I think you are meant to write to Mr. Cohen when you finish his books. I’m sure he would even enjoy this post, and be encouraged, himself, at how you have been touched.

Why is it always a surprise to us to find somebody else in the world who we can relate to in tough times? I suppose being generous at heart doesn’t shelter us from feeling self-centered when it comes to our pain (if that makes any sense).

I am very glad to read you found someone who wrote about their experience so you could feel some sense of echo to your own.

My dad often said that animals are more intelligent when it comes to their body: none of them would have forced their system as long as you have yours. When an animal is sick or tired, it gives its system time to recuperate or finds a way to deal with the injury/handicap. I think this is so because their survival depends on it when for us, humans, we think we have forever to aclimate.

And then, the day you get your cane, you realize all you could have done as much as all you can do… I’m learning through your lesson, for sure.

Thank you for sharing it!

It’s true… so often what we resist is just what we need. (Hmmm… I need to make that appointment, don’t I?)

Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with us.

Thank you for sharing both stories with us! I have tears of sympathy welling in my eyes. I can relate so much, on a smaller level of course. I think I have 2 new books on my to read list now.

How timely is this? I bought my first cane two weeks ago. After nine years and twenty various and assorted courses of chemotherapy, my balance is shot.

It doesn’t feel bad either…never did. I mean really – how does it differ from needing glasses which I’ve been wearing since I was in 4th grade?

Onwards!

It takes one to know one? I now have enough equipment to start a small store! Yes, it is amazing how much we humans put off what needs to be done. That’s probably why I cracked my head about a month ago — wrong piece of equipment. Cliff insisted I go back to my hemi walker (the one I was using the day you were here. It’s safer.

Ok, sumpin’ funny –

ON EXERCISING

I have to exercise early in the morning before my brain figures out what I’m doing.
 
I joined a health club last year, spent about 400 bucks. Haven’t lost a pound. Apparently you have to go there.
 
The only reason I would take up exercising is so that I could hear heavy breathing again.
 
I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me.
 
I have flabby thighs, but fortunately my stomach covers them.
 
If you are going to try cross-country skiing, start with a small country.
 
I decided to take an exercise class. I bent, twisted, gyrated and jumped up and down for an hour–but by the time I got my leotard on, the class was over.

I saw him and his wife on a talk show and he is very inspiring. The disease is a very difficult one and he has handled it with grace.

Thank you for sharing yur story.

Neat. I have to read his books too!

Thanks, Lene & Alison!

When I was first told of my hearing loss, I cried for an entire afternoon. and then determined I would not get a hearin gaid. Eventually, clearly, I did get one. And wow! What a difference. i wondered why I had out it off so long.

I now have 2 new books on inter-library loan order! Thank you!
Many years ago a friend with serious R.A. said that one of the functions of her cane was as a visual clue to others,”Please be careful!” She found it particularly valuable in crowds and when traveling; she knew that if she got bumped she would land on her butt with no way to get up.

One of the lessons of illness for me has been to learn to accept help with as much grace as possible — hard because I was born an ornery critter. My parents told me my first word was “felf” — meaning “I can do it myself” LOL!

Now that I’m recovering from chemo, I’m also learning to reclaim chores that I had been so grateful for my dh to do, but am once again able to do. I’m learning to say, kindly, I hope, “I can do that now.” I’ll be forever grateful for his help, but doing things that I can gives me a sense of competence that I missed.

Carol in MA

Thaank you for that,now I will put those books on my Christmas wishlist.

I love that you share such wonderful stories and your always an inspiration to me.Hugs Darcy

Another book in the same vein (ouch) is Stephen Baron’s “Never Give Up” (http://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/stephen-baron/never-give-up-living-well-despite-ms/_/R-400000000000000093401). Faith perhaps can make things easier…..