How to be Heard in a Room Full of Voices

I guess what makes an advocate great is many things, in different permutations but the underlying quality required in all those I can think of is altruism.
Unfailingly doing what you perceive to be the right thing to the greatest good without regard for personal safety, gain or aggrandizement.

There are millions of anonymous people working on what they see as their duty, effecting larger or smaller circles, and don't they make a difference to the world. Never mind butterfly wings in the rainforest.

As I get older I am more certain that what we do with our lives matters, and changes the world, which is more complex than I ever could have believed in my youth.

I vote Tim Berners-Lee, Professor Hooper and Cort

Thanks for your wisdom, Victoria. I hear you! I don't know who Tim Berners-Lee is, but I agree that Professor Hooper and Cort are great advocates. I send them my prayers and good wishes in gratitude.

vdt

Nice Vicki!

Once again...YOU have written something I wanted to read---and RE-read!

I have to say...I often find myself thinking of the posts YOU'VE written (I almost feel I know you) - your love of art and fashion (that has apparently dimmed a bit by the ravages of this disease), your love of gardening and your little patio (and your annoyance for the marauders - both human and animal that threaten it!), your love for your little extended family and the "farm" in the country, your love of neatness and order, (that many of us envy and would GLADLY pay your plane fare to have you come and help us "get it"!)....in the somewhat "uncertain" life you are leading!

Your love of a fresh, healthy diet and your b-12 shots and the supplements that you try to afford (doing a juggleing act with other pressing expenses, I'm sure!). Your love of the NEW BED!!! (and a need for respite from the pain that plagues you late at night) and the philosophies that you hold dear..such as letting go of negative feelings and having as good an attitude as possible, to help you in your quest for healing - under extraordinary circumstances (on your own - responsible for yourself - with little help from others - requires great bravery on your part!)

I could go on and on...as I've listened to what you had to say...(and the WAY you've offered up your thoughts). They will stay in my memory - and I'm sure many others, too! That must be a good feeling to have.

So - you see, vickie....by talking to us and sharing little bits of your life (the life of a fighter with this disease)...staying steady and clear and concise (giving us reason to trust what you have to say)....you have earned the right to call yourself an "Advocate" and your voice is one that IS being heard! (right up there with The Dalai!)
jackie

Thankyou for those lovely words, Jackie. They bought tears to my eyes - I am really touched.

I genuinely have great admiration for so many members on this board, but I didn't realize how many members read MY words.

Despite constant pain, I consider myself very lucky & blessed in this life.

But it took reading members stories on this Forum to have a true appreciation of how wonderful a life I lived in my youth.

I have had some amazing experiences & travels to look back on.

If members have enjoyed the snippets from my current daily life, then at least I can feel I've made a difference in my own small way.

This is lovely, Victoria. I also enjoy your posts and (especially) your jokes. Thank you.