Carmarthen Book Fair 2016 – Why we’re donating to the MS Society and Hywel Dda Health Charities.
From the previous blog by John Thompson we read that Carmarthen is steeped in literary history, for this is where ‘The Black Book of Carmarthen’ – the oldest manuscript written entirely in Welsh originated. What better way indeed than to honour this town’s great literary history and legend than by hosting a Book Fair in St. Peter’s Civic Hall – home of the famous Merlin’s Oak.
To whom do we dedicate the proceeds of the raffle, was the next question? Well, we all know the proverb – “Charity begins at home.”
The answer is simple. We live in Carmarthen. We use the health services of our local hospital and I also live with Multiple Sclerosis.
We know that everyone who lives in Carmarthenshire and the neighbouring counties turn to this hospital in time of need, so it was not difficult to decide to donate the proceeds of the raffle to the West Wales General Hospital Hwyel Dda Health Charities and the MS Society. The latter as I live with MS. Personally I feel that that in some small way we can give back to our community in donating to these worthy causes.
I have avoided the label of an MS sufferer, for I like people to see me as the person – daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, pet-sitter – rather than someone with a disabling condition. More because it can sometimes inspire pity, which I find negates all self-dignity. Yes, mobility defined me and I was used to multi-tasking, rushing around with all my energy, being a doer fulfilling tasks. I do miss driving at full speed ahead! However, I have much to thank MS for – it has forced me to concentrate on what I can do i.e. write and draw, and live as the person I am. At one time, it was which colour shoes should I wear, but now, it is which colour interfacing on my mobility scooter to choose?
There is also the negative image projected with recent cutbacks – projecting the image of the disabled as being scroungers. So many people have lived, earned and contributed to society, despite their physical or mental health limitations. On my part I have volunteered as a lay advocate and for many years sat on the Electricity Consumer Commission, and on the National Valuation Tribunal in West Wales on a panel of three, listening to appeals.
I feel this debilitating condition affects people in so many different ways, but with no cure in sight it is how we cope with the help of specialised expertise which gives us and others hope – and for future generations too. To be able to contribute to Health Services, which help all of society, will be a privilege.
As we invite Merlin’s magic to weave into our Writers’ World on October 1st, in St Peter’s Civic Hall, Carmarthen, I include a poem I wrote for myself, a few years ago.
My Shadow
Even in my early memories I remember
Playing with my shadow,
Walking, running, skipping and dancing.
Fascinated as it shimmered short and long-tall
Sometimes it almost disappeared,
In dawn, mid-day, dusk and nightfall,
Walking, running, skipping and dancing.
My friend, my shadow and me.
In youth, my shadow wore stiletto heels
took a different shape,
Striding, running, skipping and dancing.
As an adult with family, my shadow mimicking me
Carrying a baby and holding on to a toddler,
Walking, running, skipping and dancing.
Now my shadow is walking, running, skipping and dancing,
But where am I?
My shadow grows stronger but I will pounce on it and I will be
Walking, running, skipping and dancing,
For you are just
MS
My Shadow!
