Your style made me think of a column in The Times magazine called Spinal Column by Melanie Reid. If you would like any info or an email address let me know with a Private Message. I feel sure she would like your poem and you might enjoy her work.
I am far too tight to pay for an online subscription and I don’t even buy the paper or magazine! My father in law does have the paper and regularly rips out this special page for me. We have totally different circumstances but she brilliantly expresses how she feels in a way that I understand. No self pity, a bit of humour and loads of honesty about no longer being able to do the stuff we all take for granted. In my opinion well worth a look.
Someone asked how I was yesterday. I just pointed to my wheelchair and couldn’t find any words. I was so trying not to say I’m fine! Oops. Today I’m going to be more truthful hopefully! I’ve rehearsed my answer…
Billy Connelly said “Parkinson has come into my life, I wish it hadn’t, but there ye go” Bit like MS, I have people say to me but not like my neighbour, you have the good type of MS.
(i have not uttered the ‘i am fine’ words for several years but u have made me question myself why! i think its partly cos ‘fine’ is a bland, non descriptive word which we use often to gloss over things (ur point!) depending on who is asking i tend to answer truthfully, hopefully without causing alarm!
You’re right about talking to different people. Some people really respond to what I say others don’t and turn it to be about themselves. You get to know the good ones I guess. I’m getting braver about saying more now. Do I presume your not diagnosed? I remember being in limbo. It’s not easy. Good luck x
Snowman, it’s almost midnight, I’ve been in bed most of today. Just read & re-read your poem. How wonderful, truly wonderful, your poem is. Worthy of print, I hope you pursue this.
“How are you Chris?..you look great”
Me “I feel ok ish today, tomorrow may be better or worse, no-one seems to understand what MS is” .
“It must be difficult, my neighbours niece best friend has MS as well, so I know what you’re going through, she’s gone part time at work”
Me “Oh that’s nice” end of conversation, change subject.
Thank you Chrissie. I feel I’m in dreamland reading all these great comments. If you have any tips on how to get in print do let me know!!! That conversation just sums it up. People just don’t know what to say. Good luck to you x
Think your type of weather is about to hit us this weekend!
Was in a car with a good friend last night, she asked how I was. My usual reply is ‘I’m fine’. Decided to tell her, she was amazed about all my symptoms and asked lots of questions. Thought I was amazing to cope with everything. Think I’ve educated 1 more person in the world.
Thank you x i just saw your reply now. My notifications arent working properly. Ive just started to get better from my longest ever relapse! But now i keep thinking about how im going to tell the neuro everything in 2 months. I hope he takes me seriously. I declined tests the last time i saw him 2 years ago. Because he was so sure i was fine. But this time im going to say yes to all tests.
I think that sounds very brave. I think having the tests will give you answers to what you’re wondering about now hopefully. I would tell him everything and tell him your worst days as well. It took them 5 years to diagnose me. But that was back in 1995. It was a relief to know in the end.
l wish you all the best. I’m glad you’re on the mend. Enjoy Xmas and sock it to them in the new year!!! Good luck x