People with disabilities are mistaken for many things, drunkeness is one of them. The great Island poet Milton Acorn suffered both from a war time disability and diabetes. He could often be seen walking poorly down Richmond Street as though drunk. He was merely walking in pain the best he could.
The Journal Pioneer
Editor,
On Thursday, July 31, we received a call from the Summerside police services about my boyfriend “staggering” at a local shopping centre parking lot with a young boy, his son, aged 11.
About a year and a half ago he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and has had his whole life thrown into upheaval. He hasn’t been able to work, can’t play ball or jump on the trampoline with his two sons and has trouble walking anywhere due to the balance issues. The only time he feels like a normal person is when he’s sitting behind the wheel because a balance issue is no longer an issue.
Recalling the incident where a concerned citizen put a nasty note on a car in a handicapped parking spot, only to insult another MS patient, I feel it is only prudent to remind people that not everyone drinks and drives.
Yes, we all need to be vigilant to stop drinking and driving. I am a bartender of 20 years, off and on, and have the responsible beverage program as well as the server intervention program so I know as well as the next person how important vigilance is. May I remind you to please use a little sensitivity when you decide to phone the police. We are law-abiding citizens who are going through a rough time and a rough illness and we are so tired of being reminded of this by an unnecessary call from the police.
My boyfriend is a very sociable and nice man. Ask him first or mind your own business. Thank you.
Kim Skiffington and Kevin Baglole
Connor, 11, and Carter, 10
Leave a Reply