I get it. Global warming might be the most serious threat facing humanity in the long-term: coastal cities underwater, extreme weather events, the elimination of the Arctic and Antarctic ecosystems. What a terrible thing. Worse than terrorism, texting and driving, and Donald Trump combined. And yet, when we experienced record warmth on Christmas Day in… Continue reading White Christmas? No Thank You
MITCH STURGEON
Author and Blogger
Living With MS
Year: 2015
Talking With Your Hands
Most of us don’t appreciate the extent to which we talk with our hands. It’s an unconscious thing. I’ve noticed a couple of instances lately, where people talk with their hands and are almost powerless to stop. The first: my physical therapist. He is a great guy, a top-notch PT, and a delightful conversationalist. But… Continue reading Talking With Your Hands
Aging Before Your Eyes
I have so many photos, I wanted to do something fun with them for the blog. I made this slideshow to demonstrate, in just over one minute, how I’ve aged in the last 52 years. I hope you find it entertaining. For what it’s worth, I was diagnosed with MS at age 38, or 56… Continue reading Aging Before Your Eyes
Amazon Echo
I may have a problem. It started innocently enough with my first cell phone. Back then we called it a bag phone or a car phone. Now I have a few more high-tech toys: Plasma TV in bedroom LCD/LED 3-D TV in living room Chromecast module for living room TV Slingbox so I can watch my… Continue reading Amazon Echo
We Need Help
Kim holds down two full-time jobs: guidance counselor and caregiver. It would be nice to have somebody come in and take care of me one or two mornings a week, to lighten her load. But these people are expensive. I’d heard of programs that provide financial support for home care, but I needed help navigating… Continue reading We Need Help
Complications
A couple of years ago my eye doctor diagnosed me with chronic dry eye syndrome. “No problem,” he said. “Just use these eye drops every few hours and you should be good to go.” But there was a complication. I’m physically unable to put drops in my eyes, and I’m alone much of the day.… Continue reading Complications
I Don’t Wish to Have My Old Life Back
People with MS often lament, “I just want my old life back,” but I’m pretty sure I’ve never uttered those words. As disheartening as it is to suffer with this disease, because of my struggles I’ve grown emotionally, and I’d rather not go back to the person I used to be. I’m better than that.… Continue reading I Don’t Wish to Have My Old Life Back
Offering Help to a Disabled Person
My friend and fellow blogger, Stephen, recently posted Disability Etiquette Tips. Number three on that list read: “Don’t assume that because a person has a disability, they are in need of assistance. If a person appears to need assistance, ask first.” That’s some solid advice for muggles. Here’s some advice for the disabled: To a… Continue reading Offering Help to a Disabled Person
Learning the Craft
I’m doing everything I can to learn the craft of memoir writing, short of going back to college. I may have only one book in me, and I want to get it right. A couple of months ago, I found the perfect opportunity. Monica Wood is a beloved Maine author, writing instructor, and now playwright.… Continue reading Learning the Craft
I Know Things
I know I can become a better person. I think I’m on the right track. I know I can lead a contented life, given my current circumstances. I don’t know if this will always hold true. I know democracy is superior to every other form of governance so far conceived by mankind. I hope we… Continue reading I Know Things