my fantastic husband, Nick,
my 17-year old son, Chris, and my 16-year old (step) daughter, Noelle. I
was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in January, 1997. I don’t work
anymore, and feel that the computer has opened the world to me."
Reach Des by email:
scalponefamily@qwest.net
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Mary and Bo Dog Jackson,
Contributors
From Mary: "For the NORTHWEST AIDE DOG FOUNDATION, Bo is a canine
ambassador. For me, he's my lifeline to the world that others walk
freely."
Mary Rook
Further information about aide dogs can be found at the
Foundation's
web site:
http://belointeractive.koz.com/bi/nwadf
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kodabears (Jeannine)
From: locoketa@pacbell.net
Jeannine is kodabears online.
I am divorced with two children, Joe who
will be 15 years old in September and lives with his father in Tucson,
Arizonia and Erin, who is 25 years old and who has been married to Jason
for 3 years. I am currently living with Erin and Jason in Monterey,
California.
I am 44 years old. Was born in South
Carolina, lived in southern New Jersey for 15 years and in California for
23 years.
I was diagnosed with MS in August 2000
with R/R and am currently on Avonex therapy. My symptoms started in 1986,
after the birth of my son Joe.
I am currently a chat moderator at the
Multiple Sclerosis Central Support site on Delphi.
As soon as you trust yourself you will
know how to live.
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Jay Juliano, Contributor
MARRIED 27 YEARS WITH THREE KIDS. TWO FINISHED WITH
COLLEGE, ONE A SOPHOMORE.
I HAVE MY MASTER'S DEGREE FROM NOTRE DAME IN HEALTH
ADMINISTRATION. TAUGHT AND ADMINISTERED COLLEGE TILL 1992 WHEN DIAGNOSED
WITH M.S.
MY WIFE IS AN R.N., (FULL-TIME) VERY UNDERSTANDING OF MY CONDITION. AS SHE
SAYS, "WE HAD A ROLE REVERSAL." ALSO, I AM MR. MOM AND THE BLOCK CAPTAIN.
(STILL TRYING TO GET THE NEIGHBOR WIVES TO PLAY POKER FOR COUPONS).
J.C.Juliano@att.net
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Shafe
from Australia
another new writer!
My Nicknames through the years
1.Well Shafe at school and to friends as it is my last name Chafer....
2.Ding :; Dingbat as i said/did outlandish/comical/bizzare
things always (well it was my apprenticeship and it was the steelworks on
night shift i was bored)
3.ICE: from my coolheadedness especially at work in
hazardous enviroments and it is my initials on my hardhat.
4.Accidently Cool.. a leading hand once heard a song
named this and came running into the locker room and demanded i listen to
the words of the song playing on the workshop pa. i couldnt decipher the
lyric and he said Thats you...Accidently Cool...and we both laughed it is
kinda me....but now i see it is kinda MS.
5. Cobra as oppossed to Cobba/Cobber Aussie Slang for
Mate and well yes i react like a King Cobra if anyone ever trod or hinted
at treading on my toes....but it was an amusing and affectionate title
because Coal Miners liked that about me..i stood up for myself even tho
quiet.
6. Bones ....with Trigeminal Neuralgia /Chronic i creak and crack but
it aint my bones :)
7. IanCognito: my Maori mates call me this
because..that's me in the corner..thats me in the spot light..chosing my
religion
8. Soulsurfer I use this as my icq and Net Nik i like
to surf the net searching for souls as it is quicker and kinder to my
illness to have online friends as they are there when everyone else here
is asleep...:)
all these nick names i think are directly from my
illness and I love everyone of them for besides Soulsurfer the others were
given to me by my peers and I think other MSers fully understand how my
life has been just from my nik's...cheers...Shafe
Shafe's email address:
shafe@optusnet.com.au
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Dot aka Dorothy Kimball, Contributor
Brief Biography of Dorothy Ann Lane Kimball
I was born at five in the morning, on a beautiful dew
drenched dawn, in a little hospital in the south central part of Texas,
less than fifty miles north west from Houston. The date was June 28, 1930.
The Dr. spent the time before my arrival whistling "I Wonder Who’s Kissing
Her Now." Which I think is an interesting fact. It can also be noted that
there were roses and gardenias in full bloom just outside the windows of
the hospital. I like to think that gave me a jump start on my love of
music and flowers.
The first ten years of my life was spent in the little
town of Sealy. My grandparent lived there and I spend a considerable
amount of time with them and also my little aunty, Billie Ruth, who is
approximately 18 months older than I am. She was a combination aunt and
sister all rolled into one, as well as the instigator in the majority of
our scrapes and activities. The events of those years are the bases of
many of my short stories.
My grandpa, great grandpa, as well as my dad, all
worked for the Santa Fe Railroad. My mom was bound and determined to make
something of herself, and keep us from being so poor, due to the Great
Depression, that she entered Jr. College when I was eight years old. This
was so unheard of in that day and age. After graduation she was able to
obtain a position at a country school in the lower Rio Grande Valley. I
attended country schools for the next few years. When I was ready for Jr.
High, Mama would drive me to the bus and I would ride into town to attend
school. By this time World War II had been going on for several years. My
brother and I still got to go back to Sealy to visit and spend summer
vacations there. We also spent some of our time in Galvestion, which was
my Dad’s place of birth. We were so fortunate as he returned home, safe
and sound, from the South Pacific after seeing active duty.
We moved to San Antonio when I was a Jr. in high school
and I attended Brackenridge High School. It was in San Antonio that I met
the most handsome and interesting man, Robert C. Kimball who was all of 18
years old. It was love at first sight. We were married on Feb. 14, 1947.
This coming year we will be celebrating our 55th wedding
anniversary.
Bob and I have been blessed with three sons, Robert II,
John, and Michael and later added to our blessings with grandsons, Robert
III, John Jr, Alexander and James Andrew. Two years ago we were again
blessed, this time with our first great- grandson, Aidan. As you can tell
girls are might short in our family.
Before moving to El Paso we moved 18 times in 18 years
with only two of those moves while Bob was in the service. Bob learned to
fly and later turned to electronics and that kept us on the move. After
moving to El Paso I entered The College of Mines, later changed to The
University Of Texas At El Paso, or UTEP, where I worked and received a
B.S. degree in Elementary Education and an all levels certification in
Library Science. After graduating I spent the next 14 years in the public
schools. ( I had spent a year as an aide in the library of a high school
and the training in those days amounted to almost a year in a elementary
school and additional time in school libraries.) Bob made another career
changed and I retired to travel with him. We saw every state in the U.S.
except Vermont...and one of these days I will see that! After five years I
returned home and was quickly asked to return to work as there was a
tremendous librarian shortage. I worked for two years and Bob became
accustomed to being a retired gentleman. After the two years I retired
again,,, and for the last time. We spent several years in doing numerous
volunteer duties. When the boys were growing up we did a tremendous amount
of volunteer work in the schools, church and scouting. But after a couple
of years of retirement and volunteer work, I realized what I wanted to do
the most was write. I had taken several writing classes and courses and
now wanted to spend more time at it. So the sewing, quilting and
gardening, cooking, preserving, etc. moved down on my list of activities.
Writing is at the top now. And I love it! There is never enough time to
write all the stories I really, really want to. I do manage to squeeze in
the teaching of a Computer Classes, as a helper to my husband, who is the
teacher, at one of the Sr. Citizens Centers in El Paso. The rest of my
spare time is spent in writing and what ever else I can squeeze into my
life.
We love to travel and do so when ever we can. We
especially like to take our spoiled rotten "boy" (his feelings get hurt if
we call him dog) with us. Taz is a real character and can be found in a
lot of my children stories.
It has been such an interesting life, so full of
friends and so many different activities. We have been able to see
so much of the US. And we even made a trip to England and Scotland several
years ago. I am looking forward to going back. Not only have we been
blessed with a growing family but also with so many wonderful friends. I
have truly been blessed. It is a good life!
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TeddyBear aka Corenna DeRuiter
My name is Corenna DeRuiter. I am a
33 years old and a single mom. My son, Mike will be 15 next month and my
daughter, Lisa is now 13. We live in Arizona. I work as a hairdresser with
the company Great Clips.
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Heather Anne, Logo Designer
heatheranne@everfloyd.com
http://www.everfloyd.com/heatheranne
My name is Heather Anne and I am a 24 year old SAHM (stay at home mom).
I am originally from Long Island, New York where I spent most of my
life. I now reside in Sacramento, California with my wonderful husband,
Rob.
My page address is
http://www.everfloyd.com/heatheranneEditor's Note:
Heather Anne found our magazine, and although she does not have MS
herself, her Mother-in-Law does. She offered to design us a logo
for the magazine, and through her willingness to work with some ideas,
she has done just that. Welcome to the family, Heather Anne!
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Elsa, Contributor
My name is Elsa or as my nickname goes, Mummsy. I've
been diagnosed some 21 yrs. ago. Seems like I have never lived without MS.
I've never let it get the best of me, mentally. I've always felt that
keeping an active mind has been most of the battle. I use a cane and for
long distances I do have a scooter. My feeling for this equipment is that
they give me a great feeling of independence. I've never looked on them as
giving in to the Monster.
I did a lot of volunteer work with our local MS Chapter
for 11 yrs. and it certainly was rewarding for me. I also served on the
Board of Trustees for 10 yrs. After some time, I decided to take a break
and left for other things.
I've been married for 47 yrs. Have 2 children and 8 grandchildren. I
was 45 when I was diagnosed. Gee, that does give my age away! I do enjoy
kidding about my age and am still trying to find someone with MS older
than I am. ha ha
After raising my kids, I decided that I needed to get
back into the work force. I became a secretary and loved it! That did last
for 4 yrs. until I was diagnosed. My first symptom was optical neuritis
and that caused me to have to quit my job. One eyed secretaries aren't
exactly a great asset. I'll say that this computer certainly has helped me
renew my skills in typing and meeting such "wonderful" people.
EKRKPK@aol.com
reach Elsa by email
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Alex, Writer
F. Alexander
Brejcha came to America from Sweden in 1968 at the age of 10 - and
immediately fell in love with science fiction. Frequently published, in
Analog Science Fiction and Fact, he also has stories and articles in a
variety of genres pending or published in a variety of magazines and
newspaper. He presently divides his time between writing, disability
advocacy, and working full-time as a night-shift hospital telephone
operator/trauma dispatcher (where a wheelchair doesn't slow him down).
Visit his comprehensive and multiple award-winning Web site at
http://www.netreach.net/~abrejcha
to find a wide range of disability resources and
reprints of some of his work. Add /biblio.htm for a bibliography with
links to some re-prints and add /menu.htm for a menu which includes links
to some original work. More recently he has been blessed with marriage to
a wonderful woman (fellow M.S.er and advocate) from Moscow, Russia, whom
he met through is web site when she contacted him to help another M.S.er –
in Brazil (after she found his web site on a British M.S. site).
(Brejcha Personal and disAbility Resource Site)
abrejcha@netreach.net
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Betty, Writer
-- Betty King
baking1@msn.com
___________________________________________
Betty King lives in Arizona with her husband, Bill. She says,
"He is a
jewel and a keeper. I am a dreamer of dreams, a weaver of words, a writer of
life and its happenings. I have publishing credits in a number of mediums. I
continue to pull from within what my soul must attest. "
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Blue,
contributor
Hello! My name is Rosa (Blue, to my internet friends)
and I live in Anaheim, California, with my mom and dad. My God, my family
and my friends are my most valuable treasures.
I was diagnosed with MS in January of 1998
.
I used to work at a hospital, therefore was aware of what MS was – or so I
thought – for in the last three years I have learned by experience what it
really is: a tedious disease that bring changes to one’s life from day to
day.
I believe that my faith has been the most powerful tool
in dealing with this condition, but I have to admit that at the time that
I came searching for a chat room, I felt very depressed – hence the
nickname "Blue". God has used the Internet to introduce me to some
wonderful people: my MSer friends, who have been a great source of support
and encouragement. I know that we do not have all the answers, and that
some times the only thing we can do is cry with that friend that is going
through a bad day – though our friends might never find out that that is
what we were doing sitting in front of a computer as we chatted. It is
very painful to me not to be able to explain to one who sees his or her
dreams shattered and his or her body deteriorating that God is in control
and that He cares about our struggles and our pains.
I don’t know if the day will come when a cure for this
disease will be found, but I do know that one day we will receive new and
perfect bodies from Him. That day, we will run again, and dance, and jump,
and laugh together. We might or might not meet face to face on this earth,
but I am sure that when that day comes we will recognize each other, for
like we have said so many times "we might not have seen each other’s
faces, but we have seen our naked souls." God bless you all.
Reach Blue by email to:
rosam58@email.msn.com
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Ron and Shirl Crooker,
Contributors
Biography of Ron and
Shirley Crooker
Ron was born in Saugus, Massachusetts some 67 years ago or so, and
raised in Medford, Mass. After the death of his father when Ron was 13, he
stopped going to school at age 14 and went to work in his brother’s garage
learning the auto mechanic trade. In 1952 at age 18, Ron joined the Air
Force and was sent to Sheppard AFB, Wichita Falls, Texas for schooling.
Shirley was born some years ago (you can tell who is writing this bio,
can’t you?). She was born in Vernon, Texas and in 1951 she and her family
moved to Wichita Falls, TX. In 1953, Ron met Shirl. In 1954 Ron married
Shirl.
They shared Ron’s military career and after 22 years in the Air Force,
Ron went to college. He completed college in 1978 and won a job with RCA
in New Jersey. Ron and Shirley moved to NJ in 1978 where he worked in
various positions with RCA, then GE, then Martin Marietta. Ron retired
from Martin Marietta in January of 1995 and went to work as a Business
Development Consultant for Lockheed Martin. He has since retired fully and
does genealogy research for Shirley’s family as well as his own. He has
also started quilting.
During her marriage to Ron, Shirley gave birth to six
children. One child died and the others have grown to adulthood. Three of
Ron and Shirley’s children are raising children of their own. One of their
children, the youngest, was born with cerebral palsy. After some therapy
and surgery she was able to overcome the physical effects of the cp and
live a normal life - to age 20, when she was then diagnosed with MS. She
is doing well managing her MS as she raises her three children, with the
full support of her very loving husband.
Shirley is an avid reader and a skilled quilter. She
earned a first and second place ribbon for original quilts in the NJ State
Fair some years ago. Shirl, Ron, and their daughters have been working
three years designing and making a Native American quilt that reflects
some of Shirley’s Cherokee heritage. It is a beautiful quilt - almost as
beautiful as her smile.
Both Ron and Shirl hope that those who read the short
story presented in this December issue enjoy the story. They also hope you
all find great joy and peace in the holiday season.
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Tripodd - Yes, the nickname does come from
walking with a cane. Warped. If there is one way to describe me, this
might be it. I'm 50 years old and will turn 51 before 2001 ends. I have
had MS for a little over 10 years. Use a scooter for distance. Worked for
the same employer for almost 31 years. I'm thinking about looking for
steady employment with some job security, though. I was on Betaseron for
about 7 years, and started Copaxone in January. I also started on
Novantrone IV in October. Have graduated from Relapsing Remitting sometime
during the last few years. Don't remember the graduation ceremony,
however. I must have enjoyed it. Don't really like the labels for whatever
form of MS we have. I guess that's my form of denial. I know that to be on
Novantrone, I'm probably doing worse than I think I am. For everything
that I've been through the last ten years, and especially the last three,
I think I'm actually doing pretty darned good! I have been married for
over 20 years, have 2 grown children, several grandchildren. I live in
Austin, Texas.
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Judy, Poet
The picture
is of me, my husband Mark, and our kids, Jacob age 7 and Elizabeth age 10.
This picture was taken last year in Winthrop WA. It does get a little wild
out here in the west. We are not a poster family for the NRA.
Bio - I was born in St Johns, Newfoundland, Canada at a
American Air Force base. My parents and my little brother moved cross
country in a VW bug to Central Washington, Wapato to be exact. I grew up
on a 30 acre fruit ranch and was determined NOT to marry a farmer, so I
didn't. My husband of 17 years, Mark, is an electrical engineer who also
knows a lot about computers and mechanical stuff. We have been living in
Mukilteo Wa for 17 years. We have 2 kids, Elizabeth age 10 and Jacob age
71/2 and a cat, Pepper age 121/2. I am active in my church, Mukilteo
Presbyterian Church. I love to sing in the choir, attend a bible study,
and lead music for Vacation Bible School. I'm also very involved at my
kids school, helping in class and going on field trips. I discovered I had
MS May of 2000, but have been showing signs since 1990. I'm working with a
Naturopath and on Procarin and LDN and feel pretty good most of the time.
As with everyone else, I'm sure, I have my bad days too. I started wiring
poems 9 years ago. It is a God-given Spirit inspired gift that I thank God
for everyday. Some benefits of having MS, meeting and getting to know
people from this magazine, finding a place for my poems, and meeting and
getting to know Bill Brayer from the SNo-King MSCS group.
Reach Judy by email:
judy@hastingshome.org
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Ice Princess, Contributor
Ron and I have been married for 17 yrs. We live in
Ontario, Canada. We do not have any children. We have cats! :-)
Ron was dx'd with MS in May 1997. He started having problems with his eyes
in the summer of 1996. He lost vision in his left eye, later he began
seeing double. He also had very bad headaches. We thought he would need to
get new eyeglasses and that would be it! His doctor sent him to an
Opthamologist and he sent him to a Neurologist. Then came all the tests.
This went on for months. Finally on May 5, 1997, it was confirmed that it
was MS. We were devastated. Ron has been doing very well since. He is
still R/R. He is now one of 25 people involved in a research study on
Teriflunomide in London, Ontario, Canada at the MS Clinic. There are only
180 people involved in this study throughout Canada.
http://geocities.com/Heartland/Shores/5237/MSersOnlineIntro.html
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Paula,
Contributor
AD in 1970 nursing
BS 1991 nursing
Married 33 years 3children 3 grandchildren
52 years old
Diagnosed 3-99
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MS MuSings
