Interview with Author Alain Luc Paradis

Josh Gale interviewed Alain Luc Paradis

By Josh Gale
I have recently read The Very Able Quadriplegic in 140C (available at www.heritagezoo.com) by Alain Luc Paradis and was given the opportunity to interview the man behind the words. The book is a 140-page masterpiece of non-fiction. It tells the motivational and inspirational true story of Alain’s diagnosis of MS and the challenges that he has faced over the last 50 years. Also included are some childhood memories, anecdotes, his experiences with bogus parking tickets and weasel-like financial assistants, as well as his views on religion/atheism and dealing with death. It is deeply emotional, moving, uplifting, witty and humorous, all at the same time.
To quote the ex-computer consultant, “There is no use crying over spilt milk. I roll with the punches.” I think I speak perhaps for all readers when I say his optimism is enviable. He also says that his more difficult experiences helped him become a stronger person. “I imagine that I would be much less well prepared for impending adversity,” he said when questioned about his earlier familiarities. He is a self-motivated individual and accepts full responsibility for who he is. “I guess I was always an independent self-starter.”
His friends and family have obviously supported and encouraged Alain, and in some way or another influenced his attitude. “My siblings are all vehemently self-sufficient. I guess we get it from my father,” Alain explained. He also points out that, “I don’t believe I modelled myself based on others.”
Alain’s run ins with bogus parking tickets have had only a minimal, if any, effect on how he views law enforcement. When asked about this he responded; “…no more than anyone. Cops are just as lazy as the general public.” ‘Unpleasant’ is the only way to describe his experiences with financial planners. He had difficulties with one such individual, who remains nameless through the duration of the book and is referred to only as Weasel Skunk. Amazingly enough this did not affect his ability to trust other human beings in the slightest. “I trust people as much as I ever did, however that is the last time I sign anything without reading it first,” he said in answer to a question regarding a financial battle/ loophole involving a contract which was signed under false pretences.
Alain has a unique and refreshing perspective on religion and atheism that truly demonstrates his sense of humour and speaks to his strength of character. I found it surprising to know that someone who has endured what he has does not see any logic in religion, and yet this doesn’t seem to affect most people. “I don’t announce it to anyone unless queried. No one except my father tends to care much.” He also emphasizes the fact that he and his father “agree to disagree.” His father, though, has tried to convert him on several occasions but… Alain sticks to his guns!
In the 1980s, Alan worked as a computer programmer and consultant. I wondered how he got into this field of work. “I have always loved problem solving and my score on the CATB (Computer Aptitude Test Battery) was favourable,” he says. I was also curious as to what other career paths he might have followed under different circumstances. “Anything to do with animals (preferably veterinarian) or anything to do with computers.” The author also states that his childhood had nothing to do with his decision to get into this field of work.
He spent some time after diagnosis in Lyndhurst hospital but currently resides at Hallowell House. When confronted with a question pertaining to the service he received at these two institutions he had this to say: “Apples and oranges. The staffs at both are equally as wonderful however they have different mandates.” You might think that the amount of pain he has suffered would be hard to deal with, wouldn’t you? Alain Luc Paradis takes it all in stride, saying; “the pain is simply required.”
In conclusion, I rate this book five out of five stars. If you are a fan of medical stories, comedy, philosophy or good reading do yourself a favour and get your hands on a copy of The Very Able Quadriplegic in 140C!

Josh Gale
Josh Gale is a 21-year-old member of the editorial board for the Pembroke Daily Observer. He currently resides in Eganville Ontario. He is legally blind and is a former student of lian goodall and was awarded a certificate of successful completion of her course in publishing and children’s literature. He has always had a passion for reading and writing, and is currently working on a horror novel.
Josh is employed at the Community Resource Centre of Killaloe writing scripts to help raise awareness of community issues.