A blessing in disguise: What has my FSHD given me?

A book's question at first perplexes, then kicks off a personal discovery

Robin Stemple avatar

by Robin Stemple |

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I’m reading “Eyes to the Wind: A Memoir of Love and Death, Hope and Resistance” by Ady Barkan, a late lawyer and political activist who had ALS. It’s been a tough read so far.

In the book, Barkan recounts his experiences after being diagnosed with ALS in his early 30s. He does an excellent job detailing his heartbreaking story, in which he continued to live a full life with his wife and young son as long as possible.

In his activism, Barkan used his ALS diagnosis to highlight the importance of preserving the Affordable Care Act, well known as Obamacare, noting how it supports those of us with disabilities. In fact, he was instrumental in saving it when it was challenged several years ago. His efforts included multiple trips to Washington, D.C. to protest. He was arrested on several occasions, leading to media coverage that helped bring the issue to Americans’ attention.

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I highly recommend you give Barkan’s book a read. It may bring you to tears, but it’ll also bring some smiles and even some laughter. But there was one question Barkan struggled with in counseling that particularly caught my attention: “What has your ALS given to you?”

Diseases such as ALS, my own facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), and other forms of muscular dystrophy take away a lot from those of us who must deal with them. It’s easy to find a list of effects that FSHD or other diseases will have on you. It’s harder to find a list of their benefits.

Reading Barkan’s book has forced me to take another look at my life and ask myself, “What has FSHD given me?”

There was a definite pause in my writing process as I pondered this question. There are no easy answers, but please keep reading, because I did come up with one particular blessing that FSHD has provided — and it’s had a profoundly positive effect on my life.

Investigating my work — and my values

I believe my FSHD diagnosis at age 14 softened my heart and made me a more compassionate person, with a desire to help those in need. These values led me to volunteer for a summer camping program for people with intellectual disabilities when I was in high school.

While I began college as a chemical engineering major and could do the work, I just didn’t feel it was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I wanted to help people. This feeling led me to transfer colleges and switch my major to special education.

After college, I put my studies to work. I spent a year teaching in an adult education program, then moved on to a job coaching people with intellectual disabilities, helping them become employed. After that, I spent eight years as a special education teacher in high school.

After my 1989 car crash (with a driver under the influence) that cost me my sight, my wife, Wendy, and I started a home-based business creating personalized recordings for children. We wanted these recordings to be special, so we didn’t just throw in the child’s name on a few songs, then mass produce the recording. Instead, we included the child’s siblings, parents, grandparents, cousins, special friends, pets, and more. (It’s amazing how many variations there are for children to refer to their grandparents. Wendy’s “Nanna,” and I’m “Pappap,” but listing all the alternatives for grandma and grandpa would exceed my word limit for this column!)

I enjoyed ending these recordings by telling the child how special they were. I told them that “your friend, Robin, loves you,” that their family loved them, and that it was a pleasure to sing some special songs just for them.

After making these recordings for a few years, I founded the Somerset County Blind Center here in Pennsylvania. This work didn’t allow me time to continue with the recordings. But I was able to serve with this organization and its successors for over 20 years, until my FSHD caught up with me.

FSHD has slowed me down. I’m not doing as much in the community as I used to do.

The slower pace has, in its way, been another blessing, though. The extra time allowed me to begin writing this column. I also began doing a few personalized recordings again.

Technology has changed. Today I record on my computer instead of cassette tape. After I complete a recording, I share the music on Dropbox, burn it on a CD, or provide it on a thumb drive. So far, I’ve done recordings for my grandkids, nieces, nephews, and other special children in my life. I’ve been thinking about expanding the work so I can sing for more kids. My voice isn’t what it used to be, but I still have that heart of compassion, thanks to my FSHD!


Note: Muscular Dystrophy News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Muscular Dystrophy News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to muscular dystrophy.

Comments

Rick Whitehead avatar

Rick Whitehead

Hey Rob, a busy writer, and I have to get to your previous one too (to this one). My "near" wife's name is Wendy too, and I did one semester at the University as a Chemical Engineer.
Your music a gift, as is your attitude.

Reply
Robin Stemple avatar

Robin Stemple

Thanks, Rick, my brother in so many things! I stuck with the engineering major for 3 semesters. It was my dad's dream for me and I didn't want to disappoint him. At the end of the day, though, I had to move into a field where I wanted to be and where I could make a difference! Hope your travles have all gone smoothly. I think the last time I heard from you, you were in Guatemala! Blessings, my friend! - Rob

Reply
Debra Sue Love avatar

Debra Sue Love

Hi Rob!! Thanks for sharing your story with us. You are an inspiration to me. I have also volunteered over my life with prison ministry and later as a volunteer chaplain at the local hospital. God gifted me with the desire to serve and show compassion. I sure miss being able to get out and serve others. So I do my best to minister via mail and the phone. The main benefit I have received from the MD is a greater understanding of others who suffer from disabilities and lifting others up in prayer 🙏 It's also given me more time to study the Word and personality counsel young ladies going through rough times. Keep up the great work 👍

Debra

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Robin Stemple avatar

Robin Stemple

Thanks for sharing a bit about yourself, Debra. When Fred Rogers, from public television's "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood," told children to "find the helpers," he was talking about people like you who just keep giving themselves to help/serve others. I'm so glad you continue to find ways to help. Yes, those prayers make a difference, although these days, GOD doesn't seem to get much of the glory when situations turn around or healings happen. Perhaps it's always been that way, though. Take care and let's keep praying for each other! - Rob

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Robin Carlino avatar

Robin Carlino

Thanks so much for this article, Rob. I've never given even one thought to how having FSHD has been a blessing to me... Until now! Thank you for a positive spin for us. And thanks to Ranae for relaying your column to us.
Blessings,
(Mrs) Robin Carlino
xo+

Reply
Robin Stemple avatar

Robin Stemple

Thanks, Robin. Ranae has been a blessing for all of us in the FSHD community, hasn't she? It's just the way the Good Lord built me, but I'm always looking for the positive in most circumstances. As I said in the column, I had to stop typing and give some time to thinking about how FSHD could ever be a blessing. I know that our FSHD community is made up of many compassionate, caring individuals. Perhaps mine isn't the only heart that was softened as I struggled with the realities of my diagnosis? GOD bless and thanks for the feedback! - Rob

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