Monday, August 25, 2025 – Day 377

Monday, August 25, 2025

Good morning—it’s celebration Monday!

Alex turns 30 today. Happy Birthday, bud! 🎉 Back when I was working, the birthday rule was simple: the person celebrating brought the treats—donuts, bagels, whatever. A little backwards when you think about it, but it spared the office from decorating every other week. Maybe that was just the lazy way out. However your workplace rolls, may it be a good one today.

Yesterday we met Alex and Nicole at Cooper’s Hawk for Sunday brunch. It was short and sweet, but a perfect way to mark the milestone. Of course, with just 19 days until the wedding, the conversation kept circling back to final details.

While we were sitting there. Alex casually reached into his pants pocket and pulled out the wedding rings. Nicole’s jaw dropped—you could practically hear her thinking, “You carried the rings here?!” It caused a chuckle from Cindy and me.

The rings are gorgeous—It’s one thing to look at photos of them, it’s powerful to hold them and feel their heft. They’ve got a little weight (22 grams), a few tiny flaws (made with love and sweat), and a whole lot community behind them (donated gold and many who’ve helped shape them). They’re stunning. And let’s be honest: this tale easily beats my old “Dunkin’ Donuts diamond” engagement ring story. Nice work Alex, you should be so proud of them, I’m glad you brought them. After which…Nicole took possession of them.

While we were out celebrating, my brother Tim stopped by and installed supports under the wheelchair ramp from the garage. What a difference. The bounce and flex in the aluminum disappeared, and now the ramp looks and feels solid enough for The Beast (my 436 lb power chair). I’ll still ease into testing—start with the lighter chair, then maybe work my way up before running nearly 600 pounds up the incline with me as the crash test dummy. That’s about 75% of the rated capacity, which makes me nervous. I’ll want somebody nearby ready to dial three emergency numbers if gravity decides to win. Thanks Tim for taking time out your Sunday to keep me safe.

Speaking of being safe, I’ve noticed a real change in my walking stability. Just a couple of months ago, I started using two canes when I left the house and it worked well for my current ALS progression. But yesterday, while setting up for a photo with the kids, my balance was all over the place. I came far too close to falling. I look like a newborn foal who has to start walking immediately after birth…legs going everywhere with no control…just flailing. And I’ve only got two legs to do this wobbly dance.

So it’s time to make the switch to the walker full-time when I’m out. Since I already need it to navigate the ramp when we leave the house, it makes sense to keep using it right out to the car. It’s not a change I was looking forward to, but falls, which I’ve already gambled with, could cause serious injury—and that would make daily life nearly impossible. It’s past time to live smarter and safer.

Wishing everyone a great Monday and a strong start to the week. Love you guys! ❤️