Welcome to Meander Again... while I'm on break, I'm reposting past episodes that are timely, have resonated for people, and show lives of joy. This week we'll talk with Stephanie Helmerson, another beautiful human who faces adversity with grace and good humour. This episode was first posted in February 2022.
There are people in my life who drop in and out occasionally through time. Stephanie is one of them for me. Each time we meet up, it’s a gem of a conversation, and such is the case with this meander. I’ve known Steph for 20 odd years and while we don’t live nearby each other, nor do we talk often, I always appreciate when we do.
Steph lives with MS. Diagnosed at 26, she’s lived with the arbitrary unfairness of this disease almost all of her adult life. It shortened her nursing career before she hit her stride, and has occasionally limited her physical independence. And yet she has never let it slow her down or stop her from asking “what’s my part? How can I help?” and then digging in. She’s been a foster parent of wee babies and young children, and now fosters puppies, snatched from the hands of uncaring owners. She continues to provide a soft landing for innocents, and a warm understanding of the human condition.
She’s got a great sense of fun, and an infectious laugh. She loves Comiccon and goes in costume every year! I hope you enjoy this meander with my friend Steph, who is really just a wonderful human being.
Ralph Waldo Emmerson’s poem “Success” and on meaning of living a successful life