Kyle’s Angels

CSIL, or Choice in Supports for Independent Living, isn't just a government of BC program; it's a lifeline. I am sure the other provinces have their own similar programs, well at least I certainly hope so. Through CSIL, eligible home support clients like me receive direct funding from our local health authorities, granting us the autonomy to handpick our own care workers and shape our support services according to our unique needs and preferences. It's like having a personalized support system tailored just for you, with you as the director of your own care journey.

Now, without further ado, let's meet the real stars of the show—my incredible care team:

Thanks to the funding I received through the program, I was able to hire my first care aide, Brittany, whom I affectionately dubbed as the star of "Naked and Afraid: Myrtle Lake Edition". We shared countless enjoyable moments together, whether it was strolling around Kelowna or exploring various coffee shops—Brittany happened to be the biggest coffee snob I'd ever encountered. One morning, as she was preparing breakfast, I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of caffeine on her demeanor. The disparity between her pre- and post-coffee voice was staggering; it was like witnessing a complete shift from night to day.

We don’t look too bad after 5 days in the bush!

Jeff, boasting the longest tenure of anyone in the arena, surprised me with his enduring tolerance for three years of my bullshit. Together, we embarked on numerous adventures, from catching my favorite comedian, Bill Burr, in Seattle and exploring Pike Place Markets, to the unforgettable "25th Birthday in Vegas" escapade. With a shared love for music, Jeff became my steadfast companion in all endeavors, including the mundane routines like hitting the gym. I recall a particular gym session where Jeff supported me as I attempted to navigate the weights section. Hindered by the absence of my usual chair and relegated to an old spare wheelchair, I relied on Jeff's assistance. However, his unexpected encouragement; “Use those arms, do it yourself Big Guy!” to navigate independently led to an unfortunate mishap. Struggling with the top-heavy spare chair, I tumbled backward onto what felt like a concrete floor, painfully realizing the significance of my injured back—Jeff was immediately remorseful, but hey Jeff, don't worry, everybody gets one.

Breanne, affectionately known as Bre, became a part of the evening shift team during Jeff's reign. Our acquaintance dated back years prior, having crossed paths at Agur Lake Campground near Summerland—an encounter referenced in "Campfire Stories". Back then, she had been the caregiver of a close friend, and our connection endured through the years. Whenever I sought to expand my team, Bre was my first choice. After several attempts, our schedules finally aligned, and she joined our ranks. Bre possessed an infectious sense of humor, reveling in pranks and jokes. On one occasion, she orchestrated a hilarious scheme involving my mom's celebrity crush, Keith Urban, replacing my dad's face in family photos with Keith's all throughout their house. Another time, she ingeniously swapped all the pictures in my room with pictures of her and her family, revealing her mischievous nature. At the time, being visually impaired, I only uncovered Bre's handiwork when another care worker inquired about the "very pretty girl" featured in the new array of photos, at the time I thought it was just the default frame pictures. When I told Bre about this all, she spilled the beans and explained how she was waiting for me to notice, but how was I to notice…because I’m Blind.

Bre’s not topless in this photo, so simmer down Y’all!

Introducing the legendary Hannah, whose tenure with me lasted just one year as she completed her fourth year of nursing school online. Determined to make the most of our time together, we embarked on a whirlwind of adventures. From attending concerts, reminiscent of our "Vancouvercation", to embarking on an epic 18-hour road trip to Desrochers Farms in Manitoba, we left no stone unturned. Meeting her wonderful family was a highlight, and they've since become an integral part of my life. Hannah even introduced me to the finer establishments of small-town Brandon, Manitoba, including a memorable visit to a strip club—truly the epitome of class. However, the pinnacle of our shared experiences was a full day of sit-skiing, an unexpected delight considering Manitoba's terrain. I was just as shocked as you are to hear that there is a ski hill in Manitoba. Hannah has since transitioned to hospital work, and anyone fortunate enough to be under her care would undoubtedly consider themselves blessed.

And so, here I find myself in the present moment, accompanied by Tora—well, at least I presume she's by my side; my blindness makes it hard to be certain. However, our upcoming plans are crystal clear: a week-long trip to Vancouver awaits, where we'll bask in the melodious tunes of Tim McGraw at his concert. Tora, brimming with anticipation, eagerly awaits indulging in Vancouver's culinary delights. Additionally, I'm thrilled to introduce her to Canuck Place, a significant part of my upbringing—an excursion detailed in "Canuck Place". What truly sets Tora apart is our seamless transition from engaging in thought-provoking discussions to embracing moments of pure silliness, marked by playful banter and lighthearted antics. It's this ability to effortlessly navigate between the serious and the absurd that I value most in our companionship.

In the end, the CSIL program isn't just about funding—it's about empowerment, camaraderie, and the freedom to build a care team that feels like family. To Brittany, Jeff, Breanne, Hannah, Tora, and every unsung hero in between, I raise my gloves in salute. Here's to the greatest friends a fighter could ask for—may our adventures together continue to pack a punch for years to come!

My Stiletto

Quickie: Dog-Sledding