Our conversation with Jan Lipes

Jan Lipes is a cool grandpa. Forty years ago, Jan was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). As an Emergency Room doctor, Jan was faced with a number of constraints AND opportunities in his professional and personal life.

I first learned about Jan when he wrote an article for our good friend Ted Page’s blog, Good Grandpa. In that article, Jan asked, Can an ill Grandpa be a Good Grandpa? Well, I was inspired to reach out to Jan and ask him if we could discuss this topic for my podcast, and thankful that he accepted the invitation.

During our conversation, you will learn about Jan’s experience with having his first episode with MS in 1979 and the diagnosis of MS in 1983. We will also learn how Jan is not only a disabled grandfather but is also challenged to visit his adult children and grandchildren in person.

Jan tells us a fascinating story about a night with the fireflies and how that evening helped clarify priorities in his life. Jan has great insight into how we can all use a positive mindset when it comes to us slowing down and even dealing with disabilities. While each person will work through disabilities differently, looking at what you can do vs. what you can’t do helps you accept what you can do.

Once you have listened to this conversation, please share it with three friends who would enjoy learning more about Jan and the important role that grandfathers play in the lives of their families.

Links

Click HERE to check out Jan’s paintings and artwork.

Jan’s article, “Can an ill Grandpa be a Good Grandpa?” on the Good Grandpa Blog, can be accessed by clicking this link: https://goodgrandpa.com/2023/03/can-an-ill-grandpa-be-a-good-grandpa/