Read all about it...

I scoured the city to find lots of copies of the Newsleader, cause I'm crazy like that.  I finally called Brentwood Mall customer service and asked if they had some.  They did, and saved a pile for me.

Hopefully some of the people here in Burnaby, sipping their coffees, chasing after their kids, and enjoying this beautiful sunny day have also read it, and would like to donate to the MS Walk.

It's weird seeing yourself in print!

It's Spring!

Just a beautiful picture that makes me smile.  I think it's officially spring in Vancouver.  What excites me most:  not having to bundle up my kids in a zillion layers, plus hats and mits.  Thank God.

Happy Easter long-weekend!

Buttons!

Buttons from Six Cent Press, Vancouver.

Please donate to team "Making Lemonade" in the 2013 MS Walk!

http://mssoc.convio.net/site/TR/Walk/BCandYukonDivision?px=1643137&pg=personal&fr_id=1924

(You'll get a button!)

And here's Oliver, ready for the sandbox, modelling a button:

My story!

Here's my story from the Burnaby Newsleader:

http://www.burnabynewsleader.com/community/199945151.html

From a Mom: Guest post

I am excited to start sharing the stories of important people in my life.  Their relationships with me, our shared experiences, our lives in the midst of my MS.

Today, I start with one of the most important - my Mom.  She's a teacher, mom of two grown-gals, lover of art, travel, gardening, wine, and family.  And here's what she had to say:

----
From a Mom
By Sandra Hughes


Sarah at only a few hours old in my arms, eyes wide, seemingly composed, observant and aware - my memories of Sarah go way back.

And it became clear that a child is not a blank slate waiting to display the parents' mindsets and characteristics.

While it was and is true that we are very much alike - in our quiet natures and pragmatic views - it was very apparent that Sarah possessed qualities that were her own.  Her logic, drive, and inquisitiveness are hers alone. When she, her sister and I go out together, Sarah is the one to ensure we arrive at our destination.  Erin and I would navigate incoherently and eventually, inevitably get lost.  Sarah doesn't get lost.  As early as junior high, her drive saw her consistently on the honour roll, editor of the yearbook, collector of various academic awards.  The undergraduate and graduate degrees came next, with Sarah always clear about what she wanted and how hard she had to work to get it.

Sarah has dealt with her diagnosis of MS in the same head-on fashion.  She knows what periodically happens with her illness and does her best to head it off.  Injections, diminishing stress, eating properly - she does it all.  And when there's a hurdle, like vision or hearing that inexplicably isn't there anymore, she unflinchingly gets the treatment that will help her (and doesn't moan about the side effects).

And she's thrown her enery into being a fundraiser for the MS Society.  A good chunk of the persistence that she's shown all her life is now directed to raising funds and awareness. She's grateful for the treatment she's received and of course would like to see further advances.

She's a formidable asset to this cause

----

Me 'n my Ma (1980 or 81)

I'm ready for my close up...

Today was interview-day.  I had to scoot all the males out of the house so I could quasi-clean and get myself presentable.  Read: get out of those pilled 6 year old Lulus, put some make-up on, and scrub the peanut butter off the couch.

The Burnaby News Leader came to my house.  I love the media - lights, cameras, and pen and small notepad at the ready.  And always a retro hat and good shoes. 

We talked about multiple sclerosis, my diagnosis, my treatment, my hopes, fears, and reality.  We talked about the upcoming walk and my premonition of tears.  Lot of them.

Then came photo time.  I perched across my sink, with some lemons, a lemon juicer, and a pair of muddy old sneakers.  What fun!  But to say I am not naturally photogenic is a huge understatement.  I did not know what to know to do... teeth?  No teeth?  Look at the camera?  Gaze at the lemons?  Chuck them across the room?

It all went well, and I feel so honoured to be able to share my story.  Hopefully it resonates with someone out there, brings more awareness to MS, and helps increase donations for the MS Walk.

Logo time!

My "will-work-for-wine," wonderfully talented graphic artist cousin has made this.  Isn't it wonderful?  We have grand plans... pins, buttons, stamps.  Join the movement! - Donate to the team or the MS Society.

Okay, I'll admit it, it is probably just me who wants the wine.  But you can come too, Shawn!