I feel that everyone suffers from a "DISADVANTAGE" of some sort be it physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual. It could be very "pronounced" (like being in a wheelchair) or it could be hidden (abuse). It could be simple (like wearing eyeglasses) or it could be severe (a terminal illness).No one is exempt from some sort of pain, whether it is physical or emotional. LIFE and DEATH cannot be bought. Having said that, Humanity has to deal with bad things every day. It makes us Human and it makes us stronger.We have to "play the cards" that Life deals us! Using swimming as an analogy we can dive into a pool and 1. Drown 2. Tread water 3. swim to the other side.
I CHOOSE TO SWIM

I led a "normal"happy childhood being born in Sarnia, Ontario in 1952 and growing up in Dutton, Ontario. I went to high school in Woodstock, Ontario and finished Grade 13 in Elmvale, Ontario. I played football, was on the student council and drove an MG midget. I loved both of my parents very much. They taught me the the "lessons of life" that I would so desperately need in the coming years! I attended McMaster University in Hamilton in 1970. My Dad was in the Ontario Provincial Police, so we moved alot!

In Japan-1970
Mom was a Registered Nurse but in the fifties it was not popular for a woman to juggle a career and a family so Mom stayed at home to raise her three boys, thus sacrificing her career! Dad transferred to Midland in 1974, where my Mom still lives.I got married in 1973 (to my first wife, Isabel) in Toronto and finished University in Hamilton. We travelled throughout Europe in the fall of 1974 ( I have pictures of me visiting the Eiffel Tower, Berlin Wall, Coliseeum etc.).Everything was turning up roses and in June of 1976, we moved into our first home in Bramalea! It was not to last. On October 13, 1976, I was diagnosed with Sarcoidosis (a neurological disease of unknown origin),was flat on my back in the hospital, NEVER to walk independently again!

I WAS 24 YEARS OLD! I THOUGHT MY LIFE WAS OVER!

In 1978,Isabel & I separated and I moved to Midland to live with my parents. Isabel and I divorced in 1980. My father retired from the Police force in 1980 (after 35 years). I lived in a "transition" home in Barrie and then moved to London, Ontario in June of 1981 where I presently live. I moved into a one bedroom apartment in a high rise building where CHESHIRE HOMES OF LONDON operated 17 units. Their Mission Statement is:

To assist people with physical disabilities to live independently in the community by providing attendant services and accessible, affordable housing in a manner which enables individual responsibility,choice, self-determination,participation,& integration into community life.

They were a godsend & celebrated their 25th anniversary in 2004. (I have been with Cheshire 23 of those years)... I picked up the shattered pieces of my life. Although I was adamant about never remarrying, I met my future wife (Patricia Brown)in 1982 (in Cheshire Homes) and we married in June of 1984(pictured below).We moved to the newest Cheshire operated apts. in 1994(in Windy Woods Co-Operative) and live in a two bedroom unit here. With my disability (Sarcoidosis & stroke) and hers (Friederick's Ataxia) it has been a challenge but we are "meeting those challenges head on" and celebrated our 21st anniversary on June 2, 2005! It has been 29 years since I was first diagnosed in October 1976..my life took a very different path than I envisioned but I'm still here, right? I have two wheelchairs, a manual (LX Quickie)and just bought a new Arrow electric wheelchair in 2003.I am able to stand (holding on to something/someone)... *S*

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June 2, 1984

The picture below was taken at a Cheshire 25th year celebration picnic on June 27th, 2004..

June 27, 2004

My dad died in 1997 and my mother had a major stroke three months before he died! It was like someone reached in and ripped out my heart! They say "Time Heals All Wounds" ...Nearly 9 years have passed since Dad died and I still miss him very much but I think of him fondly EVERY day & take comfort in knowing that he is watching over me!Mom was 84 on June 26th . Mom moved into a retirement home in September of 2005.I'm sure she never envisioned this future either but I think EVERYONE has that "desire to survive in them"..despite the obstacles! I get my desire to live "and not just survive" from BOTH of my parents. Certain days are pretty tough but I think we all need to "step back" & smell the roses (prioritize what/who is important in your life).

A good friend of our family, Scott Kennedy, delivered a superb euology for my Dad (in August of 1997)! Here is a couple of great excerts:(The apple does not fall far from the tree huh?)

I have been so proud to know Len in the last 33 years. Those of you who knew him as I did, very often saw him as a quiet man, slow sometimes to show emotion, even gruff on occasion. This was the man's exterior. Inside was a man of warmth, of passion, of compassion who cared deeply for his family,friends, & country! If you've ever visited Len & Joan's home, you'll know his love of nature extended right into his back yard-it's beautiful! This was the other side of Len, the warm, loving human being who cared so very much about life and all it holds. Goodbye Len, thanks for the friendship and love you gave us all".

I am presently "sarcoid free" but the Doctors feel that I incurred permanent damage from a stroke in 1976 & another in 1988 involving the cerebellum.!There are less than 5% of sarcoid cases in the world that have brain involvement. (guess I'm lucky..)*S* Unfortunatly my wifes disability is degenerative! She struggles EVERY day but she carries on and meets those challenges. That is where our 24 hour support care staff helps Patti. She was diagnosed with type II diabetes in April..another obstacle but it is being monitored!

I have dabbled in writing for a few years and wrote an article that I am very proud of. It summarizes the thoughts in this site. Pam Quesnel, at the Canadian Independant Living Center in London, put it in the Newsletter in July 2004. It is called Unsung Heroes.

Bonnie, Pam's sister, has been on my case for years to include her picture on my website. In August of 2004 eight of us chartered a van from London to the Toronto Zoo. We are pictured below: