It's now over ten years since the diagnosis of the muscle robbing disease that has reduced my mobility so much. By and large, it has romped on unabated over the years speeding up, it appears, every Autumn at the time of the Equinox. At this time of year we are forced to speculate on the next thing that I will never be able to do again. Not so much in a morbid sort of way but in a way that forces us to prepare our lives for the changes that must occur.

Now, physically speaking, my legs and arms are practically useless and I can only eat, type and scratch my nose with the aid of home made arm supports. My pelvic and back muscles are very weak too, which causes me to be a bit unstable (I fall about in my chair occasionally, not necessarily with laughing that is). Swallowing is a bit of a problem too, often causing a bit of a log jam of food in the throat and, with increasing regularity, precious bits of food and drink try to escape down the windpipe.

Nevertheless, and in spite of the different tablets I have to take to stabilize things. I find myself happy and contented with my lot.

In reality, my life is fuller and richer than it has ever been. Every morning I wake up and wonder at the strange path of fate that bought me to this semi-paradise. I sometimes have to shake myself mentally as I look out across the brightly coloured carpet that is our small garden, to the panoramic beauty of the mountains.

There is no doubt in my mind that I gained about two years worth of limited mobility by our moving to this wonderful climate. Whether this translates into an extension of my life for two more years remains to be seen of course. What does contribute to a fuller span of years however, is the placid and healthy lifestyle. Fresh wholesome food, grown and sold locally by and large, fresh, unpolluted air and above all a tranquil and relaxed existence.

It's important to me, both for my sake and Pauline's and Tim's too, that I keep pushing us along in a positive and fulfilling way. It's essential, I think, to strive to achieve things whether you are fit or disabled. Something achieved each day, whether physically or creatively is an aim that should not be put aside. It represents the core of survival and personal satisfaction in my view, and for my part is my goal each day.

I'm not fearful of the future, although I worry about it for Pauline and Tim's sake. Standing by and watching someone you love struggling to survive and achieve things, must be soul destroying.

Maybe none of this would be the same without the love and companionship of my dear Pauline. She, in many ways, pulled out a short straw. She married me when I was fit and healthy and the successful head of the company that I worked for. It was only a few years later that my career and my health were, to all intents and purposes, in tatters.

Mainly due to her love and support that never once flagged, my resilience was sustained and strengthened. Finally all of our major problems and obstacles, that had seemed immense at the time, were surmounted.

Sure, there are times when the tears flow and the chin goes down. Certainly, at times the progress of my disease breaks both Pauline's heart and mine too. Always, is the lurking fear that something could happen that could bring my life to a close and our partnership to an end.

These thoughts and emotions that surface from time to time though, are soon soothed by the love that surrounds our lives. Our little chalet is a haven of peace and tranquillity at these times, and as we look round at what we have, we realise just what a fabulous life we have.

Like a long distance runner, each daily, weekly and monthly milestone is passed with a certain sense of relief and achievement. The ultimate end of the race is never far from my thoughts, but the prospect of "taking a breather" or "dropping out" never enters my head. There's too much to live for, too much to do, too much love around me to savour and too many people relying on me to "be around".

I am happy, living my life of love for my family and contentment with my existence. I am also fortunate to have, not only pleasant and helpful neighbours, but good friends too, both here and in England. I have my student children to brighten my days, my writing and computer paintings to stretch my creativity and my radio to talk to my friends, old and new, around the world.