Tuesday, June 3, 2025 – Day 294

Tuesday, June 3, 2025

Good morning, everybody!

We’re slowly—very slowly—getting life back in order after the whirlwind of the weekend. Although when I say we, I realize I’m being generous. Let’s be honest: I didn’t unload the car on Sunday. I’m not the one cooking meals, tidying up the chaos, or folding the laundry that somehow multiplied like rabbits while we were gone. I mostly hobble in, locate a chair, take a nap, or get in the way. Cindy’s the one restoring order to the universe. Thanks, Honey—you’re the real MVP.

Yesterday we picked up my new left-foot AFO (Ankle-Foot Orthosis) from Hanger Clinic. Another stylish addition to my growing ALS accessory collection. It’s like Pokémon—but for mobility aids. Some of the gear has come from amazing lending closets like SCVN (Senior Care Volunteer Network) and ALS United, and we’ve been really fortunate. Between their generosity and Medicare stepping in, our out-of-pocket expenses have been modest so far. Honestly, the biggest cost might be fuel for all the appointments—we should at least get a punch card or a coffee mug from all these miles.

We’re headed to Evanston today for an 11:00 a.m. appointment. That means a 9:00 departure, back home by 2:00 if traffic plays nice. I’ll squeeze in a quick nap, and then we’re off to Sew Hop’d Brewery at 4:00 for my two-beer ration. Then a quick dinner and then bedtime. These days just fly by.

Today’s outing is a makeup session—I totally missed Tom and Joy on Saturday, and I owe them a round (or two). I’m genuinely looking forward to today. It has something I crave other than an IPA, enjoying “normal”. To just do normal stuff with the people we love.

We also started tallying up contributions from the weekend—Andy’s Army bracelets, sleeves of golf balls sporting our custom logo (“F ALS!”), and generous folks slipping cash into the card box. All in all, we picked up another $1,500 for ALS United. Thank you, truly. Your generosity keeps lifting us up.

If you didn’t get a bracelet and still want one, just let Cindy or me know. We’re already filling a few more orders from Saturday, so adding a couple extras is no big deal—says the guy who isn’t doing any of the work.

Oh! Yesterday we also got our first batch of photos from the event photographers. Which means there are only about 4,997 left to come. (It really felt like they captured every blink and breath of the day.) The ones we’ve seen so far look fantastic. I’ll be posting the group photo—it’s fun to zoom in and see all the smiles, hugs, and that unmistakable sense of joy radiating from everyone. A few of you were looking the wrong way or hidden behind a shoulder, head, or… wig? But no worries—it’s still a beautiful time capsule of a day I’ll never forget.

Once again, I’m filled to the brim with your love, support, and friendship. Thank you for making Saturday unforgettable—and for carrying me through it all.

My next Prey book didn’t show up so I’ll find another book to read…if there’s time. I finished The Bomber Mafia by Malcom Gladwell last night. It’s a book that focuses on the defeating Japan in the last year of WWII. It speaks to the moralities of war and trying to defeat a formidable enemy as quickly as possible in order to avoid an invasion of Japan. An invasion that had American casualties estimated to be 500k. It is an easy and quick read…one that at least causes you to pause and question the methods used to end the war.

My dad was training to be a part of that invasion. He was grateful the war ended in August…one month before the planned invasion in September. Who knows what would have happened?!?!

Have a great Tuesday.

Love you guys!❤️