What? No elevator? I have to WALK up three flights? Some folks would pay a king’s ransom to do just that.
Our very own Stephanie Lilly, who has lived with Multiple Sclerosis for thirty-five years would, I am quite sure, be delighted to walk up any number of stairs. She faced that dilemma while sitting in her heavy electric wheelchair at our Centennial Celebrations in 2007.
The first act of bravery was in deciding to go into uncharted territory, all alone. Once there, would there be anyone to help? Would classmates recognise her? How would she get to the basement gym (the old girl’s gym)?
Picture this: the chair was too heavy for the indoor stair lift; there was no ramp at the service door – the only other door leading to the elevator. A distress call went out; enter several sets of masculine muscles, one piece of 2×4 and the will to make a dream come true.
Stephanie’s chair was man-handled through the doorway and she was deftly spirited away to the awaiting elevator.
Here comes the next brave bit. Imagine being squeezed and jostled into a tiny elevator that ‘says’ it will take the weight of the chair and being all alone when the door closes on the suspended box. See yourself inching up between the floors as the elevator groans and creaks. Imagine the relief when the elevator stops on command, the door opens and within minutes you are surrounded by old and loving friends.
Watch as a plan slowly comes together and tears threaten to give you away. Rejoice as teacher (Don Barnes) and student reconnect; every bit as moving as watching ‘Mr. Chips’ for the first time. THIS is the stuff of courage and of making life happen. Our Stephanie has written a book that promises to be a summer read you’ll always remember.
Conquering the Mountain: My approach to Staying Positive
![[product thumbnail]](http://static.lulu.com/product/item/conquering-the-mountain-my-approach-to-staying-positive/2519130/thumbnail/320)
http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/todays-paper/Bestsellers/2732557/story.html
http://www.westislandgazette.com/event/13526
Congratulations MHSAA! A special commendation for Viv Chandler Bruce for all the work she gives for the pleasure of others. You are a 0ne-of-a-Kind trouper, Viv!
Stephanie Lilly’s splendid achievement will be multiplied many times by this endordsement of her work, artistic as well as literary. She is an inspiration to everyone.
Thank you Macdonald High School. You’re still Number One!