Give Thanks Always

We have now officially entered the holiday season in the U.S. With Thanksgiving a few days ago, all eyes, and stores, are geared up for Christmas and gift giving with the conclusion of New Year's Day to conclude everything. Unfortunately, the meaning of these days is being overlooked and ignored by an increasing number of people.

Early last week, I watched a video (I would link to it, but can't find it again) showing several people proclaiming they would not celebrate Thanksgiving. They gave reasoning that the day only recognized the murder of Native Americans by the Pilgrims and those entering the New World. Unfortunately, they miss the real reason of the day and season.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 we are told "in everything give thanks." When we truly understand how small we are compared to God's creation, we are nothing but a speck. On top of that, all of us have broken God's commands and deserve nothing but eternal punishment in hell. However, we are still showered with blessings in various forms. Even every heart beat and breath we receive is a gift from God with the next one not guaranteed.

The early settlers understood this very well. Of the original 132 that came across the Atlantic, only half survived the voyage and first winter. If it had not been for the Native Americans, it's likely few, if any, of them would have survived. The first Thanksgiving was celebrated with both the Pilgrims and Native Americans for the gifts God had provided.

Another gift, and the ultimate one, is God's Son and the forgiveness of sins that is open to all who repent and trust in Him alone. The birth of Jesus is what we celebrate in a few weeks and can give thanks every day, and hour, for what He has given.

Living the quad life isn't always easy, but I give thanks for another year I've been given and the blessings I continue to experience daily. May we always keep this in mind and in everything give thanks.

Upgraded Breathing

On November 15, 2010, I had surgery to implant my diaphragmatic pacemaker system. In the 12 years since then, I have used the system to breathe and have generally enjoyed it. However, I had to get used to infrequent checks on the system.

For more than 25 years, I was used to having both my ventilators checked for maintenance every month. With the DPS, few hospitals are even aware of the system, let alone having people to come check on them. After getting the implant in 2010, I went home with two control units, or the actual pacemaker, that makes the system function.

Around 2012, I had my settings adjusted to get a larger breath. That process meant new pacemakers were sent to me with the different stimulation settings and I sent back my existing units. Therefore, I received new controllers at that time, but haven't since.

After some communication about a wire concern in October, it was realized my pacemakers hadn't been updated for quite some time. This past week, a representative from Synapse flew from Ohio to Des Moines to meet with me. He exchanged my old controllers for new versions, discussed changes, and any problems we could work on.

It was nice to get excellent attention when needed and I like the look of the new units. They work exactly the same, but are smaller than what I've been using. Other upgrades allow me to use a regular alkaline battery instead of lithium in case supplies are hard to get. I'm hopeful I won't need to do that, but it's good the option exists. Alarms have also been changed, which will take getting used to, but it now meets some international alarm requirements.

Living the quad life means using specialized equipment that is fun to watch improve. Of course breathing independently is best, but I'm thankful God has given us this technology to help in our fallen world.

A High Start to Low End

Life in general tends to be full of roller coasters. Editing my book, most chapters end with a cliff hanger about insurance funding or something else. Some people may think it's just to make you read more, but it's all true. This week has been one of the transitions from a great start to more concerns to watch.

First, early in the week started in the low to upper 70's for highs. For mid-November, that's very unusual for Iowa, but I won't complain. Thursday started around 71 and was quite warm at lunch, but the day ended with high 20's and ice hitting my window. Now it looks like the seasonal temps will stay with highs in the 30's and lows even colder. I always know it's coming, but it's never fun to see. Weather wasn't the only change though.

On Monday, I didn't notice anything unusual when I did my morning skin check, but my caregiver said something about a rash on my leg. When I checked again in the late afternoon, I easily saw a red area on my upper right leg. Further investigation on Tuesday found a small opening in my skin where a wound had been deemed healed a year ago. It isn't big and we caught it early, which is why I check my body multiple times a day, but it is something to keep an eye on.

Second, I have started to have drainage around my trach button again. I just said it was nice not to have to deal with it, but that only lasted about a week. Thankfully, it also isn't doing bad and I have plans to start treatment again, but it's another item to watch.

Living the quad life, it is a frequent balancing game of monitoring and treating one area, but not ignoring another. This week's findings aren't unusual, but just constant reminders to trust in God for His control over everything.

Finally, I'm beginning to notice I am having trouble remembering some things, such as Bible verses I've known and typed many times over. I also haven't slept well some nights, so I attribute that as the likely cause. Last night was also long with no nurse. However, like it or not, I am getting older and should expect some changes. This week looks to be another cold one with staying inside and plenty of time to work on exercise and helping any areas that come up.

Short Exploration Visit

A couple weeks ago, my friend John came for his annual visit with his two boys. Due to having house guests all summer, it's getting harder for the three to come and hang out. Thankfully, an impromptu trip worked during a break from school.

I have fun seeing the boys grow, but annual visits mean they change rapidly. TJ in now nine and Jeremiah six-years-old. The youngsters are somewhat familiar with me, but I'm still a bit of a novelty. Jeremiah has become very talkative since last year and also more aware of his surroundings. While I was in bed, attempting to entertain him, he asked a few times about not being able to use my arms and legs. He also remembered I use a wheelchair and was curious when I would be in it.

Hearing his thoughts and inquiries is part of what I enjoy about being around kids. I gave answers that seemed to satisfy his curiosity and he soon saw me as just another adult, I think. Before lunch on Saturday, I was in my chair and we were all playing a few rounds of gas out (a game that includes flatulence). Between turns, Jeremiah had me rub his back with my mouth stick. I can't say I've thought of a stick as good for massage, but it made him happy.

Thankfully, it was also very warm for late October and our group of five guys (my dad, John and boys, and me), could stroll a few blocks down the street to a new accessible park in town. I have wanted to check out the park all summer, but thought a single 40-year-old guy showing up and looking around a children's playground would be a bit odd. I couldn't find anyone's children to barrow for an hour or two, so this was the time to look it over.

The ground surface had cement paths, but was mainly a hard compressed rubber. I'm sure it would be safe for kids to fall on, but my 500 lb chair sunk in. It felt like I was driving on waves or something that was moving and was actually fun just to drive around on and follow the boys around.

Next, dad saw a wheelchair accessible swing in one section. I only remember seeing one such swing in my life before this and I was glad to see one had been included. With the kids joining us, I rolled onto it while dad figured out how it worked. It didn't take much investigating and we were soon moving, with me sideways to the direction of motion. I soon regretted visiting after a meal and exited the ride. That was when it was noticed the swing was only meant for people ages 2-12, not three men more than three times that limit.

Unfortunately, John's wife became ill at home and our planned 42-hour visit became 23 instead. No matter the length of time, it was fun getting caught up and being with the kids again. Hopefully the next visit will be a little longer, but that could be another year away.