Young Republicans, Halloween and MSA

I think I am actually making a difference with those young Republicans in Greene County.  If you remember a few stories back, I had been talking with them trying to get them involved in local government, but they really didn’t believe that any adults would listen to their views and ideas.  They thought all politicians had their own agendas and only made appearances that benefitted them.  They even believed that we don’t read our emails, that we have staff review them.  Then I received the first email from an address I wasn’t familiar with.  It simply said, “If you really listen, we’d like to see you wear a tux at your next council meeting.”  So I did.

Another request was to dress as the “Godfather”.   And we have been playing this for a few weeks.  This week’s council meeting was the last one before Halloween, so of course the request was to dress in a costume.  Little did they know, deep in the back of my bedroom closet was my old Star Trek costume.  I hadn’t thought about it for years, mainly because I wasn’t able to fit in it.  I dug deep and there it was!  A little dusty, a little rumpled, but totally intact, complete with the Communicator.

Honestly, I hesitated to wear the costume because we were honoring a fallen soldier, Jesse Snow, and I didn’t want his family to think I was disrespecting them.  But Susan assured me that no one would think that, but I did make sure I announced the reason I was in costume at the beginning of the meeting and after the Father had been given the Proclamation naming October 28, 2011 as Jesse Snow day, after he finished shaking hands with the deputy mayor who presented the Proclamation, he gave me a big hug and said, “Thanks Frank, and take care of yourself.”

I was then contacted by Ryan Rushing.  He is the young man I met him after he sent a very heartfelt letter wanting to help me spread the word about MSA after attending the Beavercreek Council Meeting where I was presented a Proclamation for MSA Awareness.   Since that time, Ryan has attended many MSA events with me and has become the “official” photographer.

Ryan was going to be speaking at the Beavercreek Senior Center.  He and his fellow classmates were giving information about the local issues that will be appearing on the November Ballot at a Candidate’s Forum.  It was very nice to spend the afternoon with fellow politicians, meet those running for office for the first time and hear the Issues explained from the student’s point of view.  Ryan was tasked with Issue 2.  That, without doubt, is the most heated proposition on the ballot.  Issue 2 deals with Unions and their bargaining rights.  It is a plan Governor Kasich has pushed to help balance Ohio’s budget.  My friend, State Representative Jarrod Martin is a big supporter of this bill and has even had his personal life harassed by those opposing the bill.

Now, back to Ryan’s presentation.  I have to tell you, I was truly impressed with this young man’s explanation of the Issue.  I have heard countless politicians explain it, but Ryan’s explanation was the clearest I have heard.  I would be hard pressed to think that there would be anyone that attended that forum who left not understanding what this Bill entailed and how their vote would affect it.  I also have to give kudos to those who were there to explain the opposing viewpoints of the Issues.  I am glad to see a group of high school students such as these taking an interest in local government and participating at their level.  Hats off to Ryan, Ryan, Danielle and Mike!

My week living with MSA was pretty typical.  I am trying very hard to pace myself as all my doctor’s have requested.  But pacing is hard.  What do I have to compare it with?  My problem is that there are things I want to get done, and I have no patience.  I want to get them done NOW.  Maybe because I know there may not be a later.  But really, we are all in the same boat.  None of us a promised a tomorrow.  From the minute we are born, we start to die.  I can’t take credit for that statement because I’m sure I’ve heard it somewhere before, but it is true.  I’ve just been given an approximate end date.  And, based on that original end date, I’m doing pretty well.  It was 3 years on October 13^th that I collapsed.  I am still able to enjoy life.  Do things with my family.  Of course there are the days that I scare the crap out of someone who hasn’t seen one of my “episodes”.  Today was one of those.  Susan was getting her nails done, and I was sitting with her and her nail tech Tim.  We talk about his racing and local politics.  Today was no different.  We were just talking when there was a lull in the conservation.  That happens.  Next thing I know, Susan had both hands on the side of my face calling me back from wherever it is that I go.  She said it wasn’t an extremely bad episode, but I did do the eyes twirling in my head thing.  Talk about causing a room full of women to get quiet!  Susan brought me back and she and Tim helped me walk over to the couch.  I just hung out there for a while until I was able to get my bearings back.  The doctor says my blood pressure is staying very low, even with the pacemaker.  He encouraged me to drink more fluid when I am feeling light headed.  He also gave me a flu shot.  Once again, he wanted to remind me to be very careful.  The cold and flu season is coming upon us and respiratory illness is not an option for those with MSA.

I have been working very hard at checking things off my bucket list.  Maybe next week we’ll talk about those items.  Halloween is only about a week away, so you’d better all be thinking about those Halloween costumes.  And candy.  Snickers are my favorite, so if I come trick or treating to your door, you’d better be prepared!!

Tags: Fairborn Ohio, Fairborn Ohio City Council, Fairborn Ohio Fire Department, Frank Cervone, Halloween, MSA, Multiple System Atrophy, Star Trek, Young Republicans

This entry was posted on October 24, 2011 at 4:37 am and is filed under Frank Cervone, MSA. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.