Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Sunday, February 23, 2025

Good morning!

Welcome to the midpoint of winter, where hope for spring is going to be crushed under the weight of fresh snow and plummeting temperatures. Just Sunday, I was dreaming of warm breezes, blooming flowers, and bike rides, and now, here we are—facing subzero temps just to make sure I know who’s in charge. (It’s not me.) I really dislike winter.🥶

Yesterday, at Tax-Aide, it was a surprisingly pleasant tax day. I stayed for the full shift and felt great—probably because I barely moved from my seat. That sentence instantly transported me back to grade school, where I can still hear teachers constantly barking, “STAY IN YOUR SEATS!”I’d like to believe I was one of the well-behaved ones.

Of course, my cane sparked more questions and comments. Alex, one guy put a price on the cane. He thought you could sell them for $60 each. I don’t know what you value the cane at, but I consider it priceless.

People were curious, and I was open about my ALS diagnosis. Most of my clients were women, and some of them teared up when I told them. It was incredibly touching to hear their kind words, though I had a few moments where I had to take a deep breath to keep it together. As much as I value emotional honesty, I don’t think a tax preparer breaking down mid-appointment is a great look. “Line 37 shows your refund and—sniff—life is just so fragile!” Probably not the experience they signed up for.

One client in particular had a lot of questions—rapid fire, all through the appointment. At one point, I briefly wondered if I was preparing her taxes correctly, but I’m mostly sure I did. (Just kidding… I did.) She asked me if I was mad about the diagnosis. I stopped to think about that for a second. The last six months have been a rollercoaster of emotions, but anger? No, I’ve never really felt angry. Who would I be mad at? And what would that anger do for me? The last thing I want is to spend this time bitter. That would only make the road ahead harder. I shared that with her, and she said, “You’re a better person than me.” I appreciated the sentiment, but really, it’s just a choice—one I keep making every day and hope to continue doing going-forward.

All in all, it was a good day. No falls! Seriously, that’s a victory. I think about it constantly, and I know it’s only a matter of time before gravity wins. And let’s be honest…that would not be a good look. Our clients and volunteers have an average age of about 75. Who’s going to help me up? We’d have a room full of well-meaning but fragile people standing around debating the safest way to lift me. And I’m definitely not ready for a team of good-looking, ridiculously fit paramedics and firefighters showing up to hoist me off the floor. My dignity is hanging by a thread as it is.

Helping those in my community is rewarding and I’m grateful that I still can still do this. The fear I had back in November about being judged? That was just another irrational worry. Instead of judgment, I’ve found kindness, support, and understanding.

Everyday I keep learning how to accept my physical limitations and the people around me have pitched in plenty to make life easier…thank you.

If you’re out and about today, take it slow in the snow. If you’re late, well… call it poor planning and try again next time. Have a great day!

Love you guys! ❤️