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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1987-12-02, Page 9Kathy tells part II of her story ... the birth of her son By Kathy Bromley BLYTH - I was now a wife and a new type of living had begun. Back home, Pete was also experiencing a new lifestyle, as he was now confined to a wheelchair. Bev and I were experiencing the respon- sibilities that all brides and grooms face. For me, though, it did not take long to adjust to being a wife. Being the oldest girl of nine children, it had its advantages, although I did not realize it at the time. My father (Frank Doherty) had to continuously work to put the food on our table. As for mom (Isabelle), she had her hands full with small children. So, I learned -early in life how to cook and bake...a necessity in our family to make things simpler for morn. With this experience behind me, marriage was not a big step for me, although it took' awhile for me to adjust to serving just Bev and I instead of 11 people as usual, at home. With Pete having Muscular Dystrophy (MD), I had second thoughts of carrying children. Muscular Dystrophy is said to be inherited. After long consideration, I decid- ed I would not risk putting a child through the turmoil Pete was experiencing. Bev was 100 per cent behind me. My mother, three sisters and myself underwent tests to determine if anyone was a carrier of the disease. The tests later revealed, though, that no one was a carrier of MD, including my mother. Unfortunately, for Pete, it was something that just happened. This eased our minds and plans were then made to begin our own family. An Epileptic Mother Being a woman who carried a child for nine months, resulted in nine months of 2,400 mg. daily medication going through not only my system, but, also the system of the child I was carrying. Bev was a concerned father -to -be, who made an excellent suggestion to our doctor, one that never crossed any mind. He felt I should nurse the child, then, slowly wean him, allowing the medication to slowly ease from his system. If I didn't, there was a possibility of the baby going into shock. This proved to be an excellent suggestion that neither I or my doctor considered. So, in 1978, our oldest son, Chris, entered the world. He was a very healthy boy, who had no side effects from my medication. Two years later, his brother came into this world. Scott's birth had different circumstances though - all due to my own stupidity. As we were facing a tough year, I decided, by myself, to go off my medication and save $56 a month that could go towards something that was needed more - or so I thought. I later learned my medication was a necessi- ty for me. Besides financial reasons, I assured myself that it was the best thing to do, even if Chris did not have any side effects from the medication. I kept reminding myself that, maybe, this time, we might not be as lucky. But, by going off complete medication, I made a dreadful mistake. It took a couple of weeks for my system to clear of medication, but, when it did, I paid for it. My next seizure was very severe and Scott later arrived two weeks earlier than scheduled. Fortunately, he too was healthy and showed no sign of side effects. As much as I have been playing with the idea of writing a book, one domineering point keeps arising. After going off my medication, suddenly, as opposed to gradually, as I should have, I can no longer remember our honeymoon or bringing Chris and Scott into this world. In fact, I cannot recall our last Christmas, yet, I still remember the old out -house mom and dad had at home before a bathroom %,ae installed. Part of my memory had been erased and I am both the culprit and the victim. (This is why I went for surgery afterall, if part of my memory was to be removed, I could not be any worse than I now was). After going off medication, unfortunately, my seizures were more severe than ever before. I was still experiencing phychomotor seizures, PETE DOHERTY but it took me much longer to recover from it. Pete Leaves This World Back home, Pete continued to go downhill, as his muscle tissues were slowly deteriorating. Finally, he was down to only skin and bones, as all muscle tissue was destroyed. At the young age of 21, Pete left this world, and a new world was waiting for him, with both arms wide open. As much as I mourned over his death, I how knew he was at peace. Looking back, I now realize, to every topic, there is always a good point. This is where my memory loss proved to be no exception. For now, I remember Pete as my younger brother, while he was still fairly healthy and strong, as I would wish, not as the man who suffered before his death. Pete's death brought reality to me. For years, I was weak from Epilepsy, both physically and mentally. This was not only due to strong medication but also, attitudes people had. I continuously met the "hurdle" that dominated my life, and tried to avoid it. Pete's departure changed all of that, though. I finally opened my eyes. I no longer questioned: "Why did this have to happen to me?" Instead, I finally accepted my condi- tion and considered myself to be so lucky in comparison to Pete. My attitude quickly became: "Now that I am an Epileptic, what must I do to live my life and adjust to it?" I no longer went "around" the hurdle, but rather, I now had the confidence and strength to meet the hurdle head on. Thus, I was then able to go "over" it. Since then, I have never looked back. Seizures Continue 1 continued experiencing phychomotor seizures, I had always considered one seizure to be like the next, afterall, each Aura was the same. I became terrified, as though someone was walking up from behind, ready to scare me. One particular day, though, I realized what my family had been referring to, and why they were concerned. I had another seizure, but, this time, I walked around in a daze for hours after- wards. When I finally came out of it, I notic- ed a cake and cupcakes on the cupboard. The baking aroma could be smelt in the kit- chen. But, where did the cake come from for baking? I knew we were out of eggs and cake mixes, as they were on my list for groceries to be purchased. Later we learned I had walked uptown, purchased the mix and eggs, came home where I prepared and baked it. Surprisingly, it was good. Unfortunately, I did not realize I was do- ing any of this. This made chills go through my blood, and I finally admitted to myself that Bev and the boys did have good reason to be concerned all the time. For now, I was worried too. Later that year, I learned that I was on the waiting list for University Hospital, as medication was not controlling my seizures. I waited impatiently to be admitted to the Epilepsy Ward and prayed that something could be done about my illness. Brucefield euchre winners BRUCEFIELD - Euchre results at the Brucefield IOOF card party were: ladies' high, Erma Crich; low, Mrs. Jack Hender- son; lone hands, Gladys Alexander. In the men's division, Jean Henderson had the high hands while Ernie Broom had the low hands and Scotty Wilson had the most lone hands. Draw prizes were won by Helen Burdge and Bea Bowman. Former ,signal -Star Publisher releases book Former Signal -Star Publishing Presi- dent R. G. ( Bob) Shrier may not be publishing newspapers anymore, but he's a long way froi -being out of the publishing business altogether. Shrier's second book, another collection of his motivational series of syndicated radio broadcasts and newspaper columns, entitled '`Let's Think for a Minute, IDEAS" has been on the bookstore shelves for a couple of weeks. His first book, titled after his "Let's Think for a Minute," radio programs, has sold over 4,000 copies since its release last November. The first book, a collection of 175 col- umns, was "very well received," said Shrier, noting it went over particularly well with adolescents, to the point where some elementary school teachers have been using it as a reference during discus- sion periods. Shrier feels the book has been popular with a wide range of readers because the segments are, "thoughts on everyday living". "Every thought is an idea and that's all they are, just ideas, my ideas. This is not the last word on a subject – I just want to promote thought," he said. S Tier said he decided to put out the se- cond book, containing 215 segments, because, with more than 1,000 of his broad- casts "on the shelf," readers of his first book began asking when he would release another. Shrier, who recently sold his interest in Signal -Star Publishing Ltd., (publishers of seven weekly newspapers and one regional newsmagazine) to St. Catharines Standard Ltd. has been doing 25 radio programs per month for several years. He now devotes his working hours to his radio work and conducting motivational seminars. For Shrier, the books are simply another way to extend the spreading of the positive attitude message that is the thrust of his seminars and radio broadcasts. The good news for followers of the "Let's Think for a Minute," series, is that Shrier plans to publish a new book each year, in order to keep up with demand for a permanent form for his radio segments, which can be heard on London's CIQM radio. "Let's Think for as,Minute, IDEAS," is available at outlets across Huron County and in Goderich at Kings, The Entertainer and Fincher's. The book is also available at stores in other areas of Ontario. Twin City School of •irst l ng ' • Waterloo, Ont. • Hairstyling • Barbering •Ear Piercing • Make-up 55 Erb St. East 886-6305 Monday to Friday P me 0Q 'ear,e4e o j eei4 1UCd . rEVENING CLASSES: i Monday through Thursday 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. [AFTERNOON `AFTERNOON CLASSES-{ to Wednesday , 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. •First Class FREE •Custom Work & Firing •Over 300 Different Pieces of Greenware, Bisque & Finished Products •Certified Duncan Teacher FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL SUE 482-5212 (482-7932) — FINISHED PRODUCTS -- now available at Clinton's now Color Your World 166 VICTORIA ST. (HWY. 4 SOUTH) 482-3404 CLINTON NEWS -RECORD, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1987—Page 9 HORST Feige D.T. 58 West Street GODERICH (519) 524-6688 Neusthdt (519) 665-7818 No Charge 1-800-265-7555 The HURON COUNTY BOARD of EDUCATION wishes to express its sincere appreciation for the county support and interest in the recent A.D.A.P.T. (Alcohol Drug Awareness Program for Today) which was held in the Secondary Schools from October 26 to November 6, 1987. A.W. Clark Chair R.B. Allan Director IN We at Fincher's pre doyoted to our customer's needs. As a result we have expanded our store to ac- commodate more for your shopping pleasure. By adding convenience and better selection, we aro able to serve you ... our valued friends & customers. / FISHER -PRICE TOYS & BOARD GAMES 4E.cepl those already on special) ✓TILLEY LEATHER WALLETS LAD1,6S') A, PLAYDOH SETS v TIMEX WATCHES ✓ PAINT BY NUMBER SETS ✓ PLAYSKOOL TOYS ✓ PLUSH TOYS ✓ JIGSAW PUZZLES ✓ LEGO TOYS NERF TOYS ✓ MODEL KITS FF /CHILDREN'S BOOKS SUPER SPECIAL, CANADIAN Ali rHORS •Farley Mowat •MAryarat I awronrP •Margaret Arwood •W O MrtrhPII BANTAM BOOKS Buy 2 and Get 1 REE PLUS ... MORE THAN 1 OTHER TOYS, GAMES, PUZZLES, GIFTS, BOOKS SALE PRICE SPECIALLY FOP Ol1R 3DAY GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION SUPER SPECIAL! 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