Down Days

Iowa weather continues to be a roller coaster of variety. A week ago today, it was warm and pleasant weather. However, after more rain, the temps dropped again for the rest of the week. Tuesday through Friday had highs only in the mid to low 60's and lows in the 40's.

On Thursday, I had my monthly hair cut at a place I've been going for years. I ran a few errands, then arrived more than 15 minutes early to my appointment, which is highly unusual. My barber was with another client, so my caregiver and I waited up front.

Just above where I was sitting, a ceiling fan was running on a low speed. Even though I was wearing jeans and a long-sleeve shirt, the cold breeze got to me. I had my caregiver grab my coat, but it didn't help much. By the time my barber was ready, I felt like an ice cube and was absolutely miserable.

Thankfully, I left about 45 minutes after arriving and welcomed the slightly warmer outside air. Even the cloudy day with a temp around 60° felt warmer than inside. Unfortunately, the time under the fan had taken it's toll and even after extended time under blankets at home, my temp didn't even rebound up to 97°. 

Before the outing, I hadn't been feeling the greatest. However, it's getting more difficult to schedule hair appointments and I didn't want to cancel at the last minute. 

Friday was also spent warming and just not feeling great. Saturday was a little better, but still very tired and not feeling right. At church this morning, our pastor had a great message, at least what I heard. I had several times I found myself with eyes closed and head down when few others did! If I arrive early again and can only be under a fan, I think my caregiver and I will pop outside and wait by a nearby bench.

This weekend is also the time to reflect on the ultimate price some have paid to keep America's freedoms. As the country celebrates its 250th year, we cannot forget that freedom is never free. In some areas of the world, a simple thing like getting your hair cut isn't allowed. Quadriplegics, and other person's with disabilities, are often secluded from society in government run health facilities. They are given the absolute basic of care to maybe survive a few years, if even that long.

Thank you to families who remember their loved one who never came home. I greatly appreciate your sacrifices and will not forget them this week, or any other. 

First and Last Schools

The school year is coming to a close in many areas, but this week still had time for two more visits in very different venues.

Late Tuesday morning, I had my first college visit for the year. The class of seven Physical Therapy Assistant students were just two days away from graduation. I got to spend an hour with them and covered items related to spinal cord injuries and general tips for more complex needs.

Even with a small class, they asked good questions and seemed to be engaged in the discussion. I never know where the careers of these young people will take them, but I always hope I give some help. Two days after speaking with college students, I was in front of three classes of second graders.

My local Christian school runs a Spanish immersion program. Therefore, most grades have two sections of regular English instruction and one in Spanish. For the past few years, I have only had each section for 20 minutes. This made for concise visits, but I always felt like I was depriving the students from activities and learning. I requested 30-minute visits this year and it felt like it went much better, just more tiring on my part.

With the full-length time, kids were able to do both mouth and foot writing, briefly discuss other disabilities, and have time for questions. In the first class, one boy in the back of the room asked how they could best help someone with a disability. This eight-year-old asked something more thought provoking than the majority of college students I've had.

I answered that helping to open doors is a good start, but also just to see them like everyone else. If it's another child that has the disability, to play with and interact with them like any other kid, but be prepared to maybe do things differently.

In the last class, another boy was having trouble catching the concept of a spinal cord injury. I more carefully explained it being like a broken wire from your head to your legs. If it doesn't connect, no signal gets through. A few minutes later, he wondered why doctors just don't replace it. I guess my wire analogy was too literal, but just said that medical technology hasn't found a way to do that.

With that, my grade school visits are finished for the year. Not long after returning home, my caregiver and I lamented on it going too quickly. Yes, school visit days get busy, but they're a fun part of teaching the quad life and getting to spend time with kids. One girl asked if I had children and I gave my usual answer that I would like to, but don't. Instead, I just barrow a classroom full at a time.

The next few weeks look to be much calmer with only one note on my calendar for an appointment. Now it will be further concentration on web related work and starting to prep for a sermon in a few weeks. Maybe this fall I'll see if I can get to a few new grade schools so I don't go as long between school visits. Whatever comes, I'm thankful for God's care through it all. 

Thankful for Mom

It was another busy week in the quad life with four days of going out to serve the community.

Tuesday was another grade school visit, with this one in downtown Des Moines. It is an inner city school that I have been to for years, but it is always interesting. The students come from a mix of people groups, but learn as one. These kids also tend to be much more energetic than my other schools, but I have learned how to keep on top of enthusiasm and what to expect.

The last three days have been the annual tulip festival in town with volunteering at a gospel outreach group. A few weeks ago, I made a special request to my church congregation to join me with spreading the gospel. Unfortunately, once again, I was the only representative from a church that said they wanted to do more of reaching the lost.

On Friday, I gave a gospel tract to a woman likely in her early 20's. After asking a few questions, she replied that she just lives for the moment and doesn't think ahead. I drilled a little further, but she was soon off with her friend. This isn't an interaction I've had before and showed my inexperience in one-on-one encounters. Friday night, laying awake, I thought of better responses to be better prepared for the next time.

Saturday did not have any caregivers, but dad agreed to come with me so I could go out on the town. He only went out with me once several years ago, so I was unsure how he'd react. I was relieved to hear he learned from the instructional classes and did pretty well in helping in public. I spoke with a few people after giving out tracts and had basic conversations. One of my team members did very well in approaching others and was able to witness to a Spanish speaking family.

All these activities have been part of my annual routine for many years. On Mother's Day, I am thankful for my mother who instilled in me much of what I do today. I remember mom reading Bible stories as a young child and putting up with my questions.

Forty years ago, online support groups for parents of quadriplegics didn't exist. Even with all the challenges of medical insurance and getting needs covered, she never let me give up. Mom encouraged me to be active and not just sit around and waist the time God has given me.

Thank you mom for everything over the years. I hope to continue to be able to stay active as long as God allows and continue to serve as you taught. 

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.