http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2011/08/22/pol-layton-last-letter.html
I do not agree with all NDP policy, but I found Jack Layton's "last letter" very moving just the same. I also saw red last week when allegations surfaced that he had help drafting it. Of course he did, people! Mr. Layton was dying, and knew it. In that situation, it's NOT a crime to huddle with a couple of your strategists and your life partner, who know your heart, beliefs and writing style, and ask them to help you draft a final message.
My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.
The above words close Mr. Layton's letter. I don't believe they were vainglorious, but heartfelt words that we should all try to live by, regardless of our ideological leanings.
Your Partner In Life
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Monday, July 25, 2011
Congratulations Mom!
As of July 1, my mom Annette has retired from the Edmonton Public School Board after 31 years of dedicated service. I offer her my most heartfelt congratulations on this milestone.
It has a particularly special meaning for me, because, as the parent of a disabled child, my mom always had time to share her wisdom and humor with me, as well as providing for my needs and making sure that I was not denied the usual preteen and teenage experiences growing up. These included sleepovers, and as the teen years approached, regular weekend visits to a teen dance club. All this while maintaining a full load at work (any notion that part-time teaching is less work is utter hogwash)
And most importantly, as a teacher she recognized my passion for writing early and always encouraged it, even gently prodding me to follow punctuation and grammar rules when I thought what I was doing was good enough. If there is one person responsible for the spirit behind Scenes From Mike's Life and Mikey The Movie Guy, it is her.
Mom, after spending all those years helping and encouraging me, I want you to take the next several decades to be kind to yourself. There is no way I'll ever be able to repay all that you have done for me, and I love you.
Your son,
Mike
It has a particularly special meaning for me, because, as the parent of a disabled child, my mom always had time to share her wisdom and humor with me, as well as providing for my needs and making sure that I was not denied the usual preteen and teenage experiences growing up. These included sleepovers, and as the teen years approached, regular weekend visits to a teen dance club. All this while maintaining a full load at work (any notion that part-time teaching is less work is utter hogwash)
And most importantly, as a teacher she recognized my passion for writing early and always encouraged it, even gently prodding me to follow punctuation and grammar rules when I thought what I was doing was good enough. If there is one person responsible for the spirit behind Scenes From Mike's Life and Mikey The Movie Guy, it is her.
Mom, after spending all those years helping and encouraging me, I want you to take the next several decades to be kind to yourself. There is no way I'll ever be able to repay all that you have done for me, and I love you.
Your son,
Mike
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Just For The Record...
Ten years ago I had the one-shower-a-week problem. And during a very hot summer to boot. But I fought it, and won. I now get two, which has worked for me. Three is possible, but usually only in cases with mitigating circumstances such as incontinence or excessive sweating. I agree with Wayde that it is deplorable that the one-shower scenario still exists after all this time.
If you are reading this and have similar issues, it is best to keep on top of your social worker or care coordinator, depending on where you live. Dropping a line to your MLA also can't hurt.
Your Partner In Life
If you are reading this and have similar issues, it is best to keep on top of your social worker or care coordinator, depending on where you live. Dropping a line to your MLA also can't hurt.
Your Partner In Life
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
WADE LEVER
Wayde Lever is a man with a vision for the province of Alberta, and the drive and determination to carry it out as the Wildrose candidate for Highlands Norwood. I am proud to call him friend.
Your Partner In Life
Your Partner In Life
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Happy Father's Day!
At this time, I would like to say a great big Happy Father's Day to all the fathers I know, and specifically to my father Paul, a man who has been through a lot and keeps on keeping on.
Whether it was getting me to push myself on the grass to train for track competitions when I was a kid, or singlehandedly commandeering a walker to outfit it with skis so that I could cross-country ski in Rundle Park, my father always made sure that I had unique experiences when growing up, even though I had a disability.
It's only when we reach adulthood that we realize just what our parents gave up to give us the material and non-material things we cherish. I remember that it used to bug Dad when we'd be in a store and a clerk would go, "Oh, you're in a wheelchair. Would you like a candy?"
Since I was seven or eight at the time, what do you think I said?
But now I understand why it bugged Dad. Because now that kind of societal thinking bugs me.
So thank you Dad, for that lesson, and countless others.
I love you.
Your son,
Michel
Whether it was getting me to push myself on the grass to train for track competitions when I was a kid, or singlehandedly commandeering a walker to outfit it with skis so that I could cross-country ski in Rundle Park, my father always made sure that I had unique experiences when growing up, even though I had a disability.
It's only when we reach adulthood that we realize just what our parents gave up to give us the material and non-material things we cherish. I remember that it used to bug Dad when we'd be in a store and a clerk would go, "Oh, you're in a wheelchair. Would you like a candy?"
Since I was seven or eight at the time, what do you think I said?
But now I understand why it bugged Dad. Because now that kind of societal thinking bugs me.
So thank you Dad, for that lesson, and countless others.
I love you.
Your son,
Michel
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Edmonton's Two-Tiered Transit
I love my city.
I could not imagine living anywhere else.
But in a very short time, my fellow disabled transit users and I may not be able to afford to get around in Edmonton.
And this is why.
As I have mentioned before, the city charges us $85.00 per month for a pass. Meanwhile, seniors pay about $30.00 for a pass they use all year.
A few years ago, Edmonton Transit appeared to solve the problem for disabled transit users, by offering us a $30 transit pass. But it comes with an important and disheartening stipulation:
It can only be used on the low-floor transit buses...and not on the disabled transit service, where it is needed most.
Mayor Stephen Mandel, that sounds like two-tiered transit to me.
Your Worship, I would like to compliment you on what you have done for the city of Edmonton. You have done much to revitalize this city with actionable plans, whereas your predesessor was full of big ideas, often without the plans to realize them.
But I also know that the two-price, restrictive pass scenario pits those who can`t pay the extra against those who can, and all because some users can`t get on the low-floor bus.
We are not asking for extra money, Mr. Mayor.
All we are asking is for one reasonable price for the passes. That way, any Edmontonian can enjoy our city, regardless of mobility issues.
Your Partner In Life
I could not imagine living anywhere else.
But in a very short time, my fellow disabled transit users and I may not be able to afford to get around in Edmonton.
And this is why.
As I have mentioned before, the city charges us $85.00 per month for a pass. Meanwhile, seniors pay about $30.00 for a pass they use all year.
A few years ago, Edmonton Transit appeared to solve the problem for disabled transit users, by offering us a $30 transit pass. But it comes with an important and disheartening stipulation:
It can only be used on the low-floor transit buses...and not on the disabled transit service, where it is needed most.
Mayor Stephen Mandel, that sounds like two-tiered transit to me.
Your Worship, I would like to compliment you on what you have done for the city of Edmonton. You have done much to revitalize this city with actionable plans, whereas your predesessor was full of big ideas, often without the plans to realize them.
But I also know that the two-price, restrictive pass scenario pits those who can`t pay the extra against those who can, and all because some users can`t get on the low-floor bus.
We are not asking for extra money, Mr. Mayor.
All we are asking is for one reasonable price for the passes. That way, any Edmontonian can enjoy our city, regardless of mobility issues.
Your Partner In Life
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Wayde Is Homeless Tonight
Just in case you doubt me about Wildrose Alliance candidate for Highlands-Norwood Wayde Lever's ability to march to his own drum, tonight I have proof.
At the present moment, Lever is literally sleeping under the stars at Edmonton's Telus Field, as part of the Youth Emergency Shelter's Homeless For A Night fundraiser.
How do you sleep comfortably in a wheelchair, and in the middle of a baseball diamond no less?
I will have to ask him and get back to you on that. I do know that when I tried something similar in an overnight Garth Brooks ticket line, my back was killing me by 9AM.
And I know that such an undertaking as Wayde's tonight takes dedication.
Your Partner in Life
At the present moment, Lever is literally sleeping under the stars at Edmonton's Telus Field, as part of the Youth Emergency Shelter's Homeless For A Night fundraiser.
How do you sleep comfortably in a wheelchair, and in the middle of a baseball diamond no less?
I will have to ask him and get back to you on that. I do know that when I tried something similar in an overnight Garth Brooks ticket line, my back was killing me by 9AM.
And I know that such an undertaking as Wayde's tonight takes dedication.
Your Partner in Life
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