This article has a lot to do with perspective. When some people see me, I wish they would not assume they know what I’m going through. Some of us have a “high tolerance of pain” so never assume it is “not that bad”. So I wonder how you would respond if you could feel what I feel. Continue reading
Today is International Ataxia Awareness Day. Back in June of 1998 I had never heard the word. However, by the following month, the word “Ataxia” had become all too familiar. It was really scary for a mother of a 2-year old and a 5-month old baby. But now I look at my now 19 and 17-year old and realize how much we’ve spread the word. We have reached countless playmates and their parents, classmates and teammates. Not to mention all the groups I’ve participated in over the years. However, there are still lots of people out there that have never heard the word “Ataxia”.
Today’s word is technophobia. This word refers to the fear of the effects of technology.
Today’s word is extemporize. This word describes the act of improvising; to accomplish something in a makeshift way.
MaTante with Elise & Raymond in 2000
Today’s word is tatterdemalion. This word refers to a person in tattered clothing; a slob.
Today’s word is rubberneck. We’ve all seen these people on the highway as they gawk at the accident on the side of the road.
I have found that when I walk around with Denim at my side, I also become an oddity worth staring at. However I have chosen to use this opportunity to spread awareness of my Ataxia as I explain to the onlookers what she does for me.
Today’s word is cynosure which means something that attracts attention. OK, I’ve often heard how we could really use a “Michael J. Fox” of Ataxia. But how could we wish such a disability on anyone? I think we have to just work a little harder to make our own “noise”. Continue reading
Today’s word is bibliomania, which refers to an excessive fondness for acquiring and possessing books.
With something like Ataxia, I say read. There’s a lot out there to look at and try to get an understanding of what is going on and how to cope. Ya, some
will be ‘over your head’ but little bits here and there will prove very beneficial. Subscribe to Generations from the NAF. Check out NAF’s resource list, http://www.ataxia.org/resources/generations.aspx. Read stuff 
about dealing and keeping a positive attitude such as, Lucky Man by Michael J. Fox or The Happiness of Pursuit by Davis Phinney.
Today’s word is logy . This word describes lacking physical or mental energy. Wow, it’s a perfect description of how I often feel!
Today’s word is volitant . This word describes having the power of flight.
