It's been a few days since I've written, no excuse really nothing out of the ordinary to report. We had our yearly Christmas dinner for our MS chapter, this year the meal was fabulous yet at around 9 PM the noise was getting to me and I felt tired so we left early.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a "Merry Christmas" not happy holidays or seasons greetings a true Canadian Merry Christmas!
It's funny when you think about it my Jewish friends wish me a Merry Christmas as I wish them happy Hanukkah. It simply recognizes their holiday plain and simple, the vast majority of Canadians celebrate Christmas why then should we wish people anything other than a Merry Christmas? My feeling is if you don't celebrate it then get to work on the 25th and if you're one of those employers forcing their employees to wish patrons a happy holiday instead of Merry Christmas well to me that is plain bigotry.
Stand up before it's gone forever the easiest way to start would be by not purchasing from stores which prevent their employees from wishing you a Merry Christmas, take your business elsewhere and maybe then they will get the message.
Merry Christmas to all
PS: I wonder what Santa tells the kids when they go and visit him? Happy holidays yeah right!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Today is a special day as my spouse and I celebrate our 33rd year wedding anniversary. You may wonder what this has to do with MS and why I would even include it in my blog.
Diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis in 1994 that alone represents almost half of our life together, to say she deserves a medal is a gross understatement she deserved much more got the short end of the stick so to speak.
Our journey hasn't been easy, the adaptations from the get-go were and continue to be difficult at best. Definitely not something she signed up for yet she continues to share this burden with me every single day. Progressing fairly rapidly hurdles presented themselves as if someone had placed me on some fast track.
There were many instances where I would become frustrated at not being able to accomplish the simplest of tasks, something that would have presented no problems yesterday was virtually impossible today. It can be extremely difficult to live with someone during those times yet she stayed by me and loved me every step of the way. Providing space when I needed it yet always present if I needed her she is truly heaven sent.
I've often said given my misfortune I was was very fortunate that God provided me with my guardian angel while living. Nothing can come close to describing what she has been through, continues to live through always with a smile on her face. Whether or not I can do something is no big deal being together is what counts and I feel that whenever we are together. Having had the opportunity to meet many people with MS I can honestly say she is a rarity, the vast majority of people I met in support groups were women for the most part dealing with broken marriages surrounded by people who didn't care. The support group provided them with a way of sharing their frustrations, disappointments and everything they experienced during their daily lives. Honestly I could sense how fortunate I was every time I attended one of these sessions.
Nothing to do with MS? Personally I believe it has everything to do with my being able to live through this nightmare providing a glimmer of hope a light something positive in what would otherwise be a deadly spiral into obscurity.
I love you Denise with all my heart.
Diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis in 1994 that alone represents almost half of our life together, to say she deserves a medal is a gross understatement she deserved much more got the short end of the stick so to speak.
Our journey hasn't been easy, the adaptations from the get-go were and continue to be difficult at best. Definitely not something she signed up for yet she continues to share this burden with me every single day. Progressing fairly rapidly hurdles presented themselves as if someone had placed me on some fast track.
There were many instances where I would become frustrated at not being able to accomplish the simplest of tasks, something that would have presented no problems yesterday was virtually impossible today. It can be extremely difficult to live with someone during those times yet she stayed by me and loved me every step of the way. Providing space when I needed it yet always present if I needed her she is truly heaven sent.
I've often said given my misfortune I was was very fortunate that God provided me with my guardian angel while living. Nothing can come close to describing what she has been through, continues to live through always with a smile on her face. Whether or not I can do something is no big deal being together is what counts and I feel that whenever we are together. Having had the opportunity to meet many people with MS I can honestly say she is a rarity, the vast majority of people I met in support groups were women for the most part dealing with broken marriages surrounded by people who didn't care. The support group provided them with a way of sharing their frustrations, disappointments and everything they experienced during their daily lives. Honestly I could sense how fortunate I was every time I attended one of these sessions.
Nothing to do with MS? Personally I believe it has everything to do with my being able to live through this nightmare providing a glimmer of hope a light something positive in what would otherwise be a deadly spiral into obscurity.
I love you Denise with all my heart.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Friday, December 4, 2009
Yesterday was the International Day of Persons with Disabilities – a day recognized worldwide and proclaimed by the United Nations.
This day is designated as an opportunity to promote awareness of how important accessibility is in making sure that persons with disabilities have full access to every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.
I must say government authorities and other organizations catering to people with disabilities achieve less than a passing grade in making this day recognizable. My spouse told me about it, didn't see anything on the news or hear anything on the radio. I take it were not high priority when it comes to the United Nations LOL sometimes you just have to laugh.
This day is designated as an opportunity to promote awareness of how important accessibility is in making sure that persons with disabilities have full access to every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.
I must say government authorities and other organizations catering to people with disabilities achieve less than a passing grade in making this day recognizable. My spouse told me about it, didn't see anything on the news or hear anything on the radio. I take it were not high priority when it comes to the United Nations LOL sometimes you just have to laugh.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2008
It is quite satisfying to receive a response from someone with the clout and financial backing to bring about change. It is also nice when your concerns have been recognized identified by others not everything falls on deaf ears. Here is what I received regarding the grant program which limits participation to those 49 years or younger.
PS: names have been removed
Thank you very much for your thoughtful response - I am responding on Mr. Savoie’s behalf and have provided him with a copy of your email.
We are aware of the age restrictions under the current rules for the Registered Disability Savings Plan and have expressed our concerns about the limitations. We will continue to do so until changes are made.
We are also advancing other approaches to income security for people with MS and other chronic diseases and disabilities that are more inclusive. One recommendation is to make some simple changes to the current tax system, e.g., making the disability tax credit refundable for people who have low or no taxable income; another recommendation, is to make EI sickness benefits more flexible to allow people to work part-time and to receive partial benefits for a period of time.
It is also increasingly apparent that we need a complete overhaul of the often confusing and contradictory federal and provincial disability pensions, benefits and supports. Right now, people with disabilities can be caught between programs and jurisdictions, resulting in little income and no concrete supports. The MS Society is urging reform of this jurisdiction confusion happen quickly.
Thank you again for your message. We’ll continue to keep you and others updated about progress we are making on these important issues.
All best wishes,
PS: names have been removed
Thank you very much for your thoughtful response - I am responding on Mr. Savoie’s behalf and have provided him with a copy of your email.
We are aware of the age restrictions under the current rules for the Registered Disability Savings Plan and have expressed our concerns about the limitations. We will continue to do so until changes are made.
We are also advancing other approaches to income security for people with MS and other chronic diseases and disabilities that are more inclusive. One recommendation is to make some simple changes to the current tax system, e.g., making the disability tax credit refundable for people who have low or no taxable income; another recommendation, is to make EI sickness benefits more flexible to allow people to work part-time and to receive partial benefits for a period of time.
It is also increasingly apparent that we need a complete overhaul of the often confusing and contradictory federal and provincial disability pensions, benefits and supports. Right now, people with disabilities can be caught between programs and jurisdictions, resulting in little income and no concrete supports. The MS Society is urging reform of this jurisdiction confusion happen quickly.
Thank you again for your message. We’ll continue to keep you and others updated about progress we are making on these important issues.
All best wishes,
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