| My Grandmother |
My grandmother died on Monday. She had Multiple Sclerosis, she was diagnosed with it in 1963, but probably developed it earlier. She was in a wheelchair for my entire lifetime. MS started developing in her leg, she developed a limp. Then the limp got worse and eventually one of her legs was dead. Then it moved onto the other leg. She tried to support herself and walk as long as she could, but eventually she became dependent on a wheelchair. When I was born she still had the use of her hands, but the MS soon attacked her fine motor skills, so things like writing and even feeding herself became a laborous chore. Then, as the years wore on, she lost the ability to use her hands as well. She began to lose the ablility to hear, see and speak (probably partly from old age and partly from the MS). Even after her legs, hands and arms were taken away, she continued to reach out to the community. She sat on the boards of many commitees, such as The Ontario March of Dimes and The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada. She helped fight to bring more accesible bulidings and streets to the city of Chatham, where she lived. This may not seem like a lot to you, but it made the lives of hundreds of disabled people easier. It allowed them to go places without feeling held back, by the fact that they might not be able to get their wheelchairs over the curbs or into a certain building. She asked for no thanks, no recognition. She took her rewards from knowing that other peoples lives would be enriched because of her. She was only doing what she knew was right. My Grandmother was more than just another disabled MS victim, she was a person who knew that her life was coming to a close very quickly, and instead of deciding to give up and become bitter and angry she chose to live her life to the fullest. She lived every second of her life and fought to stay on that earth as long as she could. She was a woman who was compassionate beyond all measure. I cannot possibly express what she meant to me. She believed and encouraged me when nobody else did, not even myself. When I told her that I wanted to sing, she gave me her old pitch pipe. When I told her that i wanted to act, she went over audition piece over audition piece with me. When I told her that I didn't know what I wanted to do, she was sure that I'd figure it out someday and that I was smart enough to do anything. She supported everyone in every way. She gave and never asked for anything in return. For she was comforted by comforting others. She was as close to perfect as I have ever known, and probably will ever know, on this earth. I loved my Grandmother with all my heart and soul and I hope that she knew it. Helen Morgan White (nee Armstrong) left this world on Monday October 9, 2006. I truly hope that you will rest in peace and if anyone deserves a heaven, its you. Thank you for all you have given me, I will never forget you and never stop loving you. You have taught me so much, I love you now and forever.
~Sarah |
