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. 

Birthday Weekend

The last few days have had milestone birthdays in my family. On Friday, my grandmother celebrated 90 years of life. Yesterday, my mom celebrated her birthday as well.

My dad's family usually gets together for a combined Thanksgiving and Christmas celebration in late November or December. This year, the traditional gathering was delayed to last week in order to make it a birthday party.

Dad has three siblings, all of which have multiple children and grandchildren. Combined, that side of my family has 53 members and five living generations. Everyone lives within a few hours of our home town, but it is still a challenge to find a time when we can get together. Thankfully, everyone except 2-3 people were able to join.

Growing up, I could easily tell you who each of my cousins were and what they did. As the decades have passed, spouses have been added as well as kids. Only seeing them once a year in person, and occasionally on social media, I have a challenge remembering everyone and who belongs to whom.

Since we last got together in late 2024, three new babies have been added to the mix. Two of them are only a few months old, so they were passed around to many willing arms. The third, Lewis, is nearly 11 months old and quite active. He isn't walking quite yet, but gleefully toddles around while pushing a fire truck looking toy/chair.

Our venue was held at a local school where we had access to a gym. Several of my cousins, and especially their kids, used the area for various activities. Lewis happily pushed his truck all around the area while older kids tried to dodge him. I look for any excuse to play with kids, so I somewhat helped his mom by following along side and providing a bit of a shield. At one point, I stopped while Lewis kept going and he soon looked back at me like, "Aren't you coming?"

This was also the first time I've really had open space to drive my chair. In an attempt to race a few of my other cousin's kids, I got to use top speed at full throttle. My last two chairs topped out around 6 MPH, and I was disappointed to see I can now only achieve 3.7. The early grade school kids were very easily faster than me.

Subsequent emails have determined my chair should go up to 6 MPH, as long as my seat is completely upright. I attempted testing again in a parking lot with the same results. Therefore, I'll be going back for adjustments on the electronics, again.

Grandma has the challenges many face after nine decades of life. While she may not fully remember the party, or all our names, it was still an enjoyable time for her and everyone else. We are not guaranteed another day, or year, in this life and should celebrate each birthday with thanksgiving. Let us take each day as a thankful response to serve God and remember all we have been given.

Making Progress in a Busy Week

The last week of October was full, with something scheduled every day except one. With the week complete, my trips to Des Moines should be done for the year. I would like to say I accomplished a lot, but I don't have much to show.

Sunday was a great time back in church after nearly three months away. We had two baptisms done in a different style than I've seen before, but was thankful to see in person. Next week's entry may have more thoughts on this.

After a scheduled phone conversation Monday, Tuesday was a full day in Des Moines. After ordering my new wheelchair in late May, it was finally time to pick it up, at least that was the plan. My caregiver Sara and I arrived about 9:30 in the morning and didn't leave until after 2:00.

I sat in my new chair for most of the day as the technician adjusted various points to get them just as I needed. While he worked, another technician worked on the electronics and getting them set to how I wanted and could use everything without outside help.

Unfortunately, we ran out of time to get all the changes complete. We planned to bring the chair to my house Wednesday to finish, but I received a call that still more time was needed. At one point in the day, I was told this was the most complex chair they had ever worked with. I have seen setups somewhat like mine before, but I guess not done by this company in Iowa. Much progress was made, but I don't know when setup will complete and I can start using my new wheels. Whenever I do, that will be a long entry to cover changes.

Wednesday was my "day off" from appointments and I could get caught up on web work I was doing in the evening. Thursday, I was again off to the city. What was originally going to be just a visit with my dermatologist, also turned into equipment exchange. The doctor thought my skin was doing well, but my continuing pressure wound doesn't heal, or get worse. He keeps trying different treatment and I change positions frequently, but it refuses to fully close.

After the doctor, Sara and I found the place where I order my equipment, but never visited. An hour after arriving, we finally exchanged my pulse/oxygen monitor that I use all night every night. The loaner turns on and shows my stats, unlike its faulty replacement.

Friday was another day at home, but consisted of web related work and video training a client on how to make their own updates.

I am very thankful to be able to live an active quad life, but also like breaks. I'm scheduled to preach once in November, but that is my only planned excursion out of town. I have projects in mind as I transition to winter hibernation, but I'll wait and see if I have time, and energy, for them

Finished and Beginning

It seems to be a usual condition, but it was another busy week in the quad life. It started one activity, finished another, and started a big project.

Tuesday morning was my first of two scheduled college classes. Unfortunately, I don't have very many college courses left. I have helped teach four different subjects in three different schools. Now, I'm down to two subjects at one school. I'm thankful for what I have been given, but wish I could do more. Nursing students could especially benefit from knowing more about spinal cord injuries and home care, but they are the hardest classes to get into. I continue to pray that I can visit current classes and expand again.

Thursday was my busiest day, starting with my final grade school visit of the year. A total of 11 students were in the combined 3rd/4th grade classroom. These are the oldest kids I visit, but they are generally the calmest as well. The instructor was quick to post pictures on the school's Facebook page and was thankful for my visit. I really enjoy working with kids and would love to find some type of summer program I could help with. I have no idea how I could fit it in, but it would still be fun.

I quickly transitioned from teaching kids Thursday morning to a big project. In August, my wheelchair will be ten years old. Power chairs are made to last five years and then be replaced. My current system has done pretty well, but it has definitely not supported my back very well. Due to various factors, my insurance may also be changing in a year. Therefore, I've started working toward a new chair.

The initial meeting went very well. I had a list of items to adjust, keep similar, or have on a wish list. Everyone listened to me and liked that I knew what I was talking about. I have another appointment in two weeks to see a potential chair option and get molded for a new back. Considering it took eight years to get a new chair last time, I'm excited to see this process moving faster. Time will tell if the momentum continues, but I'm pleased so far. 

This week looks slower, but it will not last long. Hopefully the rest will help get caught up on other areas.

First Week with Starting Trouble

Most weeks come and go with little change and everything blending together. This week went relatively well, but ended with some excitement.

Tuesday, I had an appointment with my pulmonologist in Des Moines. However, I didn't receive my usual email reminders. I called Tuesday morning to confirm my 11:00 appointment and was told I needed to arrive at 10:30. That gave me 75 minutes to get dressed, in my chair, and drive for over an hour. My caregiver and were late, but five-minute appointment went well and my lungs are doing great.

Friday morning, I spoke at a school about 15-minutes away from home. While driving through the Iowa country side, we heard a kind of screech or rubbing sound. Upon arrival, I called dad and let him know the issue. I helped with the school's morning worship and enjoyed being around kids again. Kindergartners reviewed their memory verse along with different grades doing various activities.

My presentation was on God's name and giving Him proper fear and glory. The K-6th students seemed to understand and listen, but they may have been concentrating more on my wheels and footwear by their eye direction.

Returning to the van, I found a note from dad that we should be okay to go home. That was good to hear, but then my wheelchair lift didn't work. My caregiver, Sara, tried the indoor emergency controls and got it to work. A friend followed us home just in case, but we got back in the garage without trouble, other than noise. Sara had to again use emergency controls to get the lift to work, but I was finally home and out of the vehicle.

Friday evening and Saturday morning, dad spent time diagnosing problems and researching solutions. Parts look hard to find for my 30+ year-old van, but he did a temporary cleaning solution that solved the noise. A little wiggling of a sensor also fixed the lift, so my transportation is hopefully good again.

I'm thankful for the parents God has given me in this quad life and everything He has enabled them to do. As I write this on Saturday afternoon, is now having muscle pain in his leg. Since he does most of my physical care on weekends, it makes everything harder. Such is the quad life, but I continue to pray for ease for my parents. Hopefully this coming week will go more smoothly.

Ventured Out

Over the years, dad has told many stories of his childhood, and repeated most of them several times. Some of them include cold Iowa winters with lots of snow and the various challenges that came as a result. Weather patterns have changed in 50 years to have cooler summers and more mild winters, at least according to dad's tales.

The last few weeks have resembled what winter was like in dad's recollection. Central Iowa had nearly a week of daily snow followed by another week of dangerously cold temperatures. After that, we have had highs in the mid to upper 30's with almost constant fog and drizzle. I also can't remember the last time I saw the sun.

Due to this, I have stayed at home since leaving church on January 7. On Thursday afternoon, I finally ventured out to get a much needed haircut. The temperature was around 35° with a light rain/mist under gray skies. Relatively speaking, it wasn't bad, but I still wore a t-shirt, sweatshirt, insulated jeans, and put my heavy coat over me. Of course I stayed barefoot, it wasn't THAT cold.

Getting into the van, the lift was very sluggish and could hardly lift my 500+ lbs into the vehicle. My caregiver and I assumed the battery was nearly dead and an attempt to start the van was unsuccessful. With me stuck inside, we called dad at work and he was home a few minutes later to give the battery a boost. Since the commute from home to the barber may take five minutes, it wasn't long enough to charge the battery. Therefore, dad drove my caregiver and I into town and stayed in the van with it running while I got my hair trimmed.

Even with all the extra work, I only ended up being about 10 minutes late. I'm very thankful for the parents God has given me. They not only stay with me when nurses call off, but come at a moment's notice when stranded in the garage. Living the quad life indeed has unexpected times, but it was also a lesson to check vehicles when they have hardly been used.

Message Review

Last week, I spoke at a church in Sully, IA. Speaking at church isn't new, but this was a special rededication service that combined two congregations into one. It was a unique experience that I wasn't sure what to expect.

I was initially asked to give the message for this service in early spring. I wasn't very sure what speakers usually covered, but I immediately had half a sermon come to mind. Instead of going to bed at my regular time, I took about 20 minutes to write what was in my head so I may remember later.

As the months passed, different ideas came to mind, but usually in the middle of the night. In August, I got serious about preparing and started writing my message. When I got to page four and wasn't finished, I knew I had to restart. I began from scratch and did get a shorter message, but it still wasn't right. With advice from my mentor who helped me get my license, I did something new. Instead of completely writing what I would say, I just wrote my verse references and some notes for ideas and left it general.

While starting to review, I was also asked to do the children's service. I remembered a message I had given where I talked about Moses and had kids leave their shoes on stage. It would help supplement the service, so that is what I used.

On the day of the service, I navigated to the council room for a quick meeting and pray for guidance. Heading back to the main worship area, I passed an overflow seating area that looked pretty full. Sitting on the stage, I had a full main seating area looking at me as well as a side wing. Guessing by the gospel tracts distributed, there were around 500 people in attendance.

The message went well, looking at dedicating ourselves to God no matter the circumstances. I went over my allotted time, but I had good feedback from several people. It was a unique service, but I'm thankful God used me to give His Word at this service. Currently, I have three more services scheduled for this year, but don't have time for many more before winter.

As for quad life items, minor health challenges continue. I have two doctor's appointments scheduled this week and will need to have a small surgery soon as well. Thankfully, work is slow and I can concentrate on health needs. I will see what another week brings!

Hurry to What?

It seems to be a usual circumstance, but it has been a busy week with a lot of hurry up and wait. I have been working with a few clients on different projects. Two in starting phases of redesign, one in posting registration, and two others with help desk items.

Most of these have required research, either in design ideas or how to solve issues, and others speaking with customer service reps. Whatever I am doing, I have a constant eye on the clock as to when I need to either go flat in bed or sit and work on something.

Friday morning, I had my regular scheduled appointment with my pulmonologist in Des Moines. I have been having a lot of junk in my lungs and trouble with clearing it ever since returning to the trach in December. I hoped he could provide some input, but of course my lungs were perfectly clear during the appointment and x-rays. He said to keep him updated, but couldn't really say what was the cause or what to do.

When leaving the clinic, a couple Canadians watched me get loaded in the van. The hurried feeling continued as my caregiver and I found fast food so we could get home, do my afternoon medical cares, and be ready for Good Friday service that evening.

Sitting in church Friday evening as the sun set, it was a well done service of going through the stages of Jesus' arrest, trial, and crucifixion. The entire time, I couldn't shake the feeling of looking at my watch and wanting to get on to whatever was next. I wanted to be in church, take communion, and reflect on what Christ has done for me. However, the week's work stayed with me and was hard to overcome.

On this Easter Sunday, take time to remember the death and resurrection of Jesus. All who truly repent from sin and trust in Him alone will be saved from eternity in hell. In current society, we are pushed to go from one thing to the next and always keep going. However, make sure to stop and give attention to Him who is in charge of all. Whenever this life ends, you don't want to regret missing the most important assignment for everyone.

Dealing with Transition

It happens every year, the transition from warm temps in the summer to the cold weather in winter. Bridging the gap between these two is the appropriately named fall, as temperatures begin to drop. Friday, I was out in the elements and not enjoying the new reality.

Early in the morning, my day nurse notified us she was ill and would not be able to come. Therefore, my parents would need to cover the time. They had planned on a day for the two of them to spend time together and I would go to my annual physical. Since the three of us would have the entire day, we would combine our separate plans into one.

Dad finished getting me ready for the day when he returned from work. Despite looking like a nice partly sunny day out my window, my thermostat read a temp in the 40's. Getting out at my doctor's office, the cool air hit my face with a shock. My appointment went well, but I also got my annual flu shot while I was there. I debated since I was scheduled to preach today, but hoped I wouldn't have a reaction.

When my appointment was complete, we headed to southeast Iowa with a goal of visiting the Dutchman's Store in the tiny town of Cantrel. I have heard many stories about this unique store, but never visited myself. On the way, we stopped for lunch in another larger town, but actually went inside to eat (a rarity). After dining on Chinese, we finally reached our destination. Getting out of the van each time, the sun felt good on my face, but the breeze and shade felt miserable.

The store was indeed very unique. It looked like multiple buildings had morphed into one large structure with each having it's own specialty. One section had belts and footwear, another hats, toys, spices of all sorts, and a large grocery store. The area around Cantrel has a large Amish population with many getting supplies at the Dutchman's Store. Young women with traditional Amish clothing gave curious, but polite, glances toward this guy in a wheelchair wearing jeans and barefoot.

With our main goal reached, my parents finished their purchases and we started heading home, with a few more stops on the way. As the sun sank low on the horizon, all I could think of was getting home in bed and under the blankets. I felt cold, but my parents were warm in the van that had been heated by the sun. As home neared, I was mentally planning early hibernation and wanting to stay inside and rest. However, I figured my flu shot had some influence on my feelings.

Around March, 40's-50's will feel warm again. Part of the quad life is dealing with bad temperature regulation, but I'm thankful for warm beds, homes, blankets, and the ability to get out and explore.

What space is used?

A few nights ago, I was in my usual position of laying flat in bed and watching something on my computer. Looking off to my right, seeing the rest of my room, my mind started to wonder. I have all this space, but how much is actually utilized most of the time?

My bedroom is about 20x12, or 240 square feet. Part of that is taken up by the closet, but I have seven pieces of furniture and an office chair that consume floor space. When I'm in my chair, I do need room to get around as well as space to park so the lift, suspended from the ceiling, can be used to get me in and out of bed. The majority of the time though, my full concentration is on a 27" screen. Therefore, a lot of extra space is only used for short periods of time.

If everyone truly takes the time to consider this same scenario, many likely have a similar situation. Of course space is needed to get around and access whatever we use, but how often is it all needed? I'm just looking at indoor space in this scenario, outdoors is even more space.

Living in Iowa, I can easily see endless acres used for fields, which are used to feed people, livestock, and various other applications. That is a good use of land, but many other areas of the country, and world, sit open and are available for use (Montana, Wyoming, etc).

These are interesting things to ponder, but what's the lesson in it? God has given us a vast creation to enjoy His handiwork and study what He has created. We have also been commanded to fill the earth and subdue it. Many people try to say the earth is overpopulated and we can't support everyone, but it's not the case.

For those that live in large population centers, like New York, Las Angeles, Mexico City, Beijing, and others, I can understand their thinking. If you only see large buildings with small apartments stuffed into every space, it would seem over-crowded. However, the majority of the world is not like this and is quite open.

Therefore, the item to remember is that God knows what He has commanded and we have far to go to fill the earth. As you go throughout the week ahead, take time to see what area you actually use, and remember God has given it all for His glory and to serve His purposes.

Looking Back at the Year Past

Just a week ago I was posting about Christmas and now the new year has already started. These are times good for reflection as well as looking forward to what may come.

In 2021, I had my record number of times preaching. I remember early in the year that I was wondering how much I could do with lock downs uncertain. I'm thankful that I had the opportunity and I pray that I will be able to preach more this year as well. However, I may be a little more selective depending on my responsibilities for the service and how many I do in a row.

The second record for the year is one that pretty well only I would care about, but it is still noteworthy. Thanks to the COVID lock downs from 2020 spilling over to the next year, I didn't get out to church in person or hardly out at all in the winter. Combined with a warmer spring, 2021 was the first full calendar year I went completely barefoot.

When cold weather comes, I dread having to put on footwear and endure the increased muscle spasms and frequently getting stuck, unable to move, while my neck is stiff and I can't move. If I can continue to only go out on warmish days, I'll reach two years of being free from footwear in late February. I definitely still have spasms and stiffness when barefoot, but anything I can do to decrease them without more medication is a good thing.

An unfortunate record was the most open nursing shifts that I can remember. Except for one day, it has now been two full months since Sara has been able to work. My other day caregiver took a few extra shifts, but three days a week have mainly just been my parents. Sara has an appointment late this week and I pray she is able to return on at least a limited basis.

This year has started off with a sudden switch to snow and bitter cold with today's church service cancelled two days ago. New Year's Eve had no night nurse, but thankfully she was able to cover last night.

I don't know what God has in store for the quad life this year, but I know it will be according to His plan. I hope to continue to post here every week and keep track of what has been happening. Have a great first week of 2022!

Where to Search?

A couple weeks ago, I posted that my main daytime caregiver was gone for a while due to medical concerns. That break has continued and my parents have had to cover the extra time. I went with them Friday for another date day for lunch and to a larger Walmart in a neighboring town.

It was a chilly, windy day for an outing, but I still continued my 19-month record streak of going barefoot. While dad loaded the van and moved it to a better location out of the wind, mom and I waited inside. The greeter was gone and I noticed a space heater where they usually stand. I parked nearby to keep my feet warm and smiled as people walked past wondering if I was the new Walmart greeter. It was an interesting excursion, and one that may repeat more often.

Sara was scheduled to return last week after resting her back. However, she had an unexpected problem occur at home last Sunday. After testing, it was discovered she has a tumor on the front of her brain. Sara is scheduled for surgery early tomorrow morning and would appreciate prayers from readers. If everything goes well, she'll be off for a month.

My other daytime caregiver does two days a week, but is also having health concerns. She is unable to take more time and wants to completely retire. Therefore, I need to find a permanent replacement for her and temporary help until Sara can return. Unfortunately, caregivers are hard to find for anyone and especially for situations like mine.

Day hours are covered through the state by a program called CDAC. The pay is low and it takes a month, or more, to get paid. It doesn't require any nurse's licenses, but not many people are willing to take it. My thinking is it's ideal for someone that wants a supplemental income with regular hours a few days a week. I have contacted a few nurse friends for ideas, but not sure where to start looking.

Whatever comes, I will trust God's plan as He knows what my family and I need. After decades in the quad life, I have learned this lesson well. I will see what comes this week and take each day on its own.

A Fair Day

Last year, the Iowa State Fair was officially "postponed" (canceled) for about 12 months due to virus concerns. I missed volunteering at the Ark Encounter booth and made sure to register for this year. My first shift of three was this past Thursday morning.

This is about my fifth summer working at the booth, handing out gospel tracts, and talking with visitors. Rolling up to the display, I recognized several familiar faces that I have worked with for years. I couldn't remember most of their names, but that doesn't stop me from talking and seeing how they have been.

In previous years, the main question I've received is, "what?" With all the competing noise of the air conditioning and multitude of people, few people could hear me. I did all I could to get bigger breaths and talk louder, but it only helped a little. By the time my three-hour shift was over, my lungs were hurting a lot and my voice was sore. I was glad to spread the gospel, but my body didn't act accordingly.

This year, when the fair looked certain, I ordered a self-contained speaker system. I arrived early to my shift in order to have time to get everything setup. Placement took some testing, as well as volume adjustment, but it seemed to help. I didn't want to sound like a salesman for all to hear, but enough to be heard.

I talked with several people, giving out tracts and discussing the free material, the Ark Encounter, and Christian experiences. I never once had anyone ask me to repeat and I learned how I could adjust my voice to be louder when needed. Other than about 30 minutes, I didn't feel like my lungs were ready to explode or have a sore throat. A few other wheelchair users also turned around after having gone passed so they could come to me for a tract and talk.

With two more days scheduled this week, I'm thankful the initial test went well. Living the quad life requires using a variety of tools for different needs. I never expected to need a microphone, but it has allowed me to share the gospel and be heard.

Convienient or Creepy

 With this last week in the 70's, it feels like late summer instead of fall. However, the calendar does say November and I have been getting my final doctor's appointments finished for the year. I've had two the last couple weeks and have one to go.

At most appointments, I'm greeted with questions on my health, have my temperature taken, and attempt to wear a mask. At one office, an older gentleman went in ahead of me. He was directed over to a cell phone sized device on a stand. It took his temp without any outside action by anyone I observed.

Electronics can make many parts of life much easier. I utilize technology every day and receive a breath every four seconds due to advances in medical technology. Having automated and hands-free options expands uses of these devices and allows for many applications in different roles. Who has control of these resources can use them for good, or bad.

As I posted last week, I suspected election results would not go easy. I watched poll numbers come in and then mysteriously stop as President Trump took the lead. As I write this, the winner has not been announced and the looks of extreme fraud are increasing. A fair election where all valid, legal, votes are counted no longer looks possible.

With workers getting harder to find and different economic plans, I see an increase in automation. I do not think robots will replace nurses though, at least not in my lifetime. In places such as manufacturing, it has already happened with robotic arms doing welding and other jobs that used to be filled by human operators.

If administration changes in Washington and the proposed tax and business regulation changes occur, more automation will be needed. If a business can't afford workers, and stays in the country, it's the only solution. The question will be, when is too much given to computer control? Are we possibly already there?

Electronic world or not, God is ultimately in control. This country will drastically change in coming years depending on election results, but I look forward to a new heaven and earth where righteousness dwells.

Over 1,000 Miles

With my calendar completely empty of any activities, I have had plenty of time around the house. My caregivers have also thankfully been healthy and able to come. Therefore, I have been getting plenty of time to go biking.


I have primarily been three times a week for the last few months and have seen some good results. My legs are regularly doing at least 20 seconds on their own and have had a few times of well over a minute. When I started biking in summer 2015, they were used to being completely lazy and not do anything on their own. They're still lazy, but just not quite as bad as they used to be.

Weekly report (click for larger)

Every Monday, I receive an email summarizing my previous week's sessions and a total of what I have done since starting nearly five years ago. Since March, I have been watching the total miles get closer and closer to 1,000 and estimating when I would reach it. I thought I calculated correctly, but one session didn't record correctly due to internet trouble. So my official report read only 998 miles biked.

Finally, just before Easter, I broke the 1k threshold. There weren't any fireworks or horn blasts, just an extra digit added to my total mileage. However, for legs that haven't moved under any sort of control for 35 years, I think it's a great milestone to reach.

For equivalent, I could have pedaled from my home to Grand Rapids, MI, and back, and have miles to spare. Other destinations could be the Ozarks in Missouri or train watching in North Platte, NE. Just going one way, I could have gone to Houston, TX, Grand Junction, CO, or Washington, D.C.

In the quad life, it is rare to have my limbs actually do something constructive and not just hit and kick those trying to help me. I'm very thankful God has allowed us to make such technology and that He blessed me with the opportunity to use it.

Another week has passed with three more 3.58 mile segments in the charts. I don't know when, or if, I will get to double this achievement, but I am grateful I have been enabled to go this far.

Less is Good, Maybe

In my sophomore year of high school, I started having a lot of trouble with muscle spasms (or stretching as I said). After talking with my doctor, I started taking medication to help reduce the stiffness and be able to function. It very quickly increased from one dose a day to four until I was on the maximum allowed amount.

About a decade later, I was having trouble with pressure sores and very strong spasms even with the pharmaceutical assistance. I was started on an additional medication that also eventually increased to four times a day and the maximum allowed dose. It has now been over ten years with the schedule of two meds, four times a day, to control my muscles. Even with this, I still had a lot of trouble with stiffness and being able to function.

Prepared for cold temps

Since November, I have had a lot less trouble with my limbs stretching and everything getting stiff. Therefore, I reduced one of my anti-spasm medications by once a day to see what happens. It has now been a couple weeks since the change and I'm not having any trouble. I'm hoping to stop another daily dose in February if everything goes well. The real question is though, why have they improved?

In 2019, my three pressure sores have been greatly improving. They didn't get any worse at camp and have continued to look good (as good as holes in your skin look). My primary day assistant says she has noticed the decrease in spasms since around June and thinks it may be due to decreased pain from skin issues.

Footwear still causes an increase in problems, but I have primarily been able to stay barefoot this fall and early winter due to mild conditions. Along with that, I have also been able to get on my exercise bike more often which also helps reduce stiffness. However, little to no muscle spasms can also indicate something is wrong in my body and has coincided with hospital stays.

Living the quad life can be a guessing game sometimes. Even if it's just one pill a day, I'm thankful to be able to decrease my medications and also side effects. I'm praying my caregiver is correct with the cause of the improvement, but time will tell. No matter what, I am thankful for at least the current change and pray it continues moving forward. I will see what another week with much colder temperatures brings.

New Hands

A common problem for those in the quad life are contractures. Joints in fingers, toes, wrists, ankles, and everywhere else can become stiff with decreased flexibility and even get locked in place. I've been blessed with excellent care and have few problems with this, but still have some.

I believe it's partly due to always being barefoot, but my feet have no trouble at all. My knees don't straighten out as far as they should, but come pretty close. Everything else is pretty close to normal, except my hands.

Both wrists have limited movement and my left hand, if left alone, points sharply out to the left and is hard to straighten. Each one varies, but all ten fingers have stiff, partially frozen, joints like to curl under if not positioned correctly. Looking at pictures when I was newly injured, my fingers and hands adopted this position very early.

In order to help stop further problems, I wear braces or hand splints. Unfortunately, like everything, they wear down and need replaced. At night, I've worn a very substantial brace on my left arm for several years. However, it stopped keeping my wrists and fingers straight long ago and has been causing red areas. I wear my right splint day and night to keep my hand from grabbing the wire for my diaphragm pacemaker. They weren't designed for that much use though and the Velcro quickly degrades.

Back in April, I visited with my splint person to order new ones and finally went this week to pick them up. You have likely been in the medical field too long when new splints make you excited, but I was looking forward to getting them. Putting them on in the office, it was great to see both hands laying straight again.

I kept them on through lunch and the trip home from Des Moines and didn't see any signs of trouble. My night nurses have reported they like the change and it is keeping everything straighter. The only question now is how long the new hardware will last. I'm thankful we have been given such devices to help with fallen bodies and hope to see improvement ahead.

What is Normal?

I'm happy to report that my night hours are back to normal, mainly. Insurance denied increasing the daily limit for nursing services. However, state insurance is likely to approve an extension retro-actively to January 1. Therefore, my nursing agency is allowing regular hours to resume, as long as everything is approved.

It is great to be back to the normal routine, but it also makes me wonder. What is normal? For many people, breathing, walking, and moving independently is normal. Living the quad life, all of those activities would be very abnormal. Therefore, normal would be something an individual defines for her or himself for some circumstances.

For me, wearing shorts outside in January in Iowa isn't normal. When conditions are just right, the regular routine can be adjusted. For others I know, this type of dress code is common all year long, no matter weather conditions. General society may think it's strange, but that also depends on the population.

In the U.S., it is normal to have things such as fast-food restaurants easily available and a common part of some family's meal plans. In other countries, they would be an extreme luxury and only found in select locations. Just within the United States, different regions have various accents and daily routines that are normal for that area, but not for others.

In order to define what is normal, it appears that you first look at the country a person is in, then what region, and finally for the individual. Therefore, I don't believe one universal definition can be applied to everyone. We need to look to an ultimate source for a standard.

As a Christian, my standard that I use is God, through His word. Looking at the moral law, the ten commandments, gives a foundation on how to live and what is good, or not. This year has shown already that everything in life can and will change, but the Bible is the only constant. Hopefully this week ahead will go according to my regular routine, but I know where to look if it goes astray.

Home Therapy

This week will mark one year since I started doing FES (Functional Electrical Stimulation) bike therapy at home. I did it for over two years in Des Moines before getting it here and am thankful for the access.

After I complete a bike session, it uploads to a database and records my activity. I get an email report every week as well saying what my stats were. Some activity doesn't get recorded due to internet errors, but most of them get recorded.

My very first time on the bike was July 13, 2015. Since then, I have done over 184 rides for more than 550 miles. In the last year, over 100 of those rides and at least 337 miles were done at home. Despite that much traveling, I can't say I've seen much different scenery.

The first ride I had was for 25 minutes going 1.26 miles. Now my average time is the same, but going around 3.58 miles.

When I was originally injured in 1985, technology like this wasn't even imagined. I'm thankful God has given us the ability to make such devices to help those of us in the quad life or other challenges. Looking at old pictures, I can tell how much my legs have grown in thickness with muscle and improved circulation. I can also see that my feet lay straighter in bed and are more flexible with the increase in use.

If I'm not traveling and sitting a lot, my pressure wounds also heal faster when I get to ride. My doctor attributes much of the improvement to more active muscle movement when cycling. With my first experience in 2015, it was a great feeling to have my legs moving again. I still stay on it a little longer sometimes just because it feels good.

For the next year ahead, I don't know what God has planned. I'm thankful for the time I've had and hope to be able to continue for many more miles to nowhere. This coming week will hopefully provide answers to a different issue, but that will be another post.

One Year Preaching

In September 2017, I received my license to exhort, or preach, in the Christian Reformed Church (CRC). My first sermon was a few months later on November 12, 2017. In the year since I first preached, it has been a unique experience.

Last week, I watched an evening church service online. It was a man who had recently been licensed and was preaching at the same service I started. Since then, I have preached at seven CRC services, once at camp, and two back-to-back services at a Methodist church. The total of ten times puts me nearly the same number of schools I have spoken at in a year.

So far, I have not preached more than twice at a single church. Therefore, I have only prepared two messages and have just reused them. Staying in one church, most pastors can't get away with this, but it has helped me get familiar with preaching and not simultaneously make a new sermon each time.

My goal for this winter is to write at least two more messages. I have ideas in my head, but so far they haven't come through my stick to get fully written. Every time I plan to start, something else comes up or I can't get my thoughts to focus on the task.

Every time I preach though, I'm thankful for the opportunity. I know I don't have a clear voice and can be a little hard to understand, but God continues to use me for His purpose. So far, I have only had to turn down one request due to a church sanctuary not being accessible.

I recently read an article that private schools and churches are exempt from the ADA and therefore don't always make an effort to allow access for all. However, two of the facilities I visited made ramps for me to get up on stage and one already had a ramp built-in. Maybe the preaching quad life will raise awareness that all areas of a church need to be accessible.

What may come in another year, I wouldn't try to guess. I pray that I can continue to preach more as well as continue volunteering at outreach events in my area. Only God knows the future and I'll continue going along His plan.