Write or wrong?

[photo2010]

It's no fun reading about people's pain. Contrary to the belief of some, it's even LESS fun writing about ones' own pain. If anyone thinks I, or most people, would rather get attention from their pain than from ANY other human attribute, that person needs far more help than I do. Also, I am not apologizing for anything I write about. If someone doesn't like it, no one's forcing them to read it.

As far as what I achieve, even flat on my back, I have elicited the help of a Senator, who contributed to a massive nationwide investigation into illegal acts against disabled insurance policy holders. This action forced the reopening of many closed cases. I don't expect a pat on the back for this, the action was its' own reward.

I enjoy blogging. I've always enjoyed writing, even college papers. I hope someone finds something useful in what I write here.

[JustDee]

Hey photo,
I don't know who Rams was referring to with his blog or if he was referring to any one person even, but he asked a legitimate question and quite honestly, I think it stirred up some real honest conversation, which in my humble opinion, is sometimes sadly lacking in most online communities. I don't think Rams needs me to stick up for him, I'm sure he can do that on his own, but it was an honest, heart felt question.

I would never dream to tell you what you should or shouldn't blog about. If your life is about your illness and dealing with it,, then by all means carry on, as you said, you aren't forcing anyone to read it or respond to it. I guess what I wish is that you not take offense at Rams question or the many responses to it. We all have our opinions and as I said we all have different levels of tolerance for different subjects. None of us knows whose life you might be making a difference in by posting your blog, maybe one day, someone you would never meet in real life, could read your blog and either see themselves in it or have information that could help you...

I'm just saying that we all have our own personal reasons for blogging and it isn't a matter of "write (nice play on words) or wrong", it just is. Try not to be offended or hurt by Rams question...it was an honest response to his feelings...

[flophousepoodle]

I once read a small book called "creativity and disease" about how many great artists and thinkers lived with diseases.
My take on Rams blog was that he was asking - in a weird way - if physical relief can actually come from the act of creating a blog. An interesting question that I would of course say "yes" to. Like my friend who is in the late stages of muscular distrophy - who only finds relief while making art.
Then Rams swerved off of the point. He got...Rammy.
Slightly related - Judith has started a series of blogs over on vloggerheads about indignities she has suffered due to not having wheelchair accessibility. I find her blogs eye opening.
A few winters ago I fell on the ice and didn't walk for a month - found myself writing in a notebook - something I do not do. If I had been part of a site like this back then I damned sure would have been blogging.

[photo2010]

I respect anyone's right to ask a question on here, but whether or not it was directed towards me, some broad generalizations were made that I also have a right, and I feel a responsibility, to respond to. Why a responsibility? It wasn't that long ago that laws were created to protect people with disabilities. If some people didn't speak up, and just suffered in silence, those laws may never have been passed. To me, this whole issue is much bigger than myself.

My life is not just about my illness, though my illness has drastically changed my life. I have lost friends and family because they couldn't deal with it. It is what it is.
On other sites, I have had strong positive reaction from people who said they felt alone until they saw someone else had the same thing they did. So you are correct, it has made a difference for me and others.

I also put up a few vids this past week. One a music vid, the other showing some of my personal photography. So it's not all about my health. I have many interests. My recent blogs are about health partly because my Mother became very ill recently, (she's doing better now thankfully), and it brought everything home.

I appreciate what you say here. Thanks for commenting.

[JustDee]

@Photo: please forgive me, I never meant to imply that your life was all about your illness. That was rather rude and presumptuous of me. My life is not all about my pain either so I never should have suggested that your life was. Of course there is more to your life then your illness. However, what you say is true, illness does drastically chance our lives. I have a close friend who tells me that all the time. How drastically his illness affected her life. Aside from the physical side of things, he lost friends because of it, because they couldn't deal with it...I can see how physical pain can add to our emotional pain..and I can see how working it out in video or blog form might help us come to terms with both.
Thanks for setting me straight.

[photo2010]

To fhp: I kept working as a photojournalist for many years after the onset of my illness. New technologies, like autofocus cameras, (new back then), made one-handed photography possible. As time went on, I could only work by using a tripod..even using a tripod as a cane to walk with, with the tripod legs folded. Only one person caught on, a nursing professor who obviously had an eye for such things. My work did indeed keep my mind off of my pain..until I got home. Then I was in a car accident, that ended my career. A few years ago, I even bought a new digital camera..always hoping that some treatment or cure will come along. Art is wonderful in that way. I have some ideas for doing vlogs with a camera attached to my wheelchair. Look out traffic! :)

[photo2010]

To Dee: No worries. :) I'm going to steal some of Chig's puppies and blog about them
in the near future.

[JustAnotherUserName]

For the record, I know for a fact that Rams' blog was not directed at you. Kevin, you keep doing exactly what you are doing. I love your work, your blogs, and your incredibly positive attitude even though you find yourself in a nearly impossible situation. xo...Ruth

[photo2010]

To Ruth: Thank you for that. You're very kind..xo, Kevin

[photo2010]

To Suze: Thank you..I still want to create art. Your words mean a lot to me. I hope you're doing well. I miss your vids!

[photo2010]

Sedona, you and others here have overwhelmed me in the past few days with your support of what I do. It means more to me than I can express..((((HUGS)))) Thank you!