April 1, 2015
Today, I am delighted to welcome Auntie A.Ellis, who joins
us as our special guest.
For those who don’t know Auntie A.Ellis, she dishes out
advice to anyone and everyone who dares to ask and is gaining a reputation for
her unique perspective on living with ALS. Auntie A.Ellis throws being PC (Politically
Correct) right out the window and lives by the motto:
“Ya gotta laugh, baby, ya
gotta laugh!”
CAUTION! Before proceeding, readers must
acknowledge that they are aware of today’s date (April 1, 2015) and all the
implications that may be attributed to it.
Footlights & Headlights
DEAR AUNTIE A.ELLIS:
My ALS has
progressed to include the symptoms of weak legs, stiff muscles and now, a
gravely-sounding voice. It’s getting harder for others to understand what I’m
trying to say. I need a job and wonder, who will hire me?
Signed, Jobless
DEAR JOBLESS, MY JELLY-BELLY-BESN:
The key to success in any job search is taking what you
think is a disadvantage and turn it into an asset. Think big, think out of the
box, think Hollywood!
For instance, Zombie movies are still the rage, and who
rocks that ‘stiff- zombie-shuffle’ better than us PALS (People with ALS)? Besides,
there’s usually a Sci-Fi in production and I know for a fact they always need
townsfolk who can collapse on cue. How about playing the robot that saves all
human kind? Not bad, eh? Wait, there’s more!
If not Hollywood, then how about Broadway? I just learned
that The Wiz, (the hit 1970s stage reinvention of The Wizard of Oz is
coming to Broadway next year under the direction of those masters of
contortion; Cirque du Soleil. Since cast members have not been announced you may
still have time to audition for the role of the ever-floppy Scarecrow or, my
personal favorite the Tin Man. Why let mere acrobats get credit for what we PALS
do, oh so naturally?
If sticking closer to home is your desire, go no further
than your local hamburger joint. Walk right in and tell ‘em you’re perfect as, "The order-taker for the drive-through lane." Heck, just trying to get them to understand what you just said should convince them that you possess the perfect
garbled voice to squawk out from the drive-through speakers! Think of the laughs
you’ll share with customers pulling up to the pick-up window.
Go big my friend. Go outrageous and be successful!
Reviewer's Revenge
DEAR AUNTIE A.ELLIS:
My best friend has
just been diagnosed with ALS. To help me better understand how I can help her, I
thought I should I watch that new Hillary Swank movie, “You’re Not You.” What
do you think I should do?
Signed, Best Friends to the End
DEAR BEST, MY BESTIE:
You've just pushed one of Auntie’s buttons! Hillary Swank
is one great actress and she did stellar work playing the role of Kate, a
person living with ALS. But honey, her Kate had one bad-attitude! Talk about
guilt, self-blame and an apathetic outlook! Of course, who could blame her? I’d
throw myself down the stairs too if I had that schmuck of a husband in addition
to those sad-sack parents and friends! While we’re at it, let’s fire her doctor
as well! Where I ask, were all those smiling, helpful ALS and MDA folks that are
supposed to show up during medical appointments? They do home visits too, you
know.
I know, I know, the movie was really all about the other character: “Bec,” and how her friendship
with Kate blossoms and they both grow emotionally. But, can we have just a
little reality here? Why didn’t I see any handicap grab bars, ramps or
accessible kitchen and bathroom devices scattered around? Kate and her family
seemed well-off, surely they could afford to give the poor girl more than one
rickety old walker. And exactly HOW did she manage to go up and down those
stairs, any-who?
So, dear “Bestie,” you certainly can guess the number of
stars I gave that particular movie!
But all is not lost. By all means, go see it, take notes and learn - - what not
to do!
Be a true friend; show up, call, invite out, email, hug
and laugh together. And, if your PALS shows any signs of a faltering attitude,
introduce her/him to the “ALS and Wellness Blog” and turn their frown upside-down.
Acting Out
DEAR AUNTIE A.ELLIS:
I have ALS and am
in a wheelchair. My problem is about our family friend Don, who does something
every time we see each other that just bugs the heck out of me. He’ll come up
to me full of smiles and say, “Why you don’t look sick at all!” I know he’s just
trying to make me feel better. But I’m tired of saying “Thank you,” he doesn't get that it’s how I feel on the inside that matters. What should I do?
Signed, Feeling Inside-Out
DEAR INSIDE, MY PEONY:
Sounds like you need a good conversation opener. In the
spirit of the 1975 hit by the O’ Jays, “Give the People What They Want,” give
him the sickie he craves. Next time you see old Don coming your way quickly
slump down in your chair while scrunching up your face in your best impression
of I-got-a-gas-bubble-stuck. Dangle one arm over the side if you can manage. Then,
when he’s real close and wondering if, “You don’t look sick at all,” is
still applicable...you, suddenly pop up and holler,
“April Fools'!”
After Don regains consciousness and you've both have had
a good laugh, give him a big smile and tell Don you’d love to explain what ALS
really is. Have the conversation. Help one more person to understand ALS.
And remember my motto:
“Ya gotta laugh baby, ya gotta laugh!” Love, Auntie A.Ellis
Dagmar Munn ALS and Wellness Blogger |
Dagmar,
ReplyDeleteWhat a delight!!!! Your sense of humor is, I'm sure a part of your strength.....I being one of those people who saw the movie, gained a more insightful view of the ALS journey, in spite of the lack of props, aids. It got the point across and made me sit up pay more attention and learn something more in depth than i had been privy to before watching this movie, it was a wake up call to pay better attention to ALS, which I was familiar with prior to the movie, but when I'd heard that a high school acquaintance was surviving this walk in life, it brought it to the forefront in a way it had not before this......for those of us, not taking your journey, the movie was an eye opening
experience....I for one am certainly not naive to think it depicts your REAL journey.....but the movie certainly brings focus to a few generalities that are a key to your experience.and our understanding....and shines the light more brightly on the ALS journey....It made me pay closer attention to the disease, the people, and the painstaking and humorous times as you continue on in your personal life ....I am honored to read your blog and go deeper and more knowledgeable into your path....I LOVE your sense of humor, and it is so refreshing to have someone talk and tell us all about ALS....its real journey, so keep writing....sharing and enlightening us about it....we are paying attention, learning and laughing, as we are exposed to your inner sanctuary as you travel this path, inwardly.....Teach us, bring us to a greater light and a deeper understanding of what we need to know and understand about your personal experience...I completely enjoyed laughing with you today....and look forward to following what ever in site you have for us to glean from your path...You are a gifted writer and have a responsibility to teach us all many things we do not know or understand about ALS, and we have the gifted responsibility to listen to your truth....Keep shining we are watching and listening!!!!!
Thank you Diana for so many compliments and most importantly - - your ongoing support! I appreciate the feedback and knowing we're all sharing the laughs (and lessons!). As I've said before, "If we can't poke fun at ourselves, who CAN we poke?!" :-) It's a day to smile.
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