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There's a painting in the Annable's living room of a TTC streetcar on a Toronto city street. "That's a very romantic picture for me," Joyce says. She explains that she and Raymond met on the Queen streetcar, he being the driver and she the passenger. Raymond worked for the TTC for 25 years, and the painting was presented to him as a gift by the TTC when he left. Unfortunately, Raymond didn't retire, he left because he had ALS.
Raymond was diagnosed in November 1992, on his 49th birthday. After contracting pneumonia in 1993, he had a tracheotomy and has been vented ever since. Many people discouraged Joyce and Raymond from the venting, but Joyce was determined to bring Raymond home. After a period of time in rehabilitation, Raymond came home in 1994 and has been home ever since.
Joyce has lots of tips for people living with ALS. Make sure they have slippery pants, it helps them slide better while transferring. Keep a notebook for the nurses to write the day's events in, it helps to track Raymond's care. Surround yourslef with people who love and support you - Joyce is grateful to her neighbours and church friends for the help.
Raymond communicates with his eyes now, looking to the left is "yes" and the right for "no". "He still runs the household!" Joyce laughs. "I'll be out shopping and call home. We have a headset for the phone, and the nurse puts it on him and I'll say, should I get this? And he'll tell the nurse, and she tells me."
Raymond's smile is his other method of communication. It's a charming smile - you can see what Joyce saw on that streetcar. Raymond has ALS, but he and Joyce have a living, breathing relationship. It is clear that they love each other as much now as they didi the day they were married. They are a shining example of truly living with ALS.
Raymond passed away December 10, 2007.