Visually Impaired Wheelchair Driving

This week was my annual eye exam. The optometrist I have been seeing for over 30 years retired, so this visit was with a new doctor that included new tests.

Getting checked in, I was asked to sign a paper so they could take pictures of the back of my eyes. It didn't sound unusual, so I put my pen in my mouth and signed away. As I waited to get called back, I heard the same document given to other patients. Therefore, I figured it was picture day at the eye doctor's.

When I was called back, I had the usual tests with a puff of air blown in my face and reading letters of various sizes. Testing lenses was a challenge as the new doc had trouble getting the contraption low enough to reach me. At previous appointments, I never paid attention how the equipment got low enough. However, some neck stretching got the test done. Everything looked good, but he wanted to do some eye drops for one last test. I figured it was the picture I signed for, so let him do the test.

At the end, he said my eyes would be sensitive to light for a while, but wouldn't affect my vision. I wasn't told my eyes had been dilated, but figured it out from what I heard from my parent's exams. Leaving the building, I wore flimsy sun glasses they provided. My caregiver and I parked a short distance from the office as we had planned to run some errands after the appointment.

Along with everything being bright, the world seemed fuzzy, even with my glasses. It was time for lunch, so we stopped at a restaurant I've never visited before. I could read the large category headlines and bold text, but that was it. I guessed at an omelet and had to verify what I thought it said was in it.

After lunch, we went to a nearby meat market to get some hamburger. The aisles would normally have been a small challenge, but they were tight with the world being a blur. I nearly ran over another customer twice as I tried to navigate corners. I was thankful when we got back in the van and I no longer had to drive myself.

It took about three hours for my eyes to return to normal, just in time for a rare evening outing. Mom said she has been told you can't drive after getting your eyes dilated. From my experience, I understand why. Living the quad life results in unique situations, but I will be more prepared for future eye exams. 

New Speaking Experience

In 2004, I spoke to my first class of 2nd graders about disability awareness. I'm not sure if that qualifies as public speaking, but it was where my side venture of talks began. Since then, I have spoken in several grade schools, colleges, and churches. However, this week was a new experience that I wasn't sure what to expect.

Sometime in May, I received a legitimate message through my website asking me to speak. The venue would be a ladies' group that gathered once a month at a church in a nearby town. I wasn't told a topic other than myself and to bring copies of my book to sell. We arranged to meet at the end of June, the week after vacation. However, that was when I wasn't feeling well and needed frequent suctioning. I felt bad doing it, but officially cancelled the day before I was scheduled.

The new time to meet with this group was Thursday, July 31. I do not like talking about myself, at least as a main topic for speaking. I know this blog is all about me, but this is a different setting. Proverbs 27:2 says to let someone else praise you and not your own lips. Instead of just telling my story, I tied in Jeremiah 29:11 and that God uses all of our lives in various ways.

In all, it was about 20 ladies who were well beyond retirement age. Apparently the time in June had been promoted more and had nearly 30 attendees. Without really knowing what to say, or for how long, it went pretty well. I likely should have spoke a little longer, but I'm not sure my voice would have been able to continue.

Public speaking is a top fear for most people, but it's something I find fun. Living the quad life is full of unique opportunities and I enjoy helping others learn and see more of God's care in our life. A similar venue may be interesting, but I will see what God brings.

Sitting Satisfactorily Soon

Just two weeks ago, I had my evaluation for a new wheelchair. This week, I made further progress toward getting a new system. This is much faster progression than I expected and it's a welcome change.

Early Friday morning, dad, my caregiver Sara, and I loaded into the van. First off, the rubber pad on my chin control popped off, making it so I couldn't move to get positioned. In the process of retrieving it, my control/display box was leaned on and broke the mount. Therefore, going to look at my chair's replacement caused my current chair to fall apart.

After getting my parts back together, we got to the Des Moines suburb thanks to Google's directions. The first order of business was to fix the seat I was sitting in. Searching through their parts inventory, the chair tech I met at my first evaluation found a duplicate part to support my box. Thirty minutes after arrival, using tools he had available in the van and provided pieces, dad had it fixed. Next up was what I actually came for, getting fit for a new back rest.

I was situated in a chair that had a foam pad on the back. The technician pushed and pulled until I was sitting straighter than I have in years. After he was satisfied, air was sucked out from the foam-like substance to keep it in place. He then took pictures of it and less than an hour later, a new back support was produced. The last time I had my back adjusted, it took several months and no longer fit when I got it. I didn't get the back rest fitted to my current chair, but look forward to using it.

Finally, I was shown demonstration models of the chair that was suggested. I have hardly heard about Quantum chairs, but liked what I saw. The frame is slightly narrower than my current system and the sit has more functions. I can go up to 10% of a standing position and raise the entire seat a full foot. Therefore, when speaking to someone tall or preaching from the floor (no stage access), I can elevate myself. In these situations, I can be seen more easily and hopefully preach more effectively.

If insurance approves everything, I may have a new chair in three months. Considering it took me eight years to get my current chair, this is a great start. Living the quad life has perks in seeing new technology. I am thankful for what God has provided and look forward to what may come. 

Hot Week, Outside and Inside

I'm not sure if it's age, or just part of being a long-term quadriplegic, but this summer has seemed to be full of health challenges. My trach button has been an ongoing issue since early July. It's doing okay, but I think I will be revisiting further options. However, that's not the area I'm watching.

July 13 was the day I returned to a trach button, but the morning started with an ultrasound of my kidneys and bladder. This isn't an unusual check, but one I haven't had since 2019. It's usually fine, but this time showed bladder stones as well as possible swelling of one kidney and a nick (or something) on the other.

One test therefore leads to another test for better pictures. Unfortunately, paperwork confusion and insurance approvals delayed testing until this coming Thursday, August 31. After that, it will be a procedure, more tests, or both! While I wait on testing, my body gets annoyed. Stones are a good source of infection as well as irritation.

I took in a test last Monday, to the hospital's confusion, and finally got results Friday and started an antibiotic that night. All week I have felt like I'm a small furnace as well as being tired and having no appetite. In addition, I had a rash start under one leg that spread to the top and continued up my back.

The skin problem was familiar to a previous time, so I used medicine I had on hand and it has nearly cleared up. My night nurse noticed the antibiotic is related to one I'm allergic to, but hope it will work. A few hours after my second dose Saturday morning, I noticed I was having trouble concentrating or forming sentences. That was a side effect and big problem with a med marked as an allergy, so I hope it passes.

Thankfully, I could stay home most of this past week. A few days had temps over 100 with heat indexes even higher. It was an interesting week in the quad life and I hope for calmness ahead.

Memorial for Selected Ones

As years and decades continue, the world gets further away from the Bible, following God, or making logical sense. This was seen again last week with another school shooting, this time in Texas.

At this point, 19 children and 2 adults were killed with around a dozen more in the hospital. The kids were second graders along with their teachers. Even though this is not the first such tragedy, and likely not the last, it's very hard to see. I grieve with the families while politicians use it for political gain and news outlets repeat details and point fingers at who should have done what.

The same day the nation was in shock about this school, thousands of children were legally killed in their mother's wombs. Unfortunately, much of this happens every day with no news reports or memorials given for the victims. Losing a child at any stage, from fertilization, to grade school, through high school, is a tragedy that should not go unnoticed.

In the 1800's, new theories were developed saying the earth was developed slowly and not by God. Charles Darwin built upon this with his evolution model explaining life as an accident and it just formed on its own. Generations of school children have now been taught this and the result is that life is no longer sacred, either in the womb, or according to some, at any point.

This Memorial Day weekend, many families are remembering loved ones that have died. The nation also remembers those that have fought in the armed forces and lost their life in the effort to ensure freedom. I pray that these lives, and the cause they died for, will also not be forgotten.

I would encourage everyone to not only reflect on close relatives that have been lost, but also for those who have died early in life due to the actions of others. Ultimately, we need to remember God is in control and when a nation has turned its back on Him, we will see such actions. Hopefully this week goes well, and God's Word will continue to spread.

Zombie Week

In my last entry, I said my night nurse would be off and I didn't know what would be covered. Unfortunately, my other caregiver has not been able to take anything extra. It has been a long week of many short nights.

Last weekend was covered, Friday-Sunday, but that was it until Friday. Now, we're in a six night stretch with no help again until next Friday. Thankfully, days were basically covered last week and my parents and I could get a bit of a rest. Tomorrow is the last shift for my day-time assistant until she gets back from vacation in March. Therefore, I'll only have my new student nurse that can only do 1.5 days a week.

We adjusted some of my care schedules so dad can get to bed by 9:00 every evening. Mom and I stay up until around 1:30 in the morning when he gets up and takes over. When he and I finish my bed-time routine, it's a little after 2:00 when I get turned and can attempt to sleep. On days with a nurse, dad goes to work at 7:00 and my morning routine starts at 7:30-8:00.

When it's only a single day, or maybe two, we can manage pretty well. This has been a long stretch to not have anyone though and this coming week will be worse. From around 9:00-11:00, I feel like I'm in a daze and start to doze off if I'm not doing something active. I have tried to nap in the afternoon, but I am usually thinking about everything I should be doing and can't rest very much. My parents are also starting to look like the same daze and also keep working and managing the house.

Times like this really make you appreciate the gifts you have. I know other families that only have a few hours per day of coverage, if even that. These two weeks, if not longer, have given us a small taste of what they experience. Today marks 37 years since entering the quad life and, looking back, I am very thankful for everything God has allowed me to do and the abundance of blessings He has given.

As you go through this coming week, be extra mindful of what blessings you have been given and be sure to give thanks. Even what we take for granted, like vision, hearing, and breathing, can be taken away in an instant. Even short reminders make us appreciate what we have.

Getting Close to the Mark?

It's not a secret that I have spent a large part of my study on the opening of the Bible and creation apologetics. Much speculation, and books, have been made about the end times, but I don't give it a lot of attention. I know on average that more than 150,000 people die every 24 hours. End times speculation doesn't matter for these people, but hearing the gospel and coming to Christ does. That is why I prefer spending efforts on reaching out while their is time. However, end times are throughout the Bible and not something to ignore.

Both the Old and New Testament point to times of tribulation to come and an ultimate judgment. The books of Daniel, Matthew, and the gospels come to mind for sources, but especially the book of Revelation. I have long said this is one of the most widely debated and studied book of the Bible, but I think Genesis may beat it for debate. I have heard some churches completely ignore Revelation and end times, but that doesn't sound like a great church that looks at all of Scripture.

What are some of the signs of the end times? A few of them are wars and rumors of wars, famines, earthquakes in various places, pestilences (plagues or viruses), signs in the heavens, and people fearful of the future. Many of these have been around in varying degrees throughout the past thousand years or more with people saying that particular time in history was the end. However, one aspect has been sticking out to me lately that is in the recent news.

In Revelation 13:17, John talks about the mark of the beast. It's something that if you don't have, you cannot buy or sell. I have been seeing in Australia, France, and a growing number of countries that anyone without a vaccine passport aren't allowed in stores. In China, cell phone apps are automatically tracking when a person enters a business and includes health history. This is a first in history due to current technology, but it doesn't quite fit the prediction.

The mark is said to be on the hand or forehead of an individual. The prevalence of cell phones constantly in hands, I could see it being a possibility. However, paper cards wouldn't quite qualify in this detail. I recently watched a video talking about this subject and showed a microchip being implanted in a person's hand that contained all their banking and personal information. To checkout at a store, she just had to bump her hand on a device at the register.

Whether we are near to Christ's return or have hundreds of years remaining, we don't know. In this quad life though, I look forward to His return more anxiously with each passing year and want to be found doing God's will when He comes or calls me home.

School to Staying Home

Tuesday morning was my final grade school visit for the year. The students were four days away from being done for the year. As usual, I arrived during recess to an empty room and had time to look around a bit. The day's schedule had me in the morning and a class party in the afternoon. Exploring my

surroundings further, I spotted a large bag of M&Ms propped against a bag of microwave popcorn. I started to wonder if I could prolong my segment of the day so I could join in the festivities.

Ten minutes after I came, the combined 3rd and 4th grade class got off from break and I met the new, to me, instructor. The total class size consisted of eight kids, four per grade. With the small class size and basically as much time as I wanted, I tried adding a new lesson. In addition to having the kids write by mouth, like me, I also had them try writing by foot. It helped demonstrate other disabilities, such as not having arms, and was fun for everyone. The students concluded mouth writing was easier than feet, which was opposite my prediction.

When my caregiver and I got home, we were greeted with a note on the door into the house. While away, my parents got tested for Covid, with mom coming back positive and dad negative. She has suspected something was wrong a few days earlier and as a precaution, had stayed away from me. Since the positive test, mom has been in quarantine in the basement until ten days have passed.

Therefore, it has been dad running the house and helping mom and I on his own. Mom has been directing supper items from her post in the basement and giving directions on how to make the dish. It has looked like dad running around like a masked headless chicken. During the day, I have tried to have my caregivers help where they can to decrease the work load.

Thankfully, I have felt fine and not shown any symptoms of having caught it. For precaution, I will be starting to take a couple extra supplements, zinc and vitamin D, that are supposed to help boost the immune system.

I'm thankful for the blessings of health God has given me in the quad life. I look forward to when mom can be released from her quarantine, but am thankful she doesn't appear to have a severe case. This week will primarily be spent at home, but I hope the sun will come out and allow for time on the deck.

Watching and Waiting

It's March 7 and even though the calendar still says winter, it's starting to feel like spring in Iowa. In a few days, we are projected to have a high temperature near 70 with thunderstorms. Like many people, I am looking forward to getting outside again, but it isn't possible for some.

A year ago tomorrow was the last day I was physically in church, except for preaching. At the end of the evening service, a doctor and county health official told about a virus that was especially hard for older people to withstand. It was advised elderly stay home for a few weeks. Not long after, the entire world shutdown due to the virus, but it would only be for two weeks.

Now that it has nearly been 52 weeks, most areas still have restrictions on how many people can be together, how close, and other regulations. Churches in particular have been hit hard with regulations and told not to have full capacity, don't sing, or not meet together at all. Some congregations have looked to God's Word for their foundation in all situations, even pandemics. They have seen government going beyond what God has given for the government's responsibility and continued worshiping. I follow one of these congregations.

In Canada, Pastor James Coates leads a congregation that has seen how the church was singled out for restrictions. As a result, he preached to a full sanctuary on February 14 and preached an excellent sermon on Romans 13. Two days later, he was arrested and taken with handcuffs and leg irons to a maximum security prison where he is in isolation 23 hours a day. He can be released at any time as long as he agrees not to preach.

Two days ago, a hearing was held to get the release conditions dropped, but they were upheld. Pastor Coates will remain in jail until his trial in May. Jesus said that just as He was persecuted, Christians need to expect the same.

We often think of situations like these happening in Asia or the Middle East, not North America. Unfortunately, with a current bill being debated in the Senate, I and others think it will be happening in America as well. I'm thankful this past week went well for the videos I produced and I pray God uses them for His glory. For another week, I will watch and wait to see what happens while living the quad life.

Reaping what is Sown

It has been a difficult year for farmers in Iowa, but harvest has slowly started. Not everyone was able to plant last spring, but they are now gathering fields that were sown. The last few weeks, I have been watching story time (the news) on TV, reading emails, and observing life around me. Through this, I see the world is now reaping what was sown.

Since abortion was legalized in the U.S., over 60 million children have been killed prior to birth. In the 40 years this has been going on, I wonder how many of these kids would have now been married and had children, and even grandchildren, of their own. I don't know what the statistics would say, but the total number of people that are missing is much higher than 60 million.

About the same time of Roe vs. Wade, China implemented a law that a family could only have one child. After more than a generation has passed, China realized they are now facing a shortage in workers for factories, caring for elderly, and more. The rule was changed in 2018 to allow two offspring, but now that is under advisement as well.

Thankfully, America didn't have such a law, but I believe we're still facing similar results. Iowa, and the country, is experiencing a low unemployment rate. As a result, there are more job openings than people available to fill them. In my small town alone I am getting used to seeing regular signs advertising work available. That also includes my on-going need of finding more nurses to help cover time.

Unfortunately, this country doesn't seem to learn or pay attention. With increasing political campaigning, one party continues to push expanding abortion and even making it a right. On the opposite end of life, some countries are also expanding euthanasia allowances. If an adult, or even child, has some type of disability or depression, then they legally be killed by a doctor. It's becoming a common part of socialized (government-controlled) healthcare and also something candidates want to implement.

I know that living the quad life sometimes gives a unique perspective on life. However, it isn't something that only I have noticed. I'm thankful that God is in control, but I keep wondering what life was like before Noah's flood or when Israel was taken captive by Babylon. I pray we don't go that far, but will need to be vigilant through the weeks, months, and years ahead.

Textile Security Breach

For the past several years, I have volunteered at the Ark Encounter gospel outreach booth at the Iowa State Fair. I signed up to help this year, but nearly got hooked off to jail instead.

Part of the booth's display includes a replica of Noah's Ark with a small train layout. The person who usually maintains and sets up the trains is no longer able to help. Therefore, dad agreed to assist with the model trains. Two other train enthusiasts from church, Dave and Jeff, also wanted to help.

With the fair starting later this week, yesterday was the day to get the booth ready. The four of us arrived to find a metallic erector set under construction that would eventually form walls. After an hour of work, the ark themed train layout arrived. Dad helped with the wall assembly while I watched Dave and Jeff work on the rails for the next 30 minutes.

Unfortunately, not all the parts for the train set came at one time. Three hours after the track's arrival, the booth was nearly finished, but we continued to wait for the model trains in order to test track function. The Ark Encounter display takes up a small part of the Varied Industries Building. Several other businesses and organizations have advertising and booth space. Since we had time to wait, the four of us went exploring.

Some displays were ready for business, others were in progress, and several hadn't started. Dad and I took our exploratory party up to the second floor where the textile display is housed. Fabric creations of all types were hung up with ladies busily getting more entries displayed. One woman cautiously greeted us and dad explained our presence.

Jeff wondered around a corner and behind display racks out of sight. Dave noticed all the items have various colored ribbons indicating what place they received. With the fair nearly a week away, he asked how they had already been evaluated. Our host's mood changed as she explained how judging had taken place the last several days. However, nobody was to know the outcome of their work before the fair started and our presence had potential of revealing these secrets.

Suddenly, a director type lady appeared and while engaging in conversation, was clearly unhappy with our intrusion. I started to slowly back away toward the way we had come in order to make a swift retreat. I imagined at this point that Jeff was cocooned in a quilt and left in a far back corner somewhere. Soon, crochet hooks and knitting needles would come out in order to subdue the rest of us into seclusion so we couldn't divulge any information.

The missing member of our group soon appeared and didn't appear to have been harmed. Once again four strong, we left with assurance nothing would be told. We found our way back to our designated section and the trains arrived 15 minutes later so work could continue. Another hour of progress occurred before the building closed and everyone had to leave.

A security officer was by our exit door using his phone. I hoped he wasn't getting a description of a barefoot wheelchair person with three other guys that needed arrested for trespassing. I quietly rolled by and out to the van without raising suspicion. Soon, the four of us were returning home, but not with a completed job. Another visit will be required before everything is ready for guests.

I'm thankful I was able to get out yesterday, even with two nights without a nurse. Hopefully this week of the quad life will remain busy, without looming peril.

More means Less, and Equal

When your life greatly depends on funding from medical insurance, it can get complicated. One phone call this week set off a chain of events that's still unfolding.

On Tuesday, the head of the nursing department I use for night coverage called. On July 1, 2018, my insurance provider increased the amount they paid per hour for nursing services. However, they also have a daily limit on what will be covered, and that was not increased. Therefore, the change meant that only 7.5 hours were covered instead of the nine I get every night.

I wasn't aware of this until the call. The agency had just been covering the extra 90 minutes during 2018, but were no longer willing to do so. Therefore, the company would be making the same amount on providing care, but by covering fewer hours. The fun doesn't end there though.

Medicaid allows one hour of nursing visits per day, five days a week. I don't use this benefit, so that would allow my night hours to return to 8.5 per night and the agency is willing to cover the final 30 minutes, making my usual nine hours covered five nights a week. That leaves two nights a week that would be short the regular time.

At the end of December, I received a letter from my insurance provider stating my nursing services would be covered January 1, 2019 through July 30, 2019 up to 10 hours a day for a certain amount. If changes were needed, then the agency should contact insurance for adjustments. After getting the letter scanned, I mailed it to the supervisor and pointed out the line about changes. His response was that he tried with another family and it didn't make any progress.

Wednesday, I called my insurance provider's case manager and let her know what was going on. I provided more details Thursday as I knew more and as of Friday, someone else is reviewing the changes needed and will hopefully get back to me early this week.

My parents and I chose Saturday and Sunday to be short on hours, so this has been the first weekend with decreased coverage. I'm thankful I have loving parents that are willing and able to do the extra work and go with changes. We are hopeful it's only temporary, but won't know for a while.

Living the quad life is rarely boring. I somewhat look forward to what may come this week, but I know God is in control whatever may come.

Less Than a Year

A couple weeks ago, I visited my ENT about an oddity with my trach button. He ran a few tests and the results came back with an infection. I can count on a few mouth sticks how often I've had a trach infection, so I started on an antibiotic September 18. The prescription was fairly hefty with two pills taken three times a day for ten days.

Last week Sunday night, I took the prescription along with the rest of my meds and got ready for bed. The nurse and I noticed my abdomen was sticking out a little further than usual, but I'm often portly late in the day. Memories from last November briefly ran through my head with being on a strong antibiotic and ending in the hospital with an ileus and major stomach pain.

Monday morning came with everything looking normal again. I continued with the antibiotic and my regular routine. Around 10:30, I was on flat time and turned on my side for further relief on pressure sores. With YouTube running on my computer behind me, I watched my list of entertainment in a mirror. I could also see my lower chest in the reflection and noticed my stomach growing.

I cut my side time short, but by noon the battle of the bulge looked near. I opted to skip lunch and quick tried to get some web updates complete along with a note to my ENT to adjust the prescription. Unfortunately, by 2:00 war was declared and the too familiar stomach pain had started. Over the next few hours, some relief was managed and I called in my main day assistant for help.

Around 8:00, discomfort was partially under control, but I still looked at least six months pregnant. I decided to try to make it through the night and we would head to the hospital in Des Moines in the morning. That time came quicker than expected with my night nurse waking up my parents at 4:00 Tuesday morning.

By 6:00, I was again in the ER with the same stomach trouble I had less than a year ago. This time, I didn't wait on the NG tube and it was shoved in for the fifth time in my life. Within an hour, a liter of fluid had been sucked out of me and my nose was the discomfort now with the tube instead of my stomach.

Just before attempting sleep Wednesday night at the hospital, the tube was again removed. For a first in my hospital visits, I was released in an evening and was back home by 8:00 Thursday night. By 10:30 Friday morning, I was again on my regular flat time watching something via computer. However, I stayed on my back as I dozed on and off after several days of little to no sleep.

I'm thankful God has surrounded me with a multitude of caregivers and parents that know me well and how to roll with the flow. Throughout my stay with sitters and medical staff, possibly a future post, I saw how He provides in every circumstance. Problems and frustrations were encountered, but it went well overall. Each of these instances comes with varying diet instructions that have yet to be consistent. Therefore, I'm carefully getting back to a regular diet again and attempting to follow instructions.

For this week, I'm praying it goes as expected and will not include unscheduled trips.

It's Just Temporary

If my Bible reading schedule continues at it's current pace, I should soon be entering the book of Ecclesiastes. It was written by the Israelite king Solomon and starts with saying that everything is meaningless. Reading through it can be difficult, but also helpful when you look at it carefully.

The world we live in has times of joy and happiness as well as suffering and sadness. No matter what the circumstances are, we need to remember they are only temporary. The latest promotion at work, fun from vacation or a new child in the family; these can be times of excitement, but are only temporary. At some point, new job stresses or personal expenses will turn the pleasure to torment. Vacations quickly come to an end and children will cause grief and stress at some point as well. However, it doesn't end there.

When you're experiencing a cold or flu, it can make life miserable. Within a few days to a week, it will likely be gone and just be a memory. For those like me that are living with a lifelong disability, spinal cord injury, CP, MD, MS, etc., it's only temporary as well. Everything in this life will come to an end at some point, whether we're prepared or not.

This week, yet another school shooting occurred and has been going through the news. As with previous massacres, questions arise as how to stop such atrocities from happening again. We need to stop teaching that life is just an accident, that is isn't important, and that it's meaningless.

Yes, everything in this life is temporary and will come to an end, but not life after leaving this earth. Solomon concludes the book in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil."

Life is a special gift from God to be used to serve Him. Trouble and persecution will come, but it should make us look forward to the life to come. All we need to do is truly repent of our sins and serve God completely. I encourage anyone reading this to read the book of John while time allows. We do not know what another week, or day, may bring.

Tech No Week

It has been a busy week in the quad life, and not without interesting times. Last week Sunday was my first sermon of 2018, my parents left for a week-long vacation Tuesday, and I spoke at the Iowa Lung Association Tuesday. Each event has had it's own individual circumstances.

When I agreed to preach last week, it was early February and I thought by April 8 warm weather would be upon us. The day of the sermon bare got to mid 30's and had snow showers. I can tell I need to practice on single, one-time talks. The message I gave went okay, but I ended up missing a few points I had planned to cover. In every other presentation I give, I basically give the same talk year after year and adjust the first few times. Sermons aren't generally done that way, so more practice is needed.

The service was held in a school gym after a potluck lunch. It was equipped with a microphone system, but ended up being full of echos. I'm not used to hearing my own voice and partly ended early due to sounding dry and scratchy. My grandmother was unable to hear with her hearing aides, but I did get good responses from the rest of the crowd.

Before leaving, dad went around checking light bulbs and anything he could think may need work while they were away. Tuesday came and went without trouble and they got to start a much needed break from regular life.

Thursday's conference is one I have been preparing for and looking forward to since last fall. The organizers very nicely had a ramp to the stage so I could actually be seen. It was a little tight with my chair, and groaned under my chair's weight, but it worked. My PowerPoint worked okay, until it got to my videos. They stuttered and started and unfortunately wouldn't work for anything. I used a lapel mic and it picked up my voice, but I sounded like a metallic robot of sorts.

A few people told me to make sure to give time for questions, so I decreased a few of my talking points and had about 15 minutes to spare. Unfortunately, only one person asked for further information and I ended up ending my time short. One of my long-time RT's met me afterword and said the previous night's party may have resulted in a few hung over participants in the crows with fewer questions.

My assistant and I finally got home after the talk, hit my room's light switch, and no response. The light that dad had checked was now dead. It's a fixture that also has a very unique type of plug on the bulb that's making it difficult to find a replacement. Dad said last week that when the bulb died, it would likely require a new fixture. So I sit in a partially lit room with a lamp borrowed from another part of the house.

I'm very thankful that I had these opportunities to present and that my parents could get away. If everything went as planned, it would be boring. Hopefully this week is calmer, but I will look for God's guidance in good times as well as slightly frusting ones.

Teacher Hunt

As is pretty normal, last week was a fairly busy week again. Tuesday was my regular biking in Des Moines, Thursday had a meeting for Medicaid renewal and a church meeting, and Friday was speaking at school.

This was my last scheduled school for the year, but I'm hoping to get a few more for spring. If I do, I hope they are a bit calmer. My last visit for the year was with my biggest school, three classes of second graders back to back. By the end of the day, I was having trouble remembering what I had said where, but each class was unique.

During my presentation, I show the students how I write with my mouth and then let them try it on there own. When older kids see me, this is usually the part they remember the most and it's a fun activity. The first class went as usual, but the second group had a bit of a difference.

After I did my demo, the kids started to give it a try. However, just as one girl got the marker near her mouth, she put her hand over her mouth, ran to the trash can, and threw up. The teacher was helping another fidgety student, so I got her attention and she quickly ushered the student, with trash can, out of the room.

Thankfully, the rest of the class didn't seem to notice and I just continued on as usual. During the remainder of my presentation, the teacher kept busy wiping down the door knob, student's desk, and area where the trash can had been. I pray the young lady is feeling well again and won't have memories of a different kind if we get to meet again.

My church's pastor search team started up again, so I'm back to listening to sermons during my flat time. I was also asked this week to preach at a church next month, so I started writing my own sermon to present. With ideas running through my head and listening to multiple preachers, I'm not sure which thoughts are original anymore.

As I continue to learn in the quad life, I never what to expect in any situation. My only scheduled activity this coming week is biking again, so hopefully it will be just the routine. God is in control of it all, even sudden illnesses.

No longer very good

A week ago today was another mass shooting in the U.S., this time in Las Vegas. The conspiracy theories abound on what took place, but the fact remains that another 58 people were killed and hundreds of others were injured.

In Genesis 1:31, God looked at creation, everything in the universe, and called it very good. If you look to the original wording, He said it was exceedingly good, or perfect. It doesn't take much observation to see the world we live in today is not perfect by any means.

Large massacres of people by gunmen is almost starting to become common. However, smaller sometimes more personal tragedies such as cancer, suicide, and young children sustaining life altering injuries in car accidents are things we experience almost daily. Even when Jesus was on earth, we read in Luke 13 about people being killed by the governor and when a tower fell on them.

The question most people ask is why do these things happen? What is wrong with this once perfect world? The answer goes back to Genesis 3 when Adam and Eve, the head of all people, sinned against God. They said by their actions they wanted to do things their way and to leave God out of it, and the consequences were given.

As a result, God withdrew some of His sustaining power and allows some sins to occur. Now, all of creation groans as in childbirth until the present time (Romans 8). As the world continues to go against God's will, we continue to see sin and its results increase.

What should be our reaction when these events occur? As a consequence of sin, death entered the world and it is appointed once for every person to die, and then the judgment. Jesus' response to the tragedies He was asked about was to repent, or you will likewise perish. Therefore, these events should be a reminder that our time will come, most likely when we least expect it.

As I tell grade school students, living the quad life is not part of the original very good creation. However, God has not left us as orphans and we can still serve Him and follow His commands. May everyone continue to do this in the week to come as well as whatever time we have been given.

Testing Week

I purchased a pre-release of a movie called Exit and as a bonus, I received a digital copy of a book called Stressed Out by Todd Friel. It's a book I had on my list to get later this year, so I was happy to see it included. The main subject is dealing with stress and anxiety biblically and that God is in control. I started reading it over a week ago and this past week has been a good test.

On Monday, I received a call that my night nurse was having a family situation and nobody would be able to come. The routine of staying up until 2:00 A.M. is quite familiar, but still never much fun. On Tuesday evening, another nurse was scheduled to work, but she was ill and couldn't work and neither could anyone else. That made two nights in a row for late night slumber parties. Thankfully Wednesday night was covered, and I fell asleep even before my night routine was complete.

Thursday, I was scheduled for a bone density test at my local small town hospital. I have done them before, but this time didn't go well. It's common to get help and have two people transfer me from my chair to the x-ray table, but I needed to be laying the opposite way on the table than how I get out of my chair. This resulted in being held in a sitting position on a hard table and pivoting around, twice. In order to get a one of the tests, I was moved halfway off the table and my caregiver had to hold me so I wouldn't fall on the floor. With all this ordeal and not feeling well, she had to call in sick Friday making for another missed shift.

In the 32 years I have been given in the quad life, these kinds of circumstances aren't too uncommon. With a nursing shortage continue to grow, I'm very certain open shifts will increase. It is very tempting to get stressed out and sometimes anxious during tough times, but that only serves to make a situation worse.

I'm very thankful in knowing God is in control of all things. With so many open times and making my parents do more, it's hard to remember or understand how it will work out for good. I pray this week is calmer than last, but I take what God gives me. If you regularly read God's Word, but are like me and find some days challenging, I highly recommend getting the book above.

Busy Day of Rest

Why is it that sometimes days that are meant to be for resting and recouping can end up busier than regular days? Saturday night, I once again did not have a night nurse. We did the normal routine of mom and I staying up until nearly 2:00 and dad takes over.

For me, I actually slept fairly well and was awake enough to do my morning routine and get to church. After some singing, it was the normal time to settle down and hear the sermon. However, God must have wanted to wake us up as a bat started flying around the sanctuary. The Pastor tried to continue, but couldn't keep everyone's attention.

After several loops from the bat, and odd sounds and movements from everyone, the distraction was removed. The comment was made that it took six people to get one bat, but it worked. The service resumed as usual and we can now add another critter to the list that has been in our services (miniature horse, dog, sheep, and now bat). Yes, this is rural Iowa and animals are easily obtained for helpful teaching points.

With church a little later than usual, we got home, changed clothes, and then met with my mom's side of the family for lunch. Everyone enjoyed great food, talked a while, and watched the great-grand-kids play. A few hours later, it was time to head back home for my afternoon cares. Just after getting home, I was greeted by two emails for urgent updates on a client's web site.

Everything together can make for a busy day, but I do enjoy them when they come. I saw some of my cousins' kids that I haven't seen since Christmas and get caught up again with them. As the surprise church visitor showed us, anything can happen at any time.

Keeping focus on where it needs to be is sometimes very difficult at times, including in the quad life. This week looks to remain busy as well, but I'll see if any surprises are included.

While Parents are Away

My parents try to take a vacation or two per year just on their own. It takes some work to arrange someone to help me on the evenings and weekend, but we usually get it arranged with rearranging caregiver schedules and having grandmas come. Mom and dad took off last Thursday and plan to be back Friday. That means I have the house to myself, at least in a manner of speaking.

Saturday afternoon I was part of a radio interview. It was a national internet based radio that the participants, and hosts, just simply call in. We talked about life as a quadriplegic and the advantages if going sans footwear. The conversation then went to places that require shoes even for wheelchair uses. It was a fun half hour that I may need to do again. Today was a little more exciting.

About 9:30 the doorbell rang, so my assistant went to answer it. I could hear her talking with someone, but could only pick up part of the conversation. Pretty soon I could hear her say, "Well, he's back here in bed." A male voice answered, "Is he awake?" I listened to footsteps come down the hall and in walks a policeman.

He did well at not looking too surprised at seeing a man sitting in bed running a computer with a mouth stick. Apparently someone called the local redemption center and left a message of disgust about their hours. The cop said the message was quite colorful in language and the caller ID said my name. I assured him it wasn't me and that our caller ID has my father's name. I also couldn't help with anyone else I knew that shares my name. Our visitor left with that and I managed to stay out of jail. Hopefully that will be it for such visits.

For six of the eight evenings, my grandmothers are helping out. So far, they've been giving my ice cream desserts every night. By next week, I think I'll need to practice self breathing to get some exercise!

If I can manage to stay out of trouble with the law, the rest of the week should go well. However, you never know what to expect in the quad life.