The Katz-Moses Woodworkers with Disabilities Fund Newsletter
- AJ Dellamano
- Sep 26, 2024
- 3 min read
September 26, 2024
I reached out to the KMWDF a few weeks ago to ask what I can do to help. I was asked if I would write an article about myself and the battle I face as a woodworker with MS. This is my article. It was sent out in an email so I can't share a link so I just copied it to my blog. You can sign up to receive these newsletters and see how you can help with the charity too.
I am a disabled woodworker. But am I? It is the category I am put into.
I am not sure that we (disabled people) need a box. But I do think we need out of that box! I may be “disabled” but you wouldn’t know it by seeing me. I have Multiple Sclerosis. Every day is a new day. I’ve had days where I couldn’t get out of bed to take my son to school. I have had days where I have biked 20 miles and walked another 2.
Yes, I am disabled, but I am able.
I don’t consider myself a woodworker. I consider myself more of a wood artist
simply because I don’t build furniture, and straight lines are my nemesis!
What do I do? I love the free form of the carve, designing work in Lightburn, dreaming of new creations and finding ways to come up with ideas when others have none, discovering unique grains and how to give them life, using unusable pieces and creating something that’s truly one of a kind. I love the challenges, and I love the turning of gears!
How do I do it day in a day out? Sometimes I don’t. Sometimes my brain doesn’t pull it together. Some days I am so overwhelmed that I have to walk away. And luckily as of now, I can walk away.
Having MS presents challenges unseen by others, and sometimes changing daily. Some of my biggest hurdles are the mental side like sorting out and organizing all the things in my head as some days everything feels like a mash up of everything. Then there is the pain every day. The muscle spasms I combat. Figuring out how to battle every new thing that this disease throws my way. All the while always learning new things in the woodworking world and the challenges that it faces as well. And being a mom. It’s a lot.
Some days I just have to stop. Work through what I can. Take breaks. The chiropractor is truly my friend! I worked for years in the heat as a landscaper and now, I can’t get through it. The heat will take me down faster than a punch in the face. Luckily, the shop received a window unit this summer so I can work in all seasons! It’s all a battle. But I am capable.
I am learning every day. Not just my work, but how to manage myself, how to get over the new hurdles after just jumping the one before. Some days its mind over matter, some days its go time and some days it just simply a no go. And allowing myself to be ok with it is just one more hurdle to jump. It’s ok. Not every day is going to be our day. And that’s ok! Really!! It’s OK!!
Finding balance. Accepting that not every day is a win. And taking it in stride is crucial to keep going! So, keep going even if it’s not today!
The one thing that I really feel helps me is to seriously lean into what I want to do, to delve into one thing and just push that to finish. I don’t think there is anything better than going from an idea in my head to seeing that all come to life.
- AJ Dellamano
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