Saturday, January 17, 2026 – Day 522

Saturday, January 17, 2026

Good morning, everyone.

Yesterday was massage day—my bi-weekly appointment with Ashley from Sullivan Mobile Massage and Spa. This was my fourth session with her, and she continues to be nothing short of wonderful.

At my third massage, we switched to a chair massage. I simply don’t move well on a table anymore—and if I’m being honest, I don’t really move at all. Playing it safe felt like the right call. But when Ashley finished, I knew immediately: it wasn’t the same. Sitting for a massage versus lying on a table is night and day. There’s something about being prone, fully supported, where you can surrender to the work—where strong fingers don’t just work on you, they melt you into the table. So this time, I asked Ashley if she’d be willing to try the table again.

She didn’t hesitate.

Cindy stayed close so Ashley wouldn’t have to manage me alone. I may have lost weight, but I’m still 145 pounds of dead weight—no leverage, no assist. Getting me onto the table is a process. First, onto my stomach, then using the sheets to move up or down on the table , then carefully dropping my head into the headrest —so I can breathe. And now Ashley can start her magic.

Then comes the flip. The narrow table leaves no margin for error, and my arms are the wildcard. They don’t cooperate. They get trapped. Cindy takes my torso. Ashley controls everything from the waist down. Slowly, deliberately, they roll me—like a burrito—while simultaneously sliding me back toward the center of the table so I don’t drift off the edge. Meanwhile, I can feel my underwear being pulled down…I would have been a naked burrito if Cindy hadn’t been paying attention. It’s patience, teamwork, and trust, with some insurance protection just in case there is a loud thud hitting the floor.

It’s a full-body massage, but my neck is where the battle lives. I’ve been fighting neck muscle atrophy since last summer. Neck warmers. Daily stretching. A neck brace that doesn’t seem to help. And massage. It’s an ongoing campaign.

I know perfection isn’t the goal anymore. My goal is simpler: to sit in my wheelchair, hold my head up, and look people in the eye. If I can keep doing that—if massage buys me even a little more time and comfort—then it’s worth every careful roll, every ounce of effort it takes to get me there.

And yesterday, it helped.

This is a real treat and it provides me so much relief. I’m going to start doing this weekly and see if that helps even more. It’s too bad this therapy is not covered by insurance…it’s very helpful and improves quality of life.

Have a great Saturday. Stay safe out there, it’s bitter cold again for the next few days. Some would say it’s Bears weather. I would agree, Bear loves this weather, but he also likes comfort.

Love you guys!❤️

Thanks for the snowman, Tom. He looks well appointed.