Tuesday, July 15, 2025 – Day 336

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Good morning! ☀️

Thanks to everyone who chimed in with suggestions on how to transport the new beast of a wheelchair. I was genuinely surprised by how many of you weighed in. The overwhelming consensus? Bite the bullet and get a modified vehicle now—solve the problem once instead of nickel-and-diming it for months, only to end up in the same place anyway. I agree. It’s time to rip off the Band-Aid.

Honestly, every time I toss out a question—whether it’s about books, hobbies, gear to manage my ALS, or random health stuff—you always come through with advice, resources, or encouragement. It makes a real difference. Your support makes this disease more manageable—for me and for Cindy. Thank you. Truly.

A huge part of managing ALS is simply getting out of the house and staying connected. I don’t do any of the typical errands that keep a household running, so if it weren’t for social get-togethers, I’d probably never leave. We’re lucky to have a strong social circle and lots of opportunities to spend time with friends and family. These gatherings are what keep my mental health afloat. I love reading, but if I didn’t break away now and then, I’d be in danger of becoming a full-time character in my own book. Hmmmm…maybe I’m already there.

On Sunday, we went to The Breakers with Barb and Mark to use a gift card I’d been given during tax season—a thank-you for doing someone’s return. Totally unnecessary, but hey, I wasn’t going to let it go to waste. Dinner was delicious, and the company was even better.

Then last night, we were invited to Mary Ann and Gary’s house for backyard beverages. They live in an older part of downtown with a big farm house and a gorgeous yard—lush shade trees, colorful flowers, the whole garden tour package. Somebody definitely has a green thumb. Despite the high-80s heat, their backyard felt surprisingly cool and comfortable. So comfortable, in fact, that we stayed past 7:00 p.m.—basically bedtime for yours truly.

On the reading front, Lis gifted me the uncut version of The Stand by Stephen King. (Thanks, Lis. You really know how to lighten the mood. 😄) The story kicks off with a lab-created virus that wipes out 99% of humanity—including dogs and horses. As the plot unfolds, the survivors search for connection and purpose. Some are good, some are evil, and all are trying to navigate a world that’s been turned upside down. Honestly, it hits a little close to home after living through Covid.

King’s world-building is so vivid that I often feel like I’ve dropped into the story myself—especially when I’m reading in the quiet of the house at night. I’ve caught myself pausing to remind myself: “It’s just a book.” But in those moments, it doesn’t feel like just a book. It’s strange and a little unsettling. I don’t know if my ALS vulnerabilities are feeding into that feeling, but I find myself more on edge than usual during the tense chapters. I’m only halfway through, but the conflict between good and evil is definitely ramping up. I’m buckled in to see where this all leads. I hope I’m not going to be a victim in the plot line.

That’s it for today…more tomorrow. Have a great Tuesday.

Love you guys!❤️