Linda McGowan - Travelling the World with MS...: ...in a Wheelchair

Contents

McGowan, Linda, 1948-, author

Travelling the world with MS... : in a wheelchair / Linda McGowan.

ISBN 978-1-77141-064-9 (pbk.)

1. McGowan, Linda, 1948- --Health. 2. McGowan, Linda, 1948- --Travel. 3. Voyages and travels. 4. Multiple sclerosis--Patients--Canada--Biography. 5. Travelers--Canada--Biography. I. Title.

First Published in Canada 2014 by Influence Publishing

Copyright Linda McGowan
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the publisher. This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out, or otherwise circulated without the publishers prior consent in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.

Book Cover Design: Marla Thompson
Typeset: Greg Salisbury
Portrait Photographer: L.A. Miele

DISCLAIMER: This book has been created to inform individuals with an interest in taking back control of their own health issues. It is not intended in any way to replace other professional health care or mental health advice, but to support it. Readers of this publication agree that neither Linda McGowan nor her publisher will be held responsible or liable for damages that may be alleged or resulting, directly or indirectly, from their use of this publication. All external links are provided as a resources only and are not guaranteed to remain active for any length of time. Neither the publisher nor the author can be held accountable for the information provided by, or actions resulting from accessing these resources.

For my sons, Patrick and Tim, who always say, Just go for it, Mom!

In memory of my father, H. A. Carter, who believed in me,

and

My grandchildren who will follow their dreams and help create a world without barriers.

Testimonials

Linda McGowan is one of the most well-travelled people I know. The fact that she uses a wheelchair makes her journeys even more remarkable. Her adventurous spirit has led her to be very resourceful and her experiences can be an inspiration and guide for other aspiring travellers.

Sam Sullivan, Former Mayor of Vancouver, Current MLA Vancouver-False Creek

Linda McGowans story teaches us to live each day to the fullest. The book is powerful, entertaining and it delivers a bold message. Definitely a must-read!

Adrianne Boothroyd, Executive Director, Lower Mainland Chapter, MS Society of Canada

I am in awe of Lindas power and am proud to say that I was with her as we trekked through Nepal and the Himalayas. I am sure others will be inspired and take hope after reading her story.

Eoin White, Founder, Sherpa Encounters.com

Linda embodies the true spirit of adventure, and does it with a fiercely independent mindset; where others might see barriers, she sees surmountable challenges. I have always admired her brave choices for travel experiences, many of which would seem too daunting for most able-bodied people!

Shannon Gibney, Recreation Therapist and Programmer

Linda is the epitome of CARPE DIEM, the Latin phrase which translated means to seize the day. No moss grows on her! Her story awes, inspires and motivates!

Cindy Hayto, Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist

Acknowledgements

There are many who have contributed to the creation of this book. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

Firstly, thanks to my best friend, Bill Nicholson, who was willing to take a chance on travelling with a woman in a wheelchair.

My partner Doug Elliott made me meals, kept my mug full of hot coffee, and had his sleep interrupted whenever I straggled away from the computer at 2 a.m. We shared laughter and tears throughout the writing of this book.

Thank you to my brother, Glen, who also travels; and Connie Carter who shared happiness with my father and shares a close friendship with me.

Thanks to Julie Salisbury, the founder of Influence Publishing, and her team for their encouragement and guidance; and Mary Rosenblum for the hours she spent editing my book. We shared laughter over the differences between Canadian and American spelling.

Patricia Woods from the Neil Squire Society taught me to use Dragon NaturallySpeaking, a speech recognition software program that allows me to put pen to paper.

Thank you to Robin Appleton and Chelsea Sweeney, whose hands type faster than my speech recognition dictation program. Without their feedback the book would not be what it is today.

Thanks also to Judy Johnson who participated in the preliminary edits of this work.

I greatly appreciate the generous support of the Canada Council for the Arts and thank them for believing in my project.

Thank you to my travel companions, Barb Harris and Lourdes da Silva, who trekked in Nepal while I was carried. Much thanks also to my cousin Elizabeth Hart, who can push a wheelchair and pull two bags at the same time, and Victoria Toth who, bitten by the same travel bug, is willing to go anywhere.

I would especially like to thank my friend, Leona Missal, who believed in me from day one; Barb Harris and Lou da Silva who spent hours in cold water pools helping to maximize my mobility; and Barb Harris, Victoria Toth, Melani Adsley, Mellisa Kibsey and L.A. Miele who trekked with me to the Canada Games Pool to ward away stiffness.

Thank you also to the women, Home Support Workers, who have assisted me with daily activities throughout my journey with MS.

Finally, I thank the people of the world who welcomed me into their countries and shared their homes and families with me.

Chapter 1

At the Beginning

How it Started

No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new doorway for the human spirit.

Helen Keller

Vulnerability accompanies me with every step and every action throughout life. Sometimes, my 1983 diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis fills me with discouragement; however, it is not insurmountable.

I am determined not to be a woman who, upon nearing the autumn of life, declares in a state of boiling panic on my eightieth birthday, Oh dear! It is almost over. I now wish that I had picked more daisies and danced more dances and worn purple more often. As I am well on the downhill journey, more commonly referred to as the second half of life, I try to live each day as if it is my last. Live like there is no tomorrow and love extravagantly.

When I moved into my apartment on the Fraser River, I promised myself that I would always have flowers in some form or another. To this day, I have maintained that commitment to myselffresh flowers, hanging baskets in the spring and summer; Christmas cacti blooming in December; flowering potted plants; colourful dried flowers to brighten the grey days of Vancouver winter rain. I have lots of everyday apparel but I make a habit of including some fun-to-wear clothing in my wardrobe. I will continue to dance more dances, pick more daisies, and wear purple on a daily basis for as long as my energy and health allow.