Short Soggy Hair

After 12 weeks of waiting, I finally was able to get my hair cut this week. It felt good to finally get it cut, but the outing ended up being more of a challenge than expected.

The last few weeks have been wet in central Iowa with storms and rain a nearly daily event. I was concerned it would require me to reschedule, but Thursday morning looked okay. Therefore, my caregiver Sara and I arrived at my barber a few minutes before my scheduled time. We observed all the requirements of mask wearing and everything else and got the job finished.

When we were done, it wasn't raining and although overcast, the sky didn't look very threatening. Directly across the street from where I get me hair done is a small bakery that has treats my mother enjoys. Since she has been extra busy helping me these last few months, I thought I would stop in and get some for her, and me as well.

Sara and I were the only customers in the store, so it was easy to social distance. As we headed to the door with fresh bakery items, we saw it had started raining. The umbrella was across the street in the van though and the rain was too much for me to try to drive through. Sara went to go get the rain protector and return to get me.

She was maybe gone for a minute, but in that time the steady rain increased to a heavy torrent with strong wind. Sara returned holding the umbrella sideways and wearing a very damp shirt. Even though signs said we weren't allowed to use the bakery's seating, we sat and waited for the rain to decrease.

Several minutes later, it looked like we had a break and the downpour relented enough to allow me to get in the van. As we left, strolled 20 feet, and crossed the street, the small monsoon returned and we abandoned the idea of trying to get loaded and took shelter under a small overhang eight feet away from our destination.

More time passed, and Sara managed to get me in the van during a small decrease in the torrent. However, I was now fairly wet and Sara looked like she took a shower fully dressed. Driving the mile toward home, the rain completely stopped about halfway in the trip. Looking at the streets, we could see little evidence of the tropical storm we had just left.

Sometimes, living the quad life leads to interesting experiences that most people hardly notice. Sara spent quite a bit of time drying out the van, my wheelchair, me, and finally changing herself into dry clothes. This has been a year of unforgettable experiences, but I hope my next hair appointment is more subdued.

Venturing Out

For the past three months, I have been quarantined in my house. I went out watching trains a few times, but stayed in the van and didn't interact with anyone. This week I went out in public for the first time since the start of the virus scare.

My last doctor's appointment was with my regular checkup with my urologist. It had been a while since I last had my kidneys checked, so wanted me to get an ultrasound. With everything going on, I delayed the test twice, but decided to go ahead and try this week's appointment.

I rarely do anything at my local hospital, but thought I would try them for a simple scan. However, they require all visitors to wear a mask. I couldn't think of how to make one with a hole for my chin so I could drive, so thought it could just be pushed up. When my caregiver Sara and I got to the hospital parking lot and exited the van, she put my mask on. I attempted to drive with it on my chin, but it didn't work. Making room to drive though pushed the face cover closer to my eyes. It became a constant battle to have it just high enough, but not too much. Once we got to the procedure room, the fun continued.

The technician let me stay in my chair for the procedure, but that required some gymnastics from Sara. She had to hold my arm rests up and out of the way, while still giving space for the x-ray tech to get me. It worked for the right side, but my left kidney wasn't showing up where it should.

I've been through many medical procedures, but I don't recall anyone stealing any organs, at least not yet. The next place to search was from my back, but this made for more fun. Sara pulled me forward so I leaned on her arm while the hunt continued for my missing part. This meant my mask pushed on my face, attempting to enter my eyes again, and adding to the circus that can be the quad life.

After a few minutes, everything was found and scanned and I was returned to my regular position. I was very thankful to get back out toward the van to again have a free face. Two days later, my doctor called to report all is well. That was good to hear, but I will need to attempt annual checks. I'm glad to give wheelchair experience to small-town medical staff, but may do my next one in Des Moines.

Later this week, I'm scheduled to finally get a hair cut, but with the same mask requirements. I am glad to see everything starting to get back toward normal. I pray that it will continue, and drop the required face covering.

Opening Up, Maybe

We have reached the middle of May along with mid spring and warmer weather. People are getting out and enjoying the outdoors again, somewhat anyway. It has been two months since lock downs started due to COVID-19 and now Iowa and some other states are reducing restrictions, but not completely.

For the first time since March 8, my home church held the morning service in the building with a congregation. However, only alternating benches could be used and family groups had to stay six feet apart from each other. That limited seating capacity to about 85 and not everybody could come. My family did not venture out and instead did online service again.

Restaurants, hair salons, and other businesses are also allowed to be open, but with restrictions. Therefore, the state is starting to reopen, but not anywhere close to what we knew prior to the virus. This past week, I scheduled two upcoming meetings, but both will be conducted through Zoom instead of in person as normal.

Conference Watching Mode

Yesterday, I watched an all-day conference (seven hours at least) that featured five different Christian speakers. They gave practical messages on responding to this world that has gone Bonkers (the conference title) and every lesson was followed by a question and answer session from the audience in 37 different countries. The world rapidly switching to digital interaction has made such a meeting possible and more common.

One of the speakers used the book of Daniel in his sermon. He pointed out our trust in God is determined before a situation, not at the moment of testing. I haven't faced a fiery furnace, but these last two months have been stark reminders that everything can change quickly, and to fully trust in God alone.

I've had times of testing trust before in the quad life and I'm sure will again. Each time though can serve to strengthen my trust or cause it to shake. I hope that more people experience the first result and not the second. As life begins to return to some sense of normalcy, let us not forget to hold on to trust in God for everything.

Mother's Day at Home

Every year, we set aside a special day to celebrate mothers. These are the special people God used to form our bodies, then help train us how to get along in this fallen world. Looking back at previous years, most family traditions are similar. Dad takes responsibility for meals, hopefully, and mom gets to have time to enjoy her favorite activities. This year, it looks a little different.

With the threat of coronavirus, most people have been staying at home. That means no going out to get mom flowers, candy, or a card to help commemorate the day. I have seen a few commercials recently advertising jewelry for Mother's Day, but I'm guessing it won't be a popular gift with many people off from work. Since many moms have been stuck at home with their children all day for two months, some may just want to get away from their offspring.

For my mother, I had to resort to sending a virtual card to her email. She and dad have been braving the stores to get supplies I usually acquire on my own. Somehow, having them pick out and purchase a card for me to just sign didn't quite sound right.

Again this year, I am reminded how blessed I am to have my mother. She normally works two days a week doing book work at dad's family's grain elevator. However, it is a common communal spot for farmers to sit around drinking coffee, solving (and possibly aiding) the world's problems. In order to help stay away from people and virus exposure, mom has voluntarily stayed home since March.

With grocery runs, and supplies, limited mom has also managed very well to keep the three of us well fed with healthy meals. She also continues to keep track of my caregivers' hours every week along with running the house.

Mother's Day 2020 will not include pictures of going out or getting together with grandmothers. Many families are liking meeting with their mothers virtually this year, but it still counts as celebrating. Thank you mom for everything you do and rolling with the ever-changing flow. Hopefully next year will allow for an increase in festivities for this special day.

Missing Moments

April has now passed, to mostly everyone's relief. It was a complete month of quarantine for much of the world, with not doing much of anything except staying in the house. I cancelled or rescheduled a few appointments, but hope to get them done soon.

My first cancellation was a hair cut on April 2. I normally get a trim every four weeks and like keeping my hair short. Now, it has been over eight weeks since getting my ears lowered and they are starting to hide. I've seen some people take to desperate measures and do their own hair. I haven't gotten to that point, yet, but look forward to getting my normal due back instead of the current don't.

The second item that was skipped was my Botox. I get Botox injections in my right arm to reduce muscle spasms and help protect the wires and plugin for my diaphragm pacemaker. However, the drug dissipates and needs to be updated every three months. Now that I'm nearing four months without a boost, I am noticing my arm pull into my chest more when it shakes. I'm trying to make extra sure everyone keeps a pillow on my side for protection, but some of my caregivers don't. Thankfully, I haven't had any major issues, but hope I don't need to wait through July to get an update.

It wasn't scheduled, but I normally speak to a class of third graders in Des Moines in April. With schools meeting virtually, I didn't try to contact the teacher. However, I miss working with the students and seeing how they react to Mr. Joel's way of writing and interacting with God's world.

Finally, I miss getting out to church every week and fellowship with fellow believers. Watching praise songs and sermons online is handy, but not in the spring when I'm able to get out again.

In Iowa, the state is now slowly opening up again with restrictions on occupancy and keeping groups separated. My church is planning to try a regular service again in a few weeks, but my family isn't sure if we'll head out by then or not. Living the quad life has challenges, and a global pandemic doesn't help. However, I continue to be thankful for God's protection and the ability to still keep active while sheltered in place.