An uplifting little story...
Recently, I wrote about our need for a new family vehicle coming to a head. If you missed that post, you can find it here: Wheels.
Amanda was recently contacted by a dear friend she's known since her days as a student at the University of Virginia, Katie. In response to news of our new van, Katie has taken it upon herself to raise funds to help offset the cost of the van.
It's a totally unexpected and wonderfully sweet gesture. Please follow Katie's effort here: http://www.gofundme.com/42kw7w
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Little Helper
Louise is two years old. Her vocabulary seems to expand every hour, and her level of understanding and comprehension constantly astounds me. The bad news for Louise is that such obvious brain power makes it easy for Amanda and I to call her bluff on some pitiful tantrums. The tantrums are few and far between, but they happen.
I've written before about the emotions I feel when it comes to the prospect of telling the girls exactly what's wrong with me. That doesn't even include the anxiety of exactly how I should explain it.
That's where the girls' aforementioned understanding has been particularly helpful.
Louise, having observed Amanda, now tries to help me stand up, get dressed, drink, and take my medicine.
A clever girl.
I've written before about the emotions I feel when it comes to the prospect of telling the girls exactly what's wrong with me. That doesn't even include the anxiety of exactly how I should explain it.
That's where the girls' aforementioned understanding has been particularly helpful.
Louise, having observed Amanda, now tries to help me stand up, get dressed, drink, and take my medicine.
A clever girl.
Friday, August 23, 2013
Wheels
We took delivery of an new mini-van today.
Amanda's older van was showing its age, and we really needed to get something better. In another instance of having to project how my symptoms will progress, we decided that a wheelchair accessible van was the sensible choice.
We began doing research a few months ago, and gradually became acquainted with the makes of van that are typically used, and the various seating arrangements that are used.
Our van is a used Toyota Sienna, with a side door ramp conversion by Braun Mobility. The side door conversion means that the middle row has been removed, but the back row remains. The missing row gives flexibility with where the wheelchair can be located while the back row provides ample room for Cora and Louise.
The van, as you can see, looks like a regular van. In truth, the van has undergone an extensive refit. The entire floor was removed, and a lowered considerably. The suspension has been beefed up, and a feature has been added to allow the side of the van can lower and make the ramp incline at a manageable angle.
I wasn't looking forward to telling Cora about the van. How would I explain the ramp?
As it happens, Amanda and the girls picked me up from VMI after practice. Cora caught players as they were leaving the field, and proceeded to show off the van and the ramp to everyone!
Cora saves the day.
A lot of people deserve our thanks for helping to make this possible; thank you.
Amanda's older van was showing its age, and we really needed to get something better. In another instance of having to project how my symptoms will progress, we decided that a wheelchair accessible van was the sensible choice.
We began doing research a few months ago, and gradually became acquainted with the makes of van that are typically used, and the various seating arrangements that are used.
Our van is a used Toyota Sienna, with a side door ramp conversion by Braun Mobility. The side door conversion means that the middle row has been removed, but the back row remains. The missing row gives flexibility with where the wheelchair can be located while the back row provides ample room for Cora and Louise.
The van, as you can see, looks like a regular van. In truth, the van has undergone an extensive refit. The entire floor was removed, and a lowered considerably. The suspension has been beefed up, and a feature has been added to allow the side of the van can lower and make the ramp incline at a manageable angle.
I wasn't looking forward to telling Cora about the van. How would I explain the ramp?
As it happens, Amanda and the girls picked me up from VMI after practice. Cora caught players as they were leaving the field, and proceeded to show off the van and the ramp to everyone!
Cora saves the day.
A lot of people deserve our thanks for helping to make this possible; thank you.
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Tongue Tied
I don't know that I ever thought I'd lose my voice.
As things are going, it will be a toss-up between my speech and my mobility as to which ability I'll lose first.
In an emotional twist I honestly didn't see coming, my potential loss of speech is suddenly weighing heavily on my mind. I suppose the loss of mobility has been so prominent in my mind for so long that I almost forgot about my speech.
Amanda is quick to remind me that theres a difference between losing the ability to speak, and losing your voice. I really wanted to argue this point, but I think Amanda's right. Just don't tell her I said that.
As things are going, it will be a toss-up between my speech and my mobility as to which ability I'll lose first.
In an emotional twist I honestly didn't see coming, my potential loss of speech is suddenly weighing heavily on my mind. I suppose the loss of mobility has been so prominent in my mind for so long that I almost forgot about my speech.
Amanda is quick to remind me that theres a difference between losing the ability to speak, and losing your voice. I really wanted to argue this point, but I think Amanda's right. Just don't tell her I said that.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)