Tuesday, December 2, 2025 – Day 476

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Good morning, everyone.
23 days until Christmas. 🎄

I had my second massage yesterday, and I have to say—I really like having someone come to the house. It makes the whole process easier on me, especially now that winter has settled in.

Last year was such a fluke for snow. We only had about 19” for the whole 24–25 season. This year we’re already pushing 12”, and it’s barely December. I can’t even imagine trying to navigate a rollator over snowbanks and icy sidewalks. I may be hibernating more this winter than ever before.

Right now, I’m okay with being a little housebound. That’s never really bothered me. What did bother me was walking Bear in sub-zero temperatures. 🥶 We’ll see how I hold up emotionally as winter drags on, especially after the holidays. If things get dicey, I might need to find an ADA-accessible resort somewhere warm.

Ashley, the massage therapist, set up her table near the fireplace. I can still get onto the table myself, but positioning is the real challenge…getting prone, situating my head into that donut ring, and trying not to tug out the feeding tube. It’s a whole operation. I sort of snake, scoot, and pray my way into place.

Once I was finally situated, Ashley noticed I still had my t-shirt on. I let out a big sigh. Given that I can’t lift myself up with my arms anymore, this was going to be a problem. My first thought was, Well, we could just cut it off. But Ashley took charge. She rolled me gently one way, then the other, and somehow managed to get the shirt up and over my head. It sounds simple, but trust me…it wasn’t. Anytime I need to move this body, especially lying down, even the smallest shift takes everything I’ve got.

The massage itself was great. Ashley is young and strong…built like a college softball player…and she was incredibly thoughtful when it comes to making sure I’m doing okay through the entire massage. Always checking in to make sure I’m feeling good. It made the whole experience feel safe and easy.

Afterward, while she was packing up, I told her she reminded me of my niece Sally, who played softball at Lake Forest College. Sally is one of the most caring souls I’ve ever known. Her smile is warm and welcoming, her heart is kind, and when she looks at you, you feel seen. She has this way of pulling you in. Ashley had that same presence…gentle, steady, and full of care.

As I sit here this morning, I can feel the little bit of soreness from the massage. It’s a good soreness feeling, like I’ve worked out and my body is saying thank you for all spa treatment.

I’m staying home today…maybe a nurse is coming to help train me on my overnight feedings. Just not sure with the many voicemails going back and forth.

Have a great Tuesday.

Love you guys!❤️