BEST GRANDSONS

Have I mentioned that I have the best grandsons? Last night Cindy and the boys stopped by after dinner - Todd stayed home to do the dishes and get a break from kids. When they came Dave had just finished taking to the bathroom and hadn't time to get me resettled in my chair. The boys came in Pop Pop, then me. Walker immediately asked if I wanted my head tipped back and knew just how to do it. They are so comfortable helping put my arm brace on and getting me set up to eat. I am so very proud of the way they take everything in stride and accept my needs. Did I say anything about our house rules? There are usually 4 small dishes on the counter holding walnuts, pecans, almonds and (drum roll here) dark chocolate covered blueberries. The deal is they can have them as long as they give me 1 for every 2 they eat. Of course that means placed in my mouth. Don't tell them, but I am thinking about changing it to 1 for every 3. With all three now eating the blueberries it is hard to keep up.

First day of summer

YEA, the first day of summer was actually like summertime should be. It was warm and clear, with the brilliant blue sky that reminds me why this is such a great place to live. it also reached 82 - our second day of the year over 80.
I spent most of the day on the deck reading. My chair mounted computer makes this really easy. Of course that was after I checked email and checked a few websites I follow. The only problem I have is paying attention to the low battery warning. There are outlets on the deck, but I have a history of forgetting that I am plugged in and driving away. A cord doesn't stand a chance against a 400 pound wheelchair. When the battery gave up I had to look for a different way to cause trouble.
Dave was working on his motorcycle, so I had Sherry walk Quincy and me over to Todd before she left. The boys were working on an art project so I had fun watching them. Of course being boys they were soon involved in much more active fun.

SUN

Since I have whined so much about the cold and rain, I better mention the good days we have had. Two weeks ago, on Saturday was the last t-ball game for Sam and Miles. It was a spectacular day, clear bright blue sky with a view of Mt. Saint Helens that you could reach out and touch.
 This was also a game they were playing on the main field. It has real dugouts and a public address system. Cindy nominated Dave to be the announcer, a job he enjoyed. The boys said they could hear their names when they went up to bat. Such fun!
That was also the first week Kari used her family leave time to be with us. She will be working 30 hours a week so she can spend more time with us.  Some of the time she will do things with Dave, some of the time she will help with my care and some of the time she will work on her first quilt. Since I have started 3 others on their quilt she figured she better learn while  I could still talk.  She is on her way. It makes it nice that she has used similar tools on paper as are used to cut the fabric.
Another bit of good news was that after trying 5 times to find a secondary caregiver we were finally successful on the 6th. This means we will have help 6 days a week and occasionally even 7. Additionally Dave can get away for a few days once in a while. My decline continues at a slow pace so we are able to keep up my changing needs. And, even more important, I am enjoying life.

INTERESTING TIMES

Well, the past month has been interesting.  I have had to acknowledge my "head in the sand" approach to this disease is not always smart.  Let me give you some background.

Dave's nephew Brian is getting married at the end of June in the LA area.  I really wanted to go.  Flying is out of the question because of the air pressure in the plane and all of my necessary equipment that we would have to take.  Driving is difficult for Dave because his back does not like sitting in one position for long periods.  So I figured out a fun way to make the trip.  We would send Dave down on the plane to spend time with his dad and take him to the wedding.  Meanwhile Sherry and I, along with my sister Pat, would drive down and spend a little time at the beach.  Sherry would take care of me while Pat acted as our chauffeur.

We were working on all of the equipment we would have to take and all of the possible stops along the way.  We knew it would be major adventure, but Dave and I were ignoring the possible problems that might occur.  While at Caregiver Support Group Dave mentioned the trip to the ALS Social Worker.  He reaction was, "You have got to be kidding me.  What are you thinking?". 

When Dave got home and we talked about his reaction, we had to admit that we really had not been thinking.  Turns out that Todd and Kari were also very concerned, but they knew that their stubborn Mother would not be easy to sway.  So they had just talked to each other, but not to either of us.

I still wanted to go someplace and smell salt air, it had been way too long.  So now Sherry will spend the weekend with me while Dave goes down for the wedding.  My treat comes in July when we will spend a week at the Oregon coast in house right on the beach.  Todd and the boys will be there for the week, and Kari, Garrett and Cindy will be there for part of the time.  Having Sherry with us will help make it a vacation for Dave too.  Although after Sherry saw the pictures of the house, she said it might be a vacation for her too.

So July 15th to the 22nd we will be at Manzanita Beach enjoying the salt air, having our family with us, and still close enough to familiar medical care if needed.  The "head in the sand" approach can get us through most days, but reality needs to creep in occasionally.