| VOLUME 1 # 6 | SEPTEMBER 25, 1995 |
IN THIS ISSUE
1.) NOTES FROM John & Joyce
Where does the week disappear to? Well, it sometimes seems that "the faster I go, the behinder I get." And so, again on the eve of our chat, I'm trying to write this week's newsletter.
We have "captured" a cold in the family and now that we have decided what to do with it, we are attempting to get rid of it. [grin]
2.) "LETTERS TO THE EDITOR"
Dear John and Joyce: (9/24/95)
Thank you for the recent copy of the Chat Newsletter.
I think I told you in a recent message that, although I am not an amputee, I have a special interest in that area. I suppose that would put me in the "devotee" category and I want to respond to your comments about that subject.
I, as you, disdain the behavior of most of the devotees I have met. Their open vulgarity and brazen affront to the privacy of others is disgusting and, to some, seems threatening.
The condition we refer to is something that starts early in life. I have considered it a disability, just like a congenital amputee. But my moral convictions and common Southern courtesy have helped me control the feelings that rush in when I first meet an amputee. Once that initial challenge is past, it does not recur for a long time and I can go on with my normal acquaintances, amputee or not. Unfortunately, others are obsessed and cause a lot of embarrassment. They won't control their emotions. Some even pretend to be amputees to gain the confidence of others. I consider that heinous. They will never have any genuine friends.
I have shown an interest in your chat sessions, although unable to attend live, because of a friend who is a recent RAK. It is not important that I enter the chat except to ask a question that may arise, so I would like to continue to get the (Newsletter.) In addition, I have introduced him to ACA and I think he is well on his way to independent living. I will be moving out of the "advocacy" role very shortly.
I am writing this to assure you that, to some, "devoteeism" (I prefer "unique interest") is a condition we prefer to live without, but cope with it, using dignity and good taste.
--R.
((Editor:--Thank you, R., for your letter. I appreciate your perspective and I am glad you contributed. I feel that your motivation is one of "caring" and I believe there are others like yourself. It is sad that there is even a need to be so vigilant about the motivations of others...and I, for one, don't have a problem with a respectful person like yourself.))
THE ADVICE (DISCLAIMER)
Please be sure to read the information at this link at least once.
4.) HINTS AND TIPS
TIPS
If you can arrange your schedule for when you bathe, it is best to bathe in the evening before bed. During the morning, edema is at it's greatest and to bathe in the morning is to add more problems from swelling, especially a concern if you are diabetic.
...another helpful aid I recently discovered is a portable and adjustable bath board that is ideal for travel. Even with supposedly "handicapped accessible" bathrooms, the tub/showers rarely are for us amputees. The board fits all standard tubs up to 31" and folds down to 12" x 2" x 20" for packing into a suitcase. I got my bath board through a medical supply catalog for around $90, but they may be available in stores, also. Since my husband and I do a lot of traveling, this has made my life in hotel bathrooms a lot easier!
-- J.
Have a hint, tip, or suggestion? Please email us and we will consider it for use in the newsletter or chat room.
5.) QUOTE/THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
"A rumor without a leg to stand on will get
around some other way."
--John Tudor
© Copyright September 25, 1995 J. Meyer. All rights reserved.