In each issue of the newsletter, we will bring you a column that presents the experiences of our members. Their stories are presented In Their Own Words by way of letters they have sent us. We are most appreciative of their willingness to share their very personal stories. It is our hope that through the sharing of these experiences, we will all learn something about each other and about ourselves. It is our hope that the stories will help us all realize that we are not alone. You may submit your stories by sending them either by e-mail or through the postal service to Sandy Siegel.

After 12 years, I had a dream that I should write to all those with TM. Initially, when I was a paraplegic, and everyone gave up my future with walking, I would dream of such on a nightly basis. I have been blessed with a fair recovery, and I can walk. I will take what I have left as a gift. I wrote this poem with all of you in mind and send it to you with all due respect and my deepest admiration and future of possible betterment and healing.

Sleep-walker

Come with me into my dream, what is it that you'll see?
Would you see a wheelchair, or would you run with me?
You joined into my nightly dream it was then you realized,
we are both the same inside, but I am paralyzed.
In dreams we think of running on a warm and sandy beach,
setting goals of walking that we never seem to reach.
Daughter's wedding, promises made,
to walk her down the aisle,
this I can accomplish but it will take a while.
Waking up each morning the dream still in my head,
but here I am to face again, the chair, and then to bed.
Eventually the dream came true, and God showed me his grace,
I am now without a wheelchair, a trade for cane and brace.
I travel where I want to go, I stand then set my pace,
not too far nor fleet of foot I will never win a race.
The dream that inspired me each night, and filled my twilight thought,
came true for me eventually because each day I fought.

The dream I wrote above is true,
I pray tonight that next its you!

From Rick Harmon (Rickjetts[AT SIGN]aol.com) to all of my TM family