THE CHALLENGES OF MORE STUFF

So my friends, who knew that having ALS required having lots more stuff? It started with having to use a Walker to get around because my balance was really bad. At the time we didn’t know why. This week we had appointments for wheelchair ramps, wheelchairs, stair lift and an elevator.

When we talk about going anywhere we have to think about what fits in the car. When we get where we’re going, will there be a handicap accessible bathroom?

If you have kids you may remember loading the walker, the high chair, the diaper bag, the extra set of clothes, the food, the utensils OMG! Years ago when we traveled with our kids, we required a pickup truck full of stuff to make sure we had everything. I’m having flashbacks to those times now except this stuff is a lot bigger and heavier.

We recently got word that we’re going to be able to get a remodel on our master bathroom so that I can get a roll in shower. That should help quite a bit and reducing the risk of falling. I have taken so much for granted in my life and the simple things like stepping in and out of a shower seem like monumental tasks.

I am truly blessed to have Mike in my life and all my family and friends. We are here in his hometown around our family who provide us constant support. As I’m writing this, he is downstairs unpacking kitchen boxes and trying to get things where they make the most sense. Meanwhile I’m looking out of my office window at the beautiful back yard. I missed it this morning but Mike saw five turkeys walking across the yard back at the tree-line. He mimicked their walk to “Walk like an Egyptian” ala Steve Martin.

We have to find ways to laugh, but I wish he wouldn’t do it when I need to pee!