Older, and dafter too!
Another year older today, and another year dafter too. Kookier. Most definitely away with the faeries. Never one to take myself too seriously unless needed, I am taking my new number in my stride. Having family and friends I love and who in return, seem to like me enough to give me a place in their own busy lives, is all I need to know. Asked how I ended up in Dublin, celebrating my birthday in Ireland for a 13th consecutive year, is a recurring question. The answer? The bonkers idea since age 15ish, that life in Ireland was ‘it’, a dream so titanic in size I was afraid it might never work out.
Proud
Mum, I’m a very proud daughter. The way you overcame many obstacles in your life before, during and after your pregnancy with me, made you into a woman who stands up for herself, who is very funny, intelligent and simply, a good soul. We often tell one another how proud we are of each other, and I cannot think of a better person to be my mum. You are my confidante, my best friend and my rock. Sometimes I wished I could give you the joy of being a grandmother. Sometimes I wished you could see me in a wedding dress. You would be quite OK with me wearing a feathery knee-length wedding dress matched with my tall, black Dr Martens boots. I know you would defend my alternative choice…
Thank you
No man’s an island, we weave connections through waves of emotions, through faith and happy occasions. This month, I’ve been very lucky to have found waves meeting others, and to have found people with the kindest of hearts, the softest of voices but the strongest of minds. This is for them. Joan, Aoife, Niamh, Karen, Declan, Trevis, Lucina, Miriam, Diana, Natalia, Ava, Ruth My GP, MS nurse, neurologist, ophthalmologist and many others in the two hospitals I attend The many friends back in Belgium and in Ireland, especially Claudia, Dirk, Susie, Jean, Audrey and Gratiane and as always: My mom who never gives up, even in the strongest of seas, every single day. ©Willeke Van Eeckhoutte and Ireland, Multiple Sclerosis & Me, 2011-2014. Unauthorised use and/or duplication of this material without…
World MS Day 2014
We all have dreams, wishes, hopes and fears. Mine? Find out more...
EMSP Spring Conference 2014, Dublin
"For those reasons, the European MS Platform will host its Spring Conference in Ireland on the 8th and the 9th of May in the Gibson Hotel, Dublin. The theme of this year’s conference is “Care where it counts - in the journey with MS.”"
Strength = choice
An invisible illness isn’t a choice. My visible hope is. ©Willeke Van Eeckhoutte and Ireland, MS and Me, 2011-2014. Unauthorised use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Willeke Van Eeckhoutte and Ireland, MS and Me with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Wise words
While I’m not a religious person, I do respect others who are. Perhaps with the dawn of Pope Francis, I am starting to feel more open to experiencing religion. It was with this in mind that I stumbled onto a nice poem by Pope Francis that I wish to share. So for everyone, religious or not, this poem is for you. Enjoy as I have enjoyed reading it and feel free to share and reblog. Don’t cry for what you lost, fight for what you have. Don’t cry for the dead, fight for what was born in you. Don’t cry for those who abandoned you, fight for who’s with you. Don’t cry for who hates you, fight for what you want. Don’t cry for your past, your present struggle. Don’t…