I have just finished my "voluntary" isolation period. Haven't been tested but not feeling ill at all. I have taken the opportunity to get out for a good wheel when weather allowed practicing "social distancing". The reality of life in a wheelchair is that "social distancing" is standard practice. I experience way too many people … Continue reading The Convenience of Fear
Author: terrywiens
Politically engaged, defender of rights whether or not I agree with the situation, techno nerd and someone who believes in open dialogue as well as open democracy. Father/grandfather and polio survivor who has maintained his own independence all of his life
Speak Up
I truly thought my days of writing were behind me. I still continue to write for myself however I haven't been sharing it. When you have no one at home to discuss how your day went you either bottle it up or write it down. Bottling it turns it into a disease, I know I … Continue reading Speak Up
The Erosion of Rights
"Believing without questioning is an insult to the human conscience" - Abhijit Naskar I have purposely been trying to stay politically quiet for the past four weeks while fuming internally. I grew up in Calgary but have had the opportunity to live and work in other areas of our great country Canada. However I continue … Continue reading The Erosion of Rights
The Resurrection of a Memory
Alberta Children's Hospital (1958) Growing up in the Children's Hospital you really have little control over your day to day life. You learn quickly two things, routine is very structured and your activities are very planned. I knew everyday that a nurse would be there at 8am, noon, 4:30pm and again around 9pm to check … Continue reading The Resurrection of a Memory
New Decade, New Direction
I just got back in from a quick wheel around the community. It is still warm enough (the sun is bright) to do a good wheel and not lose too much air out of my tires. However, based on the numbness of my fingertips it was chillier than I thought. But they are forecasting a … Continue reading New Decade, New Direction
Christmas 2019 – Memories of Christmas Past
"My life isn't a book, it's a collection of short stories" - Terry Wiens Christmas, a day of family, friends and memories. It is a day that can be loud, boisterous and full of activity. It can also be a day of quietude, reflective and personal relaxation. I have experienced both and find myself, maybe … Continue reading Christmas 2019 – Memories of Christmas Past
Activist or Advocate?
Advocacy is often seen as working “within the system” whereas activism is seen as working “outside the system” to generate change. I think this is really useful, as clearly the role or issue can shift from one to the other. - Author unknown #SpeakOut, make your voice heard, silence only supports injustices I have fifty years experience as … Continue reading Activist or Advocate?
Remembrance Day 2019
"I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind."—John Diefenbaker … Continue reading Remembrance Day 2019
As Bullying Blossoms to Hate
"I would rather be a little nobody than to be an evil somebody" - Abraham Lincoln Don't let your silence allow this to happen again. At what point do we move from an act of bullying to an act of hate? I would suggest that when we reach that point where malice and violence are … Continue reading As Bullying Blossoms to Hate
Election Day 2019 Canada
"Democracy must be something more than two wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for supper" - James Bovard My voting pledge Today is election day and I am torn. In over forty years I have never felt such trepidation over a federal election while at the same time being so glad it … Continue reading Election Day 2019 Canada
