Forgive Me My Absence
I have no excuse.
Here is something of an update. It’s the least I can do.
My health has deteriorated at about the same pace as it has been deteriorating for the past 22 years. The problem is, I don’t have much runway left. But I have some.
Above the neck, I’m still okay. I can speak, chew, wiggle my ears, and tell white lies. Below the neck, I have only a tiny amount of movement left in my right hand. use it for frail attempts to operate joysticks to manipulate my Jaco robotic arm and my iBot.
I’ve gained too much weight, and my capacity to breathe has deteriorated. A bout of pneumonia put me in the hospital over Memorial weekend 2023. I emerged none the worse physically, but it was a scare.
Lots of other systems are worsening, but I won’t bore you with the details.
If you’ve known me for a long, you know what’s coming … here it is.
Despite my physical deterioration I remain acutely aware of how fortunate I am, and what a full life I lead.
No change there.
On the technology front, I no longer drive my Invacare wheelchair with my hand on a joystick. I use a device called Munevo Drive. Much more on that to come.
On the recreational front, Kim and I have taken cruising frequency to a whole new level. It’s part of our “front loading the fun” campaign. More to come.
Out of necessity, Kim has taken early retirement. She is my full-time caregiver now. The pay is awful, but you can’t beat the commute.
I’m active on a couple of committees/panels. Not a huge time commitment, but it keeps me engaged.
Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center Patient Advisory Council
University of Pittsburgh Wireless RERC Consumer Advisory Group
There’s one project, however, that has filled my heart more than anything else, outside of family — 3i Housing of Maine. It may be the primary reason I have neglected blogging for the past year. I’ve written about 3i Home here, and I will write much more, I hope.
I intend to dust off this old blog and see if it’s got some more life in it. No promises though. I am easily distracted by shiny objects.
Photos by Levi Gershkowitz, Living in the Light
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