17 Comments

This is brilliant Jane! The golf analogy is perfect. Get the golf buggy and the world is your oyster again 😁💪

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Amazing how much golf knowledge I picked up having never been remotely interested!

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I appreciated how you mentioned the ways ageism is so linked with ableism and how they can get internalized. Since early on the pandemic when I lost multiple ageing family members to COVID and learning about social connection, I been becoming more aware about how building communities that are elderly and disability friendly can benefit everyone especially as we will all age or become disabled at some point in our lives if not earlier. It has also had me think about the ways ageism and ableism show up so casually in people's day to day lives.

I had never known about stylish mobility aids until running into your newsletter. I also appreciate the non-linear process of integrating what a different turn of MS means for you, how disease itself is not linear and how you want to have more of your "you-ness" reflected in whatever mobility aid you use at a given point. Most of all, I was drawn to you centering play...something I notice I can forget or downplay in my own life as an adult!

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Thank you for your thoughtful comments Reema. I’m sorry to hear about your family members during COVID. I agree that creating accessible communities can benefit everyone. Glad to have your voice in this space. 💛

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Thanks for the inspiration to get out and live Jane, I’ll keep reciting you didn’t come this far to only come this far - I want a rollator Barbie!!

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Thank you Naira, that’s so generous, and I’m glad it helped in some way. I can be your rollator Barbie 💕

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Yes, indeed a very appropriate analogy - use of a range of appliances for mobility and exploration in mind and body. It reminded me of one aspect of the American philosopher John Dewey's theory of how we use various items in education, such as books, writing materials, tech devices, pictures, films, as AMPLIFIERS of our individual capabilities to explore further avenues of perceptions/thoughts via both mental and physical activities, thus enhancing our own experience. Your description of the the woman in the park with her family, using the 'clunky' rollator for that family outing illustrates the impact of such an amplifier on an individual's ( yours in particular , as well as that woman and her family ) living experience in visual, physical, emotional and intellectual terms. A good time to remark on it too, as May has ushered in summer - a quote from Emily Bronte I have just seen is apt for this '' May is the month of expectations, month of wishes, month of hope ''.

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An interesting take on the subject, thank you Bernard 😊

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I just love this Jane. Golf and you? Brilliant!!

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Glad you enjoyed it! I never thought I could get so interested in golf! 🤣

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Great read Jane. Getting our egos out of the way is such a massive and ongoing challenge. I'm grateful to have you ahead of me on the road

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Thank you Eliza, yeah ego is a biggie! Glad to be here, and grateful for your insights too 💛

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I think you nailed it. Just need to sort out your outfit now? Lyle and Scott diamond knitwear and a pair of Farah slacks perhaps? Great way to finish the round too! :)

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Ok! The next photo shoot is going to look great 😊

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This is the best one yet. Carefully considered, beautifully written, charming, and seamless. Go Jane!

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Aw shucks, you are too kind Matthew, thank you.

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Thank you for your thoughtful comments Reema. I’m sorry to hear about your family members during COVID. I agree that creating accessible communities can benefit everyone. Glad to have your voice in this space. 💛

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