Friday, December 19, 2025 – Day 493

Friday, December 19, 2025

Good morning, everyone.
6 days until Christmas! 🎄

I’m not exactly sure who to thank for yesterday’s Jevity delivery. A few people stepped in to order formula to help bridge the gap while we wait for our Medicare supplier to deliver just-in-time inventory somewhere between Christmas and New Year’s. So thank you, Kim… Nikki… or whatever helpful elf made it happen. Much appreciated. 🎅🏼

Yesterday was massage day with Ashley from Sullivan Mobile Massage and Spa. I’ve been scheduling a massage every other week to work out the growing collection of kinks in my body—especially my neck. Between massage and PT, I’m doing my best to lift and keep my head up. It may never be perfect, but I’m committed to trying to straighten this body out.

Getting on the table.
These massage tables are not exactly double-wides, and my maneuverability is, at best, questionable. With Cindy’s help, Ashley playing point guard (I kid you not) —arms up, body positioned, ready to catch me as I inched into place. Cindy had control of the “gait belt,” gently tugging me where I needed to be. There is nothing graceful about me getting onto my stomach in a fully prone position. The final move in this carefully choreographed dance is dropping—literally—my head into the donut-hole headrest. Unfortunately, there was so much fabric bunched up that it covered my mouth and nose, my breathing became challenged. I barely managed to get out the words that I wasn’t comfortable and couldn’t breathe. Thankfully, Cindy and Ashley understood immediately and didn’t hesitate. It was right around that moment when Ashley suggested that next time, we might consider a chair massage. Smart woman…thinking about avoiding lawyers.

The massage itself was wonderful—very relaxing. At the end, I told Ashley I felt a little light-headed (my neck muscles would disagree). Fortunately, Cindy was there to help me safely off the table and back behind the rollator. Ashley was not thrilled with my cotton ankle socks and strongly suggested nonskid grip socks. I told her she’s not the first person to try to change my sock situation. I explained my reasoning… not sure she bought it. But so far, it’s working for me.

The rest of the day was quiet. After lunch, I had my head buried in a book with the respirator mask on, just giving myself a little extra assist. This has become part of the routine, and I’m okay with that—especially since after the midday feeding, rest is usually in order. It also gave Cindy the perfect opportunity to sneak out and run errands. I promised her I’d be safe.

Last night, we went to bed with my phone resting on a pillow between us, playing the Calm app. Night #2—and let me just say, this app is wonderful. It lulled me into what felt like a great night of sleep. My sleep app disagrees. I’ve decided to ignore it and trust my lived experience.

Today, we’re headed to Glenbrook Hospital for a quick procedure to swap out my feeding tube. After that, I’ll be good for another six months—or about 550 feedings—whichever comes first.

Have a great Friday.
Love you guys! ❤️

Today’s random photo of three generations of the Brickhouse men enjoying the beach in St. Maarten. Kevin, Zack, and Wyatt.