RAISING CANE

Patients with multiple sclerosis often require assistive devices to help them get around. Wheelchairs, walkers,and canes are most common. For me, the use of a cane is best. It helps my balance and makes it easier to walk.

Canes and walking sticks date back to the middle ages. Initially, they were dominated by the church decorated with crosses and emblems. In ancient Egypt a cane or stick had symbolic importance. The shape of a cane was determined by your occupation. It remained with the person even in death. It was placed next to the mummy in it's coffin for protection of the deceased on future travels. European Kings used sticks and canes as a symbol of authority. The larger the stick, the greater the authority. Decorative canes were popular over the past two hundred years, losing their appeal by the early 1920's.

For the multiple sclerosis patient, a cane can have both function and style. I have four canes, or sticks, that I use commonly:

My simple adjustable aluminum cane is used around my home. It is lightweight, sturdy, and easy to store. It can be purchased at most pharmacies with durable goods for about twenty dollars. It is adjustable to fit even the tallest of patients like me!

My wooden bat cane is one of my favorites. It was made by a professor from The University of Oklahoma who has a passion for woodworking. When I was helping to coach my son Jacob's baseball team, I not only used it to walk, but to hit balls as well. The players loved it!

My third walking aid is actually a stick. A decorative one. It has a small leather wrist strap and is corkscrew in shape. It is made of thick hardwood. I use this on uneven surfaces while camping or hiking.

The last cane is my favorite. It is special to me because of the story behind the cane. Briefly, when I was at the height of my struggles with MS, I found the cane in a small gift shop in Sedona, Arizona. It was the only cane displayed in the store. It was thick and held by hooks on the wall . When I removed it from the wall to try it on for size, it fit me perfectly. The large bulbous grip filled my hand beautifully. I was lucky, as most "one size fits all " canes are made to fit the average height person; not someone who is six foot five like me!

I have always felt the cane was made just for me.I used it every day that I was away with my family. Yes, it helped me to walk. More importantly, though, it lifted my spirit.

Watch Out For Bears

My family and I love the outdoors, especially camping. It allows us a chance to get up close to nature and experience its beauty. Our favorite spot is Mammoth Lakes, California. It has a short flat hike I can accomplish with my MS. The majestic mountains capped in snow and the smell of pine trees everywhere make for a great experience.

Once, much to our surprise, when we returned to our camp site, there was something of a different kind of beauty.

A Bear!

Not to worry, the bear was smarter and more afraid than us, so ......up the tree he goes.

Nothing that our neighborhood Bear Whisperer couldn't take care of.

Fortunately for the bear, and us, he came down and left with only a whisper, and we were able to enjoy our campfire that night, much to the excitement of Julia and Jacob, my young (brave) children.