Enjoying the Ride: The Blog

MITCH  STURGEON
Author and Blogger Living With MS

2019 MLA STICKER FINALIST

What Have I Been up to Lately?

Author Talk at Prince Memorial Library

On March 14, I gave a talk about my book, ENJOYING THE RIDE: Two Generations of Tragedy and Triumph, at Prince Memorial Library in Cumberland, Maine. We had a good turnout, but the talk got off to a rough start when we encountered technical difficulties. Once we straightened those issues out, however, I think the assembled audience enjoyed my presentation, and we had a lively question and answer period afterward.

I Gave a Talk in Front of My Biggest Audience Yet

On April 12, I addressed about 250 employees of Crooker Construction at their annual meeting. I was skeptical that my talk about resilience in the face of difficult circumstances would hold the attention of a large group of construction workers, but I was wrong. They were engaged, and many of them approached me afterward to relate their personal stories of overcoming adversity. The CEO of Crooker, who happens to be my brother, Tom, provided each employee with a copy of my book. I had some fun in the talk telling stories about growing up with their CEO as my big brother. That endeared me to the crowd.

Cruise

Yes, we went on a cruise from New York City to Bermuda and back in April, after having gone on a cruise in February. I’m not dedicating four or five blog posts to this vacation, however. I think my readers may have “cruise blog fatigue.” As usual, we had a great time. We are on a two cruise per year pace. I’ve placed a bunch of photos at the bottom of this post.

MS Walk

On May 4 I participated in the National Multiple Sclerosis Society MS walk. As I wrote in my blog post on April 2, Back in Motion Physical Therapy formed a team and walked in my honor. My friends Tim Cahill and Lynn Easler also formed a team in my honor. The weather was a bit cold and damp, but this did not seem to deter the dedicated participants. Back in Motion raised more than $7500 for the MS Society, Kim and I had a wonderful time hanging out with everyone, and we even sold a few books.

Mechanics Library Author Chat

First Friday Art Walk is a downtown Portland event held, would you believe it, on the first Friday of each month. Local art studios and other establishments invite patrons to visit them, enjoy some beverages and snacks, look over special items for sale, and be entertained. The Maine Charitable Mechanics Association Library invited me to mingle with patrons in their historic venue.  I spoke one-on-one with many folks, and again, we managed to sell a few books.

More cruise photos…

17 Replies to “What Have I Been up to Lately?”

  1. Great to see all the support and interest out there for your book. I’m looking forward to reading it soon. Keep on educating people about ms and overcoming adversity. You’re a great ambassador for us!

    1. Very inspiring book!! You have no idea how this book has impacted my life!! I’m going to try very hard every day to keep pushing myself and never give up,like you,Mitch,i have been through all the stages,not as many pharmaceutical trials,only a few,so far I’ve been on Rituxan almost two years,i think and no relapses but I’m definitely progressing and frustrated with my neurologist,is almost like he’s in denial and not me!!

      1. Melissa, it warms my heart to know that my book has been of some help to you. Keep up the good fight!

  2. Very entertaining read, Mitch. Great cruise pics, too. Thanks, Roger!

  3. As always, you speak for so many of us, Mitch. And then you speak to us too! I’m thinking of the times when I realize that something you’ve written about yourself is true for me and I hadn’t even known it.
    Reading a post in your blog is like getting a letter from a dear friend.

    1. Daphne, I’m touched that you think of my writing that way. We go way back now, don’t we?

  4. Awesome, Mitch. Glad you are enjoying life with all that you are involved in and your cruises.

    Love you both. Wayne & Gail

  5. That was a great read! Fondly remember your folks- you described them just as I remember them! John remembers that we attended your wedding in their backyard. They would be so proud of you today… you and Kim have certainly created a wonderful life together.
    Ginny Wilson

    1. Ginny, thanks so much for reading my blog post and stopping by to comment. Do you remember how, on our wedding day, it rained for about 15 minutes — the same 15 minutes of our wedding ceremony? But there was no harm done. It was almost kind of neat.

  6. I think I read your book in about 8 hours! Of course Betty is my mom so it felt like a tiny part of my story as I read it. My dad was Kenneth and I was only 5 1/2 when he died. They tell me him and your dad were great hunting buddies! I occasionally visited your home when mom visited your mom. Thank you for sharing your story.

    1. Ellen, I’m glad you enjoyed the book! We all loved Betty so much. What a spirited lady.

  7. i read your book while visiting maine during the christmas season. i enjoyed it very much and admire your tenacity.
    i actually met you a couple years ago while visiting my daughter and son-in-law, scott and jill gorneau!
    keep up the good work and love how much you enjoy life!

  8. Jeez, I just checked your old blogspot and found nothing from the past year. Scared me to death, but here you are!!………..Ginny F.

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