Bernard needs a new back…. or some new parts anyway. 

This blog documents our life, thoughts and experiences as we try to receive modern, compassionate, appropriate help for his injuries.

We intend to give insight into the challenges of living with a back injury such as this and to share our hard earned knowledge about what services and assistance are available.  We want to start a discussion about modern health care and the complicated political and social issues that surround someone who is injured.  As well, we hope that this blog will be a vehicle for finding the people and getting the help that we need.  

Bernard has a degree in Biology and German and has a passion for history, gardening, cheese and self preservation.

Bernard’s injury first occurred 19 years ago, during a very active and fit time in his life.  Despite his trying to stay healthy and taking the advice of sports injury therapists in performing daily stretching and exercise, the injury has now progressed to the point where he can no longer sit and can only stand or walk for a few minutes daily.

Though suffering an enforced period of physical inactivity, Bernard keeps very mentally active, using this challenging period as an opportunity to study and learn.  Some particular interests of his are plant propagation and breeding, and food security issues.

Nkole studied yoga for ten years and operated a small business in Calgary for 6.  Now she’s working close to home and caring for Bernard.  Currently she is learning Dutch, photography, how to fill out long government forms, and the art of cautious optimism.

Bernard and Nkole live in the Kootenays, in southern British Columbia, Canada.