January 2010

First of all, I need to apologize for not posting an update in a long time. Every time I would read what I was about to post, I didn't like it. A whole lot of whining if you ask me...and I said in my last post I would keep that to a minimum. So thank you for coming back and checking in. I wanted to start by sharing an event that had a big influence on changing my year.

“9 years old at the fair”

Back in July, Jacqui, Jenna and I went to the "Taste of Antioch" with our friend Lori and her son Sam, a small carnival in our hometown. Jenna and Sam both got a wristband that allowed them unlimited rides at the carnival. "Can we go on this ride first?" Jenna asked. "Sure" we said, and the fun didn't stop until the end when the rides closed. Running from line to line, going on this ride and that ride. Waving, making funny faces and taking pictures while on the rides. Cotton candy and a corn dog for dinner, it was the best. Seeing a friend from school and running over to say hi. Back to the rides, big or small -it didn't matter. Hour after hour, the fun never stopped. They started at the bumper cars and then moved to the tilt a whirl. By the end of the night Sam's favorite was the “Edge” and Jenna's was the “Cliffhanger”. They rode everything, from the “kiddie” rides to the "Wipeout" (a contraption that spins 100 mph while oscillating up and down, surely designed by someone with intentions of making you ill). I swear to you, it was the most fun I've had in a long time. Watching those two kids go from ride to ride and seeing the smiles on each of their faces, even the "I think I'm going to get sick" look was awesome. By the end of the night my cheeks hurt from laughing and smiling so much. Watching Jacqui and Lori was hilarious, all of the “EEEEKS” and the “Oh my Goodnesses” as their children were hurled to and fro, I couldn’t stop myself from laughing. It was one of those moments: Wristband... $20, Cotton Candy and a Corn dog…. $8.50, Reliving your youth through your daughter and having a night to remember.... Priceless! I sat there hour after hour and watched Jenna and Sam have so much fun, I forgot for a moment that I couldn't get up out of this chair. I stopped caring about this muscle or that one not being strong enough and I had a few sips, okay swigs, from Jacqui's beer and even a corn dog. When it was time to go even the walk back to the car was fun. Talking about how fun each ride was and finishing up the remnants of the cotton candy at 10 o'clock... just before bedtime. It was definitely a night to remember and it seemed to set the tone for the months to follow.

Three major milestones this year. First, my 2 year anniversary of my accident...man I can't believe it's been that long. Second, I had my 20 year high school reunion...holy s#!t I can't believe it's been that long. The reunion was great, a lot of fun and it brought back many good memories of good people and good times. Finally, I went for my first boat ride since my accident. What a great time with great people! Thanks to Ron And Lori for making it happen.

For the most part, things have been good. I think I finally got the pain under control to a point where it's not the only thing I think about. It's been nice to be able to sit relatively pain free for a few hours and focus on other things. As far as therapy and my recovery goes, I can honestly say that things are still moving forward. Every week that passes, I can tell I'm getting stronger. I reach a little farther, I lift something a little heavier, I am able to do something I couldn't do just a few month's earlier. Staying focused is hard, at times almost impossible, but getting easier every day and I believe I have all of the whining pretty much under control as well.

My brother Tim and my nephews – Tim and Kevin, my brother Tom and my brother-in-law John did the most amazing job on the new therapy gym. They took our garage and turned it into the most incredible space. All of my exercise things are all set up, all of the time. It's awesome, when it's time to workout...I just wheel out there and get to it! There's fresh paint on the floor, ceiling and walls. I've got TV, stereo, DVD. It's the coolest “man cave” I've ever seen! I can't thank each and every one of them enough for the job they did. The room came out absolutely incredible.

That's about it for now, I promise the next update will not take me as long. Thanks for checking in and thank you again to everybody for all the kind words and generous support!