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Acceptance Speeches, Spoken and Unspoken or My Night at the Maine Literary Awards Let’s face it. Few awards show acceptance speeches are memorable or noteworthy. Here is one exception from Ali Stroker at the 2019 Tony’s. She is, like me, a wheelchair user. Please watch. https://youtu.be/ozcsGH5eyuU For every acceptance speech delivered, whether it be from… Continue reading Acceptance Speeches, Spoken and Unspoken or My Night at the Maine Literary Awards

On May 22, 2009, I was a full-time employee. The next day, May 23, I was permanently and completely disabled. So, what happened overnight? Was I struck by lightning? No. Hit by a bus? Nosiree. Flattened by an asteroid? Now you’re just being ridiculous.                       … Continue reading Social Security Disability Pitfalls

I had begun to walk like a drunk, and not just on Saturday nights. Within three years of being diagnosed with primary progressive MS, I needed some ambulatory assistance. Without consulting a medical professional, I purchased a wooden cane — something that looked rugged, masculine, outdoorsy, and decidedly nonmedical. Still, I dreaded the thought of… Continue reading Mobility Aids — Friend or Foe?

I am thrilled to have been named a finalist by the Maine Literary Awards for best memoir, 2018. ENJOYING THE RIDE: Two Generations of Tragedy and Triumph is up against two outstanding books, so I don’t expect to win, but I mean it when I say it is an honor simply to be nominated. Winners will… Continue reading I’m a Maine Literary Awards Finalist

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,… Continue reading What Have I Been up to Lately?

MultipleSclerosis.net is one of the most widely read MS websites on the Internet. So, when they asked me to become a regular contributor — quite an honor — I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to reach a wider audience. My work will be posted at their website, in their weekly email newsletter, and at their… Continue reading MultipleSclerosis.net

Click here to sponsor me in the walk! My awesome physical therapists, Back in Motion, have formed a MS Walk team this year, and they are walking on my behalf. What an honor!  I’m going to join them in the fundraising effort, and perhaps for some part of the walk itself in South Portland, Maine, on April… Continue reading MS Walk 2019

There were two other power wheelchair users on the ship. I’m talking real power wheelchairs, not the Hoverounds or scooters. One of the wheelchair people was a sweet lady who was there with her husband and some other couples – similar to my situation. I spoke to her on several occasions, and we compared notes… Continue reading February 2019 Cruise Post #5: Wheelchair Cruising

When it comes to customer service, it’s difficult to beat a cruise. And when it comes to cruising, it’s difficult to beat the customer service on Celebrity Edge. For example, we ate breakfast at the buffet each morning. I would hang around the entrance, and, within seconds, some nice employee would offer to help me… Continue reading February 2019 Cruise Post #4: Pure Gluttony