 |
 |
On Thu, 15 May 1997 18:43:52 -0700 Michael Claeys wrote: >Mrs. Flinterman, > >It appears my worst fears have been realized, and my response to you has >generated yet another round of discussion. In retrospect I regret my >decision to post it to the list. I would have allowed you to quote me >of course, but I'm sure your selected quotes would not have had the >affect the entire message has had. > >I am not so concerned about Mr. Chapman's comments as I am with the >observation of Ivan Suzman, who seems to feel very strongly that I >treated you in an arrogant manner. I am particularly dismayed as I have >been communicating with Ivan since my earliest days on the job, some 15 >months ago. > >I assure you that I meant no disrespect, and I apologize if I came off >as arrogant or rude. > >I have come to this community from the outside in that I know of no >cases of Parkinson's in my family. Dealing everyday with people >suffering with the disease or caring for other who have it has taught me >a great deal. I have gained a tremendous respect for people who live >with Parkinson's either in themselves or their loved ones. I have also >learned that those people demand to be dealt with honestly and directly >-- there simply isn't time for any other way. I would hope, however, >that I never let my attempt to do the latter interfere with my clear >expression of the former. > >By her example, Joan Samuelson has taught me that respect and honesty >are integral parts of both professionalism and compassion. If I have >failed to show proper respect, I encourage you to contact Joan directly >(800-850-4726) and express any concerns you may have. > >Again, I apologize for any impropriety in my communications, and for >causing this lastest distracting uproar. >Sincerely, >Michael Claeys >Community Outreach Coordinator >Parkinson's Action Network >800-850-4726 Dear Listfriends-- I hope that the apology from Michael, which I have accepted will end the discussion of this matter here. I did not take his remarks so much as a personal attack, as some seem to have felt, but as a hasty response from someone who is pretty stressed by the job at hand--and don't we PWPs and CGs know what stress can do to us? :-) As I told Michael, the positive fallout has been that we are more aware of the degree of cooperation among the various groups re: Udall, and the potential for using this as a model for greater future cooperation, which we all know is needed in the long run. I'm a big fan of the folks at PAN, and glad they are with us in the struggle to pass Udall...LET'S DO IT! Camilla Flintermann, CG for Peter, 78/7, Oxford,Ohio [log in to unmask] * * * * * * * * * * * * * * "Ask me about the CARE list for PD caregivers!" * * * * * * * * * * * * * *