Anniversary Illness Week

It has been a week of celebration, illness, and busyness all wrapped into one. If someone says quadriplegics don't do much and just play games, they haven't seen this quad life.

Last week's congestion issues continued all week. The frequent coughing, congestion, and suctioning was getting annoying, so I went to see my GP. As I sat in his office with a nose that made noise every breathe, I reported what had been happening. The general practitioner agreed I had sinus infection, but said he normally waits two weeks to see if it clears on its own. For me though, he prescribed an antibiotic with instructions to wait one more day to fill it. Even though my caregiver and I could hear junk in my lungs, he thought they sounded great. I left wondering if the doctor needed a hearing check.

Tuesday night was spent like the previous four with much difficulty breathing and moving nearly every which way to clear my nose and lungs. Wednesday morning, I promptly called the pharmacy and gladly started the new medication. As I write this Saturday night, I have suctioned four times and am still struggling with lungs, but nose not as bad. I slept well Thursday and Friday night also, so at least have some improvement.

Also this week, my parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. In year's passed, they imagined taking a special trip to mark the occasion and spend several days away. Unfortunately, the trip was only able to be two nights and three days. Many other couples have gone to Alaska, Hawaii, or other destinations, but we didn't have enough hours, or people, to cover more time. I felt bad they couldn't do more, but I'm thankful for all the years God has given my parents and hope they'll be able to do more sometime.

The end of every month is also a busy time for web work. I do regular maintenance on my client's websites and provide reports of what I did as well as visitor statistics. Over the last few months, I have, or will be, losing a few clients. However, some new ones have started as well and have pretty much stayed even. With not feeling great and regular quad life needs, it was a challenge to get all sites updated by the end of the month as well as invoices sent out and new virtual paperwork made for May. I just finished Saturday afternoon, but still need to approve my caregiver's hours from April and prepare for May.

This week, I'm scheduled to speak at a school and then have three days of volunteering at an outreach event. I am praying my lungs improve without further assistance, but I am starting to consider how I could reschedule anything. With the school year nearing the end though, I don't see it happening.

Even in all the busyness, I'm thankful I am able to be active. God has allowed me to have loving parents and caregivers that accommodate my various projects. In a few more weeks though, I do look forward to a slight slow down, at least with outings.

Adjustments

It's another week and time for another update. I have been sitting in front of my computer contemplating what what to write as it has been a fairly calm week. However, that doesn't mean nothing happened.

In January, I was notified that my request to continue with my caregiver hours was denied. The decision was asked to be reconsidered, and I have been waiting to hear since February. On Monday, my case manager called to say the hours had been approved, but only for six months. The six months that were approved are January-June. This is the end of April.

Unless I missed something, time travel is still not a thing. Therefore, we can't go back to January-March to increase hours. April's time had to be approved in late March and can't be changed either. That means the approved six months is actually just two. Yet again, more meetings and decisions will be coming.

I also decided to do a small medication experiment this week. Every morning, I take an allergy med that should last 24 hours. About 1.5-2 hours after I take it, I have a hard time staying awake. I therefore thought it may be better to take it at night with my sleep meds instead.

Wednesday and Thursday went by without much noticeable change. Friday morning was also fine, but then I started getting congested. I ended up getting suctioned five times in about six hours along with an extra chest treatment.

In order to keep junk from settling in my lungs, I get turned from side to side as needed. Sara, my daytime caregiver, had a busy day of rolling, repositioning, and keeping me able to breathe. As discomfort in my lungs continued, I started to wonder if I would be visiting the ER.

Thankfully, it started to improve toward evening. Dad did not need to suction, but still had to roll me a few times. Friday night also went pretty well, but Saturday morning had a stuffy nose and slightly sore lungs again.

I was last tested for allergies over 20 years ago and just take the medication as precaution. With this week's testing, I'm wondering if I need it more than I thought. Even though it says it's a full day, it doesn't appear to work as advertised. 

As I'm writing, I'm formulating a plan to get back to the regular time without missing a dose. Sometimes, trying to make a small change to improve the day ends up doing the opposite. Friday's reaction may have been completely unrelated to the medication change, but it's extremely unusual for me. Such is the quad life. I look forward to one more week at home before one with almost daily outings. 

Tax Season

In the US, April 15 is when annual income taxes are due. For the last several weeks, I have been seeing advertising for tax prep and filing services from various providers. Of course, most people do anything they can to avoid paying taxes, or at least as little as possible.

Taxes are not anything new and have been in place for over 2,000 years. Jesus was asked if it was appropriate to pay tax to Caesar and responded in Mark 12 and Luke 20. Paul also wrote in Romans 13:6-7 "For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor."

Christians, following Jesus' teaching, should pay what is due. Taxes are what pay for the majority of government services we receive. Roads, police, Medicaid, Medicare, armed forces, and many more. However, there can be a limit for what people are willing to pay and provide.

Last fall, New York City elected a new mayor who openly campaigned to run the city in a communist fashion. Citizens would receive free housing, child care, bus transportation, and other services through taxing the wealthy. Despite many warnings from around the country, he was elected.

As taxes quickly increased, many of the higher income brackets left the city. The income threshold for "wealthy" was lowered dramatically making it very difficult for law abiding residents to meet basic needs. The promised free services are also very behind on budget and unable to operate. Just as predicted, over taxation does not work and only makes living conditions worse.

I'm not sure what all was covered by taxes in Jesus time on earth, but I believe Roman soldiers were part of it. Since they often oppressed Jews and many others, I'm guessing paying taxes was similar to paying to help persecution. Unlike New Yorkers though, those living in Israel could not as easily pack up and move somewhere with better political leaders.

For the first time in over 20 years, I also paid taxes from 2025. I had conflicting information from different accountants, but it was decided I owed some to the government. On April 14, the final day before everything was due, I signed multiple documents and got everything in the mail.

As another week, and tax season, begins, let us remember what was said in Romans. Give custom, fear, honor, and even tax, to whom it is due. This is God's command and how we should live each day. 

First Visit in 54 Years

In 1972, Apollo 17 was the last manned mission to the moon. The goal to beat the Russians to the moon had been achieved and interest, and funding, dwindled. Since then, human space travel has been limited to low earth orbit and the international space station.

My interest in space is mild compared to some, but I do like the science related to space exploration and how the "heavens declare the glory of God." On April 1, 2026, the Artemis II spacecraft launched with four crew members aboard. The goal of the 9.5 day mission was to go around the far side of the moon and test the various systems of the rocket and capsule. In the process, the astronauts would also travel further from earth than any previous mission.

During the mission, I have been catching various live coverage as well as highlight videos as the four neared the moon. One of the new systems aboard the spacecraft was a bathroom with a more regular toilet. It had a few problems and became one of the top stories about the entire mission. A local plumbing and heating company posted a message saying they were ready to answer the repair call.

Monday, April 6, was the day the craft flew behind the moon. Both astronauts and commentators were running out of words to describe the beauty and sights they were seeing. The views of earth, moon, and solar eclipse were all unique experiences that very few people have seen and the world hasn't done for over half a century. I enjoyed seeing all the pictures that were sent back and finally watching the splashdown live Friday evening during supper.

Since the last moon missions, a group of conspiracy theorists have claimed the earth is actually flat, we've never been to the moon, and anyone claiming the earth is a globe or we've been in space is lying. I saw some comments from them trying to say how videos were fake, just in a studio somewhere, and various other such denials. Many in this group also say the Bible supports their theory, while citing passages out of context. It is sad that they miss out on part of God's glory.

Traveling 252,756 miles from earth is a long distance, but it's nothing when compared to the vastness of space. The sun is about 93 million miles from earth with light taking eight minutes to travel the distance. The nearest stars and galaxies are trillions of miles from earth requiring a distance measurement of a light year, the distance light can travel in a year.

In Scripture we read that God created the stars and knows them all by name. We now know their are billions of galaxies that include billions of stars each. Trying to wrap our mind around such vastness is nearly impossible, but it all points to the awesome power of God who has made all this, but still calls us His sons and daughters.

Some question the reason for space travel and if it's worth the effort and expense. Some new technologies have developed from it that help in different aspects. However, I keep in mind the command given to explore creation and subdue it. The more we see, the more awe we can contribute to God and the abilities He has given us. That is what I choose to do and why I keep at least partial interest in space. I hope you will do the same. 

Do We Recall History

A few days ago, I read Judges 11 as part of my morning reading. In part of the chapter Jephthah debates with a king who was fighting against Israel. He detailed Israel's history of conquering the land in question and even recounted dialogue that took place 300 years earlier.

This year celebrates America's 250th year as an independent country. Can any of my readers recall history from from the 50 years prior to this country's independence? I'm certain that such history is available and some people can likely recount some of it, but it is not common.

We are also living in a time when history is being questioned by many and if it can be trusted. Looking at everyday life, it's easy to find one-sided reporting from news media that spins current event in a particular viewpoint. After a few years, or decades, have passed from some milestone and memories begin to fade, biased reporting can have a lasting impact. This is heard particularly when citing even older history, like 2,000 years ago.

Today is Easter Sunday, it is when millions of Christians around the world celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This event is one that separates Christianity from the other religions of the world. Islam, Buddhism, and other great religious faiths have leaders that have died and never went further. Jesus' death and resurrection paid the fine for our sins so that we may have eternal life with Him if we repent from sin and trust in Christ alone.

However, many today so you cannot trust the Bible and the history it records. Skeptic argue it was written by men well after the events occurred and negates any prophecy. Looking at the four gospels, some also try to say they copied each other in parts and give conflicting information to events that are irreconcilable.

Well, let's look at a few pieces of evidence. First, many of the eyewitnesses were alive when the first books the New Testament were written. Therefore, they could easily correct any errors in the records and refute false information. We also see a great change in Jewish lifestyle.

Centuries of animal sacrifice suddenly stopped and the new religion of Christianity quickly spread despite severe persecution. All but one of the apostles were martyred for their faith and never gave up their testimony. Would that many people be killed for following a known lie?

Testimonies outside of Scripture, such as from Josephus, Tacitus, and Plimy the Younger, recount the happenings around Easter. It is such a well documented event from different sources, that few try to say it didn't happen.

Through recorded resources, eyewitness testimonies, and more, we can be certain of the death and resurrection of Christ. As we go forward from this day, let us remember Scripture's reliability and use it to spread the good news of forgiveness.

Two Great Days

With spring a week old, my schedule started this week with two day's of outings in a row. Thankfully, both went very well.

Thursday was my first doctor's appointment for 2026 and the first with my new chair. I have seen the same dermatologist for over 25 years and highly recommend him to anyone who asks. However, he was having shoulder trouble the last two times I saw him and we utilized his gaggle of nurses to help transfer me from my chair to the exam table in order to see my skin problems.

As two nurses and my caregiver strategized my transfer, the doctor joined the growing crowd and said he could help. After noting my new chair, he got under my arms to help with a coordinated transfer with the team. This is when my chair's back support was noted. Unlike the soft, pliable, support of my previous chair, this one is solid and requires me to be lifted over it instead of the support giving way.

With some extra muscle power, I was soon laying flat, and in one piece, as the team dispersed and my lower half became exposed. The doctor said this was the best he had seen my pressure area look in a very long time and was very pleased with it. My new chair may have it's annoyances, but it does keep me a little straighter and has less pressure on my seat cushion. All this has resulted in the doctor saying I have a good looking rump. The same team reassembled and soon had me back in my chair.

While in the Des Moines area, I again went to the chair company and had the electronics adjusted. My top speed was set to 60% of maximum, but was soon changed to 100%. While he was at it, I also had the technician add 5% speed to the other three modes so I can hopefully be better matched to people I "walk" with.

Friday morning was my first grade school visit of the year. Teachers say the kids look forward to my visit, but I almost think I enjoy it as much as them. The first talk of the year always feels like I'm dusting off the cobwebs and trying to recall the same basic presentation I've done for 21 years.

I reviewed in my head as we drove 30 minutes east and I was soon in an empty room as students were at recess. As soon as they came to the classroom door, just seeing my caregiver and I, two boys formed a barrier and wouldn't let classmates enter. I tried to assure them we were friendly folk, but they waited until the teacher arrived. Soon enough, they came in, tore off footwear as instructed, and were ready to listen.

My reviewed lines went well and came back to my memory. Thankfully, the class wasn't too boisterous, but also had some energy and did ask regular questions. Mouth, and foot, writing were a hit, but not something they wanted to repeat. To finish the morning, we got a group photo with kids surrounding the guy they originally weren't sure about.

This week ahead has another school visit with more to come later. Living the quad life can have challenges in multiple ways, but I'm thankful for the fun times and good reports as well.

Just be Happy?

Earlier this week, I started messaging with a fellow quadriplegic friend. Gary and I have known each other for several years and both live in Iowa, but rarely talk as we have different interests. This week, however, he and I have been discussing various topics. One thread of conversation touched briefly on theology, as I tend to try to direct things. Gary says he is a Christian, but that Jesus just wants us to be happy and that we don't need to follow the Bible very closely.

I could go on for several entries on these issues, but I'll try expounding on the first point somewhat briefly. Does Jesus just want everybody to be happy?

First, what makes a person happy? A state of happiness can vary from one person to the next and even depends on the day and time. However, some may be happy taking money, or possessions, that do not belong to them. The individual may think they deserve more than what they get paid, the government doesn't need full tax payments, etc. This situation breaks the eighth commandment not steal and also breaks state and federal laws. Making yourself happy may end up with large fines, jail time, or both.

Another area that makes some people happy is to view pornographic material, cheat on one's spouse, or feed attractions to your same gender. This area of pleasure breaks the seventh command and can also lead to divorce, many family problems, and even a number of physical diseases. The joy may last momentarily, but consequences of pain and heartache can last a lifetime, or more.

There are several situations that could be cited, but I think of Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gracious gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Sin may be pleasurable for a season, but it brings forth death and eternity in hell, as Revelation 21:8 describes. Therefore, Jesus did not say to just be happy, He in fact had to die on the cross to forgive us sins that may have caused pleasure.

As a Christian, true pleasure and happiness comes when we follow God's will as revealed through His Word. Everything in this life, both the good and bad, is temporary. For all who repent of sin and trust in Jesus alone for salvation have eternal life.

Living eternally with God in the new heaven and earth has far more happiness than anything we can experience now. The curse of sin will be gone and their will be no more death, pain, or tears. Broken bodies will be made new and fully restored in the blink of an eye. If you're living for happiness and your best life now, then it may turn into eternal pain, suffering, and many terrors in hell.

With Easter soon upon us, let us not forget why Christ gave His life and conquered death. This is where those living the quad life, and everyone, will find true peace by trusting in Him.