It is hard for me to think
Without the thought of another.
It is hard for me to see
Without her eyes to guide.
It is hard for me to feel
Without the tenderness of her touch.
It is hard for me to believe
Without the consciousness of her heart.
When I was young and whole,
She taught me how to smile and laugh.
When my hand moved where they shouldn't be,
She smiled with a gleam that brings sweetness to one's heart.
When I asked her to speak and tell me the truth,
She opened my heart to something new.
When I was alone and knew not what to do,
She came into my heart and filled it with joy.
I live a life now that is broken in body, but
Her love is pure and clean.
I know of sorrow and grief of what can not be, but
Her breath and smell brings hope to one's soul.
I cry and complain with a heart so torn, but
Her presence shows me God's grace and love.
I moan and sigh with the pleasure of youth because
Her beauty and softness keeps me whole.
Who do I speak of when my dreams do not know?
She is the spirit that gives life and love.
Who do I speak of when I can not see or hear?
She is my friend who holds me close and dear.
Who do I speak of when I am sick and hurt?
She is my soul mate who cares for me and keeps me sane.
Who do I speak of when I feel lost to the world?
She is my wife whose selflessness has always shown me the way.
©Senex Magister
Brian's Multiple Sclerosis Resources
A Look At Living With MS
I am not sure that there is anyone who can truthfully say that he or she does not live with a personal demon whether it is of our own making, Man's, or nature itself. The tragedy, at least as far as chronic diseases are concerned, is there is an attitude of indifference in the general public of what doesn't affect me doesn't concern me. This past weekend I went to our local Borders Book Store with my wife because she had a few last minute items she wanted to pick up to complete her Christmas shopping. Access and mobility was an almost complete impossibility for anyone with a disability that limited their mobility. I asked the General Manager of this Borders Book Store if he was aware of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) which he said he was. Then I challenged him to explain what possible rationale he had to indicate that this store was in compliance with the ADA. I told him that I could not see how it was from the heavy doors at the entrance which anyone confined to a scooter or a wheelchair would be unable to open on their own to the displays in the middle of the central aisle which would be difficult for the most able of individuals to maneuver around. This General Manager ended our conversation by saying that I would have encountered a much different situation if it wasn't less than a week before Christmas. I know that a store like Borders is a retailer and this is probably its busiest time of the year but is that justification to ignore the needs of some of our most needful citizens?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a Federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in everyday activities, such as buying an item at the store, going to the movies, enjoying a meal at a local restaurant, exercising at the health club, or having the car serviced at a local garage.
To meet the goals of the ADA, the law established requirements for businesses of all sizes. These requirements went into effect on January 26, 1992. Businesses that serve the public must modify policies and practices that discriminate against people with disabilities; comply with accessible design standards when constructing or altering facilities; remove barriers in existing facilities where readily achievable; and provide auxiliary aids and services when needed to ensure effective communication with people who have hearing, vision, or speech impairments. All businesses, even those that do not serve the public, must comply with accessible design standards when constructing or altering facilities.
I don't know if Borders Group, Inc. has conducted itself within the limits of a federally mandated law or not, but I do believe that there is a difference between the spirit of the law and the letter of the law. I also believe if corporations like theirs showed greater concern for Americans who, out of no fault of their own, have fallen victim to a debilitating disease or accident that it would have a beneficial and not a negative impact on their business. It is sad to see that Ebenezer Scrooge is still alive and well at Borders Book Stores in 2007.
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