Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Inauguration, MS, and caregiving, Oh My!

Raising a child while living with Multiple Sclerosis, you always kind of wonder even worry about what affect it all may have on their future.

While the world watched Barack Obama become the 44th President of the United States. Two of us watched and felt the weight of anxiety lift for there at the center of the world stage stood Michelle (Robinson) Obama, raised by a parent with Multiple Sclerosis.

ONLY a caregiving family would even have noticed much less discussed how former Vice President Dick Cheney and family dealt with what appeared to be your everyday workhorse Everest Jennings Folding Wheelchair with surprising skill.

In this politically diverse household with two Democrats, one Republican, and one Independent it is interesting that only the Republican and Independent voted FOR Obama for President.


“… why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.”

Raised in neighboring Maryland, I believe it was more like 45 years ago when de jure segregation ceased to be. Had President Obama been born in either Maryland or Virginia his parents could have been imprisoned for up to 10 years under miscegenation laws not repealed until 1967.


“… with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled”

From a wheelchair Patti has witnessed two Clinton, two Bush, and today’s Obama inaugural.

"...we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth …”

Picking her up to view the Inauguration I had to bait the hook with lunch and a trip to Walmart. “Walmart! I like that part, they have good shit!”

Certainly not the kind of ad Walmart could use, but you get Patti’s drift. In our universe we move forward by pushing.



Caregivingly Yours, Patrick Leer
web site: http://caregivinglyyours.com/
videos: http://www.youtube.com/daddyleer
musings: Patrick Ponders ...

7 comments:

  1. I loved your take on the Inauguration. What a brand new world awaits for us...If only we hope and stand united. (Hugs)Indigo

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  2. I always enjoy the way you write, Patrick; I find it interesting politically who voted for Mr. Obama in your household. I'm with Patti, Walmart does have some good stuff

    It must be a "good" feeling to see the success of a young woman who had a parent with MS; I just wish I could understand the hope that others describe in this new president, but as a parent of a young woman, I'm sure you were very interested in seeing how well Mrs. Obama "turned" out, of which I believe she and her husband are intelligent, gifted individuals

    should be an interesting four years

    betty

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  3. Thank you for leaving a comment on my blog..without it I wouldn't have been able to find yours.
    You write beautifully and I admire your family for all you've live through.

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  4. And while WalMart may not use her "slogan" I think that my mother would fully agree! She can sniff out a WalMart within a 10 mile radius!

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  5. Thanks for your post about the inauguration, am very interested to hear about Michelle Obama's parent having MS no wonder Obama has repealed the ban on stemcell research.

    Good for him!

    Have put you on my blog hope you will put mine on yours.

    My partner,husband is my carer, Richie looks after me wonderfully well.

    Wish you and Patti all the best hope you have some greattips in your wonderful car.

    Love,
    Herrad

    Here's Richie's blog
    http://screamingrichie.blogspot.com/

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  6. Hi Patrick,

    Breaking news today...

    The Health Central Network has purchased Wellsphere.

    http://www.thehealthcentralnetwork.com/news/20090128.html

    Lisa

    ReplyDelete

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