Editor, The Times:
Good-bye to a good friend who has suffered through a terrible disease.
I was fortunate to have met this young lady in 1999, just after my father had passed away. When I met her, it was just after we had found out that she had a terminal disease, multiple sclerosis, which would take her life at a young age. She was in her low 30s. It was devastating.
She taught me (unknowingly) that my sorrow was trivial compared to her’s. I was quite upset with Dad’s passing, mainly because the only thing my Dad said to me (while we sat beside his bed for a week) was I took the farm off the listing. I realize now that my Dad being a proud man, he would have broken down in tears if he talked very much.
Anyway MS is a terrible disease and hopefully they can find a cure soon.
This lady was like a daughter to me and it was so sad to go visit at her bedside in her care home.
About four or five months ago I went to visit her and she was lying on her bed, unable to speak or even move around (being in a wheelchair for six years). It makes you feel so helpless to see a friend suffering and yet you can’t help her (or him). I broke down into tears and the tears flowed for about half an hour, unable to control them. Being on emotional drugs didn’t help me.
The last time I visited her (two or three weeks ago), she was unable to speak or move her head. A harness to the back of her wheelchair held up her head. All she could do was let her eyes travel around looking at everybody. They were talking and laughing, yet all she could do was look around.
She could move her head slightly for yes or no - that was all.
Now she has passed away, and I feel bad for saying this but I am glad, because no matter what one has done in his or her life, they do not deserve to live their final weeks like that.
I would urge anyone who is able to donate to MS Society to put a stop to such a terrible disease.
Now I must say goodbye to such a courageous young lady for she never complained, but was always smiling and cheerful.
Good-bye, Corby Anne and may you rest in peace. My thoughts will always be with you.
John Pearce
Clearwater, B.C.