2015 Remembrance Vignette: Canada.ca/RememberThem

2015 Remembrance Vignette

link:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?y=h0uoVogONa8s 

Click on top line "2015 Remembrance Vignette and the link will appear via direct access

If vignette does not appear, go to toolbar and click on "link" and enter the link as listed in second line of this post.

This video was in keeping with the Remembrance Day events to be held in 2015.  In the third frame, there are RCAF Women Division members marching........the third individual in the front line from the left is my Mother, Frances Evelyn Elliott (then Bent).  After finishing basic training in Rockcliffe, Ottawa, the site of this marching exercise she returned to Nova Scotia to board a troop ship to sail to Britain.  She was posted to London (Department of Intelligence) and worked in "Churchill's War Rooms"......so, so proud of this amazing women of great courage, fearless and of great belief that there would one day be World Peace. 

Kindergarten and a Special Teacher

The first image in this blog is my Kindergarten class of 1952.
My teach was Mrs Hope. Bustin - middle row on the right.
In approximately I received this letter from her -- a letter
which I wish to share as it has such scope and reflects her
passion as a teacher.
The occasion in which she has written in approx. 2000, was after
Melodie and I appeared in a documentary addressing the nature
of twins and titled "The Twin Thing....the show was a CBC one-hour uninterrupted film on the series "Man Alive".
     Mrs. Bustin wrote:
Her letter reads:
"I called the "Twin Thing" a beautiful love story.....the program
was just so lovely.  I wish I could see it again.  I often planned
to write you and kept putting it off -- your Mother gave me one of your crafts some time ago and I love it,  It is hanging on my wall
in my bedroom and Melodie gave me one of her paintings (a
sunflower).  I love it too.
     You were so beautiful on TV.  It was wonderful hearing you and you spoke so well.  My writing is not
at its best but now I'm that much older.
    I write too fast.  I hope you can cifir it.  I think of you often.
My love        xxoo
Hope Bustin
(in the photo, Melodie is in the front row - far right and I am on the far left - same row)

If you wish to have a larger photo - please contact me and I can send it along.

Melanie

Nightingale 
    

A Seasonal Collection of Paintings 2014/2015 - Artist: Melanie Elliott

An error has occurred and unable to load further paintings on this page

Seriously "Shingles": Get Vacinated !

Seriously "Shingles"

 In the early hours of April 2015, I suddenly awoke from unexplainable pain - a pain that increased as seconds passed.  I looked in the mirror to see a large area on my skin looking like an advanced second degree burn (fluid-filled, very painful blisters, etc).  The ugly sight visually continued to increase.  Out of desperation for an explanation and resolution to this unmanageable situation,  I frantically called 911.

      Upon arrival at the Emergency Department, I was immediately seen by an emergency physician and the first differential diagnosis I heard was that of a rapidly advancing "cellulitis".   In the true nature of my very vivid imagination,  my mind went to "flesh-eating disease".

     Infectious Disease and Immunology Specialists were called for their expertise and that wait will be a timeline I will never forget.  Their prompt simultaneous arrival increased my fears however, all de-escalated when the final diagnosis of early "shingles" was made. 

    I remained in the hospital landscape for several hours while pain options, recommendations and prognosis were addressed.  Additionally, I was given an antiviral prescription - for reducing the advancement of this virus and clearly warned that it was not a cure. 

     I remained astounded to this day that I was not aware there such a high proportion of persons (1 in 3 over the age of 55) contract this virus and most importantly that there was a vaccination that could have prevented it.  This fact amazed me as I am one to keep informed of the progressive nature of prevention and a proactive approach to disease....I certainly was blind-sighted by this information and strongly encourage all who have had the chickenpox and in the later years of life to get vaccinated despite the fact that there is a $200.00 fee.

     As my immune system is compromised, it was of no surprise to physicians that I had become a target of this very nasty virus.....one that is debilitating in nature and in my situation has become a prolonged experience.  Many weeks later, I continue to experience symptoms secondary to this virus - fatigue is horrendous, severe pain when least expected, sensitivity to clothing coming in contact with the area that was the first sign that there was a crisis aboard, etc.

     It has been suggested that I now wait for one year and then move forward and obtain a vaccination.  Even if I had not been affected by this virus, there is no guarantee that a vaccination is a sure preventative measure.

     In  keeping with the fact that I continue to have symptoms and health care providers are not giving me any immediate hope that the end is in sight and such is based on a compromised immune system.

IN CONCLUSION:  Get Vaccinated !!!

Nightingale 

I Had a Dream - one of Personal Past and Present Purpose

The following are lyrics from Nana Mouskouri's song "I Have a Dream" and my story below the lyrics are  in keeping with the following personal experience which have several commonalities to these lyrics:

I have a dream, a song to sing
To help me cope with anything
If you see the wonder of a fairy tale
You can take the future even if you fail  
I believe in angels
Something good in everything I see
I believe in angels
When I know the time is right for me    

I'll cross the stream, I have a dream

I have a dream, a fantasy
To help me through reality
And my destination makes it worth the while
Pushing through the darkness still another mile
I believe in angels
Something good in everything I see
I believe in angels
When I know the time is right for me
I'll cross the stream, I have a dream
I'll cross the stream, I have a dream

I have a dream, a song to sing
To help me cope with anything
If you see the wonder in a fairy tale
You can take the future even if you fail
I believe in angels
Something good in everything I see
I believe in angels
When the time is right for me
I'll cross the stream, I have a dream
I'll cross the stream, I have a dream

****************************

After seven weeks of record-breaking snowfalls and ice storms in the early weeks of 2015 my spirit waned in isolation.  At a low point, I asked my "Higher Being" for a sign that would help me focus and move forward with what I had identified as my life purpose despite the isolation and depression I was experiencing.

My spiritual reach for hope and solution was forthcoming that very night ---- I had a dream of extraordinary energy, validation and magnitude.  I was blessed with total memory recall of the amazing dream-experience in receiving just what I had asked for.  Never had I experienced such enlightenment in my 67 years of life.  I was made aware of the progressive nature in my life path and with such great clarity.  Additionally I had a vision to the future.  All that I have achieved in my past came together with a commonality in a logical timeline and proportion...all of which I had no previous awareness.  The answer
as to how my past is married to my present was with me all the time. I had been blind-sightedness with such short sightedness.  Once I "saw", so vividly, what my life had presented to the present, I was in absolute awe.  Additionally, I came to recognize that my life will continue with purpose until my life is complete .... that completion is nearing however there is a continuum in energy and spirit available until then.....for this I am blessed  and with  great joy.

In hindsight the dream was likened to an artist completing an image on canvas -- one that was 67 years in the making.  A tremendous overview and all in one dimension....a huge picture!!!.  The players and events in my dream were the pigments used by the artist.....colors came together to create a harmonious completed art piece of my entire life which flowed oh so gracefully ....colors came together to create an incomplete art piece so reflective of my personal life experience and all with purpose, with great grace, dignity and humility.  It is wondrous to know that there are incomplete elements awaiting completion as I move to my life's end.

The dream began with myself grasping for my "rights" to participate in life within the concept of  "supported independent living and self-determination". Yes, these are two topics were very accurate pictures of what  I have so passionately debated and valued.  These subjects have played a major part of my advocacy for others in their plight to attain same.

The dream reflected a platform of these two principles and it became evident, while dreaming, that I have been on this bandwagon for as long as 50 years and at many levels.....prior to my own struggles to remain independent.

The first glimpse of this yearning for independency took me back to my very young years when I felt a new confidence when moving beyond the space of my twin.......in our adult lives we both share this life-changing element in our personal growth.  

One event after another, in the dream, escalated the clarity and reality of each segment --- each event was a demonstration of my personal craving and engagement of independency.  The theme of independency carried through even to the recent assignment of a Power of Attorney for Personal Care.

My first memory, in my early adult years, of mindfully exercising independence was in an event when it was imperative that I fly to Los Angeles, California for neurosurgery.  Family members insisted upon financially assisting me however I chose to test the waters of independence and sold my car and other belongings to accommodate expenses of the ordeal.

In that same decade, I boarded a train in Nova Scotia with $80.00 in my pocket with a destination to Kingston, Ontario.  My intent was to  participate in professional post public-school studies.  I had applied for a scholarship that would see me through my studies and despite a positive response to my application,  funds did not arrive in time for my entrance.  I took the risk that it would be soon forthcoming and despite being able to reach out to family, I chose to "go it on my own".   One can only imagine the anxiety that tagged along in my new life endeavor...... in a new province and engaging in studies of passion.  Despite the anxiety and need for financial creativity while waiting for funds for daily living purposes, the experience truly added a new personal confidence in ability and becoming to know myself.....a growth comparable to the intensity when moving beyond the space of my twin and exploring and participating in my own interests.

A few more recent stories entered the dream.....a story of advocacy.  Providing support to the well-being of a disabled individual was an incredible experience of empowerment. A 30 year old women, who, at the age of 15 was struck by a car and severely brain damaged and her case took years in the court system in an attempt to be granted "the right" to be the recipient of a large sum of winnings."

The Department of Community Services did, in part, provide funding so this disabled individual could live at home and be supported by her parents.  To my distaste, the provincial government claimed  the funds that were awarded by the courts after years of court battles. After lengthy courtroom events the disabled individual was given permission to utilize the funds to aid her "supported care" in the home of her aging parents.  The story of this individual compelled me to  speak out  in an attempt to demonstrate why this individual was in need of the funds that were gained ...... it would have seemed our gov. agency and courts lost sight of the fact that the parents of this young woman had given up their lives and dreams to keep their daughter at home for 15+ years.  Both parents had aged with a tremendous responsibility and commitment to their daughter's in-home care.  They had given up their retirement dreams and every element of their lives, together, had changed.

Without the devotion of two aging parents, Community Services were spared the costs of institutional

 living.  After months of debate, the young lady was permitted to assign her newly gained funds to her own care and remain under the roof of her parents. A good portion of the funding award was carefully invested

with the future of this disabled individual as her parents' energy and endurance was gradually dwindling and private care-providers were in need - an element that would enable parents to remain in their home with their needy daughter.

Moving On:  My dream provided me with the memory of my Brother-in-Law, Geoff, taking is wife, Melodie (my Twin) home from Nova Scotia to the province of British Columbia with the assistance of an eight-person aerovac medical armed-forces team.  Her story of becoming a quadriplegic days before their marriange was heart-breaking and too much to bare for many.  One did not dare think of this couples individual  futures --- indeed a dark picture. As the medical team began transferring Melodie from a bed to a stretcher in preparation for a flight across our country to British Columbia (to their new home).  Their progress was interrupted by a hospital official informing Geoff that the hospital bill was in the thousands and continued to ask how he would like to attend to this before leaving.  Geoff calmly, and with amazing reverence said, "sue me".  This story was my light to the fact that challenging the outrageous events of "our system" need not be a deterrent to one's dignity.  Geoff had taken de-escalated a potential major debate in the matter of two words powerful words/concept.

     His approach provided me with the picture that I would frequently reflect upon in later life .... his demeanor of a calm, decisive, respective clarity, when an issue of nonacceptance suddenly and unexpectedly issue surfaced spoke volumes for me.....a "yes" person.   He demonstrated that one must know one's self and stand solidly grounded  ... elements of an effective, strong advocate.   This section of my dream reflected I have learned, demonstrated, and presented as a responsible advocate on issues of the disabled community.

Melodie's strength to overcome the unimaginable obstacles of a quadriplegic over a period of 2+ decades was always a support in my advocacy for "supported independent living" and was very much alive and with great energy in my dream.  She and her husband led active social lives, furthered their personal educational studies and established themselves as productive individuals in their neighbourhood, community, province and country.

In my dream,  I saw myself engaged in motivational speaking to those of the disabled community.  Melodie's tragic experience was often the example of what my message on the subject of the right to self-determination in addition to supported individual living.

At one point in Melodie's life, she chose to exercise self-determination and attempted to leave life as we know it---she however reversed her decision after a conversation with her family physician who presented her with the options of life or death.  I, too, opted to "opt out" and like Melodie,  reversed my decision.  The dream served as a strong reminder that  I continue to support self-determination however have added the element of the responsibility of such a choice (to end life) be made only after the individual has informed family and loved ones of his/her intent.

As the dream came to a close, my life's view become more real and intense.  I found myself as a journalist in Kenya and at a time when a University was terrorized .... killing many.  That image, I suspect arose from strong feelings I felt watching the turmoil at that University.  It gave me the far sightedness to how many survivors would be facing the self-determination concept and a window to the numbers that would likely not be privileged to supported independent living with all the care and equipment required to reach ones potential to a quality life. In essence,  it was clear that rehabilitation was, for the most part, unavailable to this population.  The need for support and advocacy was so apparent and to this, I am devoted.

Upon awaking my plea for a "purpose" no longer occupies my thoughts as it is clear that advocacy prevails.  All that occurred in my dream with such clarity and memory was an epiphany to my path and purpose -- in the now and  future.

Quote from "Amazing Grace":  "I once was lost but now I am found.  I was blind but now I see"

(Artist, Melanie Elliott AKA Nightingale)

You're Not Alone

12 May 2015

It had been a difficult night struggling to reduce a high fever and when  the morning light met me with the need to consult Google for information on how to best manage this stubborn symptom.  As I logged on it became apparent that I was midst a major computer crash -- a victim of a strong virus.

Reality was quick to set in and my first thought pertained to my inability to access any personal banking information.  A plan "B" was not within my scope .... I was frantic as it was my understanding that the only way to take control of bank matters was to present myself at the bank to make withdrawals and deposits.

The fever had left me weak and unable to wheel myself to the bank and trying to reach bank personnel by phone was met repeatedly with voice messages requesting that I leave my telephone number and they would "get back to me".

A near major meltdown followed.  The saving grace was the fact that I recalled seeing a telephone number on the back of my bank debit card and dialed the number.  I was immediately greeted by a Customer Service Representative (CSR) and in doing so felt a great sense of relief and with hope that I could be assured I remained with access to my bank accounts and banking activity despite a non-functioning computer.

The bank employee proceeded to ask if I had signed-up for telephone banking benefits------I was unable to recall and could not respond with confidence.  The Customer Service Representative seemingly sensed my level of anxiety and offered to scan my records for confirmation of a telephone banking membership application.  Somewhat to my surprise,  I indeed had registered for this benefit several years ago.  With this news my extreme tension turned around to a sense of personal financial security.

Before having enough time to enjoy this moment of enlightenment, my path was quick to take another detour.
The CSR informed me that at the time of registering for the telephone banking program I had offered a three digit number .... a number that served as a password....such was followed by the question of my recalling the almighty password.

As I frantically leafed through a personal log of passwords, the CSR waited with great consideration and patience.  After several minutes, I heard the bank employee call to get my attention and offered me the opportunity to reset my password over the phone and informed me  that she would have to ask me for a family member name that I had applied to the original registering process.

With this information I was able to calm down due to the fact more than likely the family name I would have given would be that of my late twin, Melodie -- I presented the name without hesitation and it was readily accepted. The efficiency of providing the name was not reflective of coming up with the three digit number that  was yet to be resolved.

My mind was a blank and I turned my gaze to my immediate landscape only to find three digits appearing on the back of a greeting card next to my computer. Ah, success - the number was applied by the CSR and with delight,  I was back in touch with my banking information online.

The conversation with the bank employee ended with a sincere thank you and words of appreciation for her understanding and patience.

In the same moment of ending the phone reception, I quickly jotted down the notes pertaining to the conversation on the nearest piece of paper which happened to be the same back page of the greeting card from which I selected the three-digit number.  I had not recognized the greeting card and picked it up to have a look on the front......there, in very small print were the numbers I had taken from the back of the You're Not Alone" (see image above) and accompanied by an image of an angel.  Upon opening the card, I experienced splendid joy as it was signed by Melodie.  There was absolutely no doubt in my mind that she was with me through this difficult banking crisis (the card was one that she had given me many years ago and I had saved it as a special keepsake -- not knowing that it would serve me as it did.  This is but one of many, many ! incidents in which Melodie has been by my side !

For readers who have a loved one that they miss to the point their thoughts are reaching out for that individual, I encourage you to be mindfully aware of those moments in which you feel a strong coincidence has occurred.  Keep a journal of these events and you will see a commonality which will clearly point out that the love one you so dearly miss is by your side in the form of I  call a "spiritual energy". 

Remember:  You-re not Alone !!!!!!!!

.....Nightingale

Enhancing Life through the Power of the Mind - When Auditory Processing goes Wrong

author:  Melanie Elliott-Nightingale

A large percentage of people do not attend to sounds enough to process them for use.  Many children and adults have learning difficulties or behavioral challenges.  Some seem attention deficit, others personality disordered and still others are just out of sync. All have problems that originate in poor sensory integration which include auditory processing disorders, visual developmental lags, poor motor development, difficulty learning and poor interpersonal relationships.

     Their are specific diagnostic clues that put these individuals into a specific group.  An inability to remember lists of things heard, poor coordination, mental confusion and many other out-of-sync characteristics including seemingly being lost in space at times are diagnostic.

       Dr. Jean Ayres, one of the leading pioneers of the concept of sensory integration felt that that all our senses must work equally.  In other words, the sense of touch, smell, taste, sight and sound must work together and that the above senses, along with movement and body awareness, must work harmoniously.
         Ayers beliefs center on the thought that the senses send gathered information to the brain where it is interpreted and organized.  This is what is called sensory integration.  According to Ayers, if a sensory input fails and does not work in harmony with the others, the learning process and quality of life are compromised.  She believed also that the vestibular system was responsible for body control and that a well-modulated vestibular activity is mandatory for maintaining a calm, alert state.  Rocking in a chair, swinging, spinning in an office chair, all can help in vestibular development to improve sensory integration.
        Some people stimulate their brains through constant moving.   These individuals are labeled hyperactive and many medicated to stop the movement.  This then, delays the continuing development that is necessary for adequate function, causing learning difficulties, development lags, behaviour disorders and a marked inability to succeed as adolescents and adults.  They possess a need to control their environments throughout adulthood damaging most interpersonal relationships.
      Many of these individuals have auditory processing difficulties.  Some experienced loud shouting, mechanical noises, screaming or physical abuse as children and now shut out certain hearing frequencies.  This defense mechanism, useful when needed, proves difficult to strengthen later in life when sound is necessary for normal daily living.  This exaggerated survival need continues into adulthood without discovery, making many therapies difficult and non-progressive.  For this reason therapists must recognize the lack of processing abilities in these clients and recognize that successful outcomes may not be possible until prior work is done to improve auditory processing.
        To better understand the auditory process it is important to understand that at one time it was accepted that both ears were identical.  This is physically not possible.  The right ear is connected to the left brain, the area where language is processed.  The left ear, however, is connected to the right brain where language cannot be processed.  Therefore, language must be transported over the corpus collosum (the bridge between the hemispheres) to the left brain.  This is a slower connection but also a less reliable one.
     During the crossover, high frequencies are lost which are required for interpreting language.  It is imperative that talk therapies, etc. realize that auditory processing not be taking place and visualization may be modality more successful.
      On a personal note:  the above is my experience and in order to enhance language skills, I have had to use the communication therapy of speechreading.

       As stated earlier, learning requires focus.  Complete focus is difficult when hearing is controlled by bone conduction only.  Hearing is a function of the entire body, not ears only.  The bones of the body are particularly good sound conductors, actually, too good.   Loud noises, loud voices are particularly distracting to those who hear every sound in their environment.  Rooms in schools or the workplace are extremely noisy for the person who cannot screen sounds and can hear everything.  The scratching of a pencil on paper, breathing, shuffling of feet, chairs moving in the workplace are reasons for distraction from the task at hand.
      To these individuals all sounds are intrusive and they immediately shut out sounds for protection.  Thus, any auditory input is cancelled and he person is left to try to decide what is happening.  Without auditory guidance,  behaviour suffers and the lack of ability to focus is augmented.
       In an auditory processing disorder, sound is heard but the act of processing through the brain is impaired.  The sounds are transmitted directly to the inner ear without any filter to dampen the intensity, letting the *involuntary startle-reflex (a personal experience of the author) occur, physically lashing out, or anger can result. People experiencing this bombardment of sound have no ability to tune out extraneous noise around them.  Every sound has the same amount of value.  They try to catch a word but the noise from somewhere else distracts them and they miss part of the auditory process.  They do not know what instructions were given or what the conversation was about.  As a result they are blamed for not paying attention and experience.
          1. being overwhemed
          2. difficult in learning
          3. being ashamed that they cannot focus
          4. constantly being behind others in activities
          5. highly distracted
          6. constantly being confused by sound overloads
          7.  lack of confidence
          8. need to control environment
          9. experience great frustration leading to anxiety and panic
In order to cope with these difficulties, people with auditory processing difficulties continually:
          1. tune out
          2. become lethargic or quiet
          3. over react to inuput
          4. jump from one topic to another when talking
          5. resemble attention deficit behaviour
          Any program that will help these individual must be based on many disciplines.  To date there is no one single modality for improvement but the combinations of dominant right ear training, stimulation of the vestibular system, audio-visual stimulation and others will help these people improve their quality of life.
          A suggested exercise (by author):  The use of an inexpensive set of earphones and cutting the wires to the left earphone helps direct all sounds of an individuals voice, music into the right ear. This assists in developing dominance in the right ear and balance the brain function to improve attention and auditory processing ability.
          


       
    

A Personal Life Compass

 LIFE'S   COMPASS

 Image - author, Melanie Elliott

The inspiration for the following has evolved from portions of "The Girl Guide Promise" and the guidance of a personal, guiding Angel


I Promise:

TO do my best,
TO do my duty with grace in performance and with a commitment to established values,
TO unconditionally respect all Divine Spirits,
TO keep an awareness that I am a part of something greater,
TO reach out to those in need, and
TO honor peace, diversity and cherish Humanity.............Melanie Elliott

"Nightingale"

Adapted Fashion and Tradition

  Image:  A design for an adapted cape for wheelchair dependent individuals --- which features: 
- two Velcro'd vertical spaces at back for accessible push handles which
   allows the back of the cape to hang freely between the push hands thus
   keeping the back of wheelchair dry,
-  separate protective sleeve covers keep arms warm and dry (see insert),
-  the short length prevents cape from coming in contact with wheels and/or
    hubs: (I have known of individuals who do not have upper trunk or arm
     function and whose seemingly long safe capes become altered in position   froma gust of wind thus putting themselves at risk of wheel interference
- a detachable hood is included, and 
                                        -  a Velcro closing in front  provides ease in closing
(adapted rain-pants are currently being designed with this cape in mind - the end of  wet knees !) {please excuse grammar and spelling errors as author is visually impaired}

********

With time ticking away, I have decided to add my part to the equation of later-life activity/hobby participation and have taken up adapted fashion design --- a long time wish.  Fashion was a skill and talent that both my Mother and Grandmother freely exercised.  Today,  while recycling some old items, I came across this ruler (see image) -- on in which Mother used for decades in her fashion and artwork activities and this finding was the last inspiration I needed to get started in fashion design and will make good use of this cherished item.  The fact that Mother inscribed her class, namely Grade X1,  and the name of her boyfriend "Elroy Bent" makes it a true and functional keepsake.

The delayed activity of swimming was Mother's achievement when she took the courageous  leap at age 70 and my Grandmother began to paint and sketch with pastels upon turning 70 as well.  My Father,  joined a band at the 70 year hiatus........oh,  he was so,so musical and being the hard working man he was, he literally did not have time to treat himself to that which came so pleasurably and natural to him in earlier years.

My efforts, creativity and gift in fashion design will offer me enjoyment and fulfillment in the field of fashion design.  Now that I am wheelchair dependent, I have come to personally experience the barriers to fashion that my late identical, quadriplegic twin, Melodie worked so hard to manage.  She was a valued community contributor to so, so many social issues and such demanded an up-to-date, career-style.  Now, my life-style as a wheelchair dependent individual wanting to be a participant in our social and cultural elements calls for a similar wardrobe.

As a wheelchair dependent individual I now am in the need of a new wardrobe and acquiring such will be the focus of my fashion interests.  Fashion details have taken on a different view and after hours of browsing online, there appears little to accommodate my dressing needs so the list of what I would like to wear in the spring and summer will be my motivator.

The above is my first attempt in this new-found interest.  Time will tell if my designs are appropriate and suitable.

Nightingale