Let The Good Times Roll

     With all of the sad news from this past week, I decided to share better things, stories of how my life with MS can at times get better.

     Foot drop, at times, will temporarily relent. Does this mean that I can go running? By far the answer is, "No." Rather, I take the time to enjoy walking around without needing to brace myself on the handles of my walker so that I can throw my weight into lifting my leg high enough to let my toes clear the floor.

      Fatigue can go up and down as well. Yes, there have been times in which I was so tired that it was difficult to lift a fork to feed myself, which if you know me makes it all the more incomprehensible. There are also times in which I have enough energy to: get a shower, get dressed, go make coffee, and still hold a tolerably human conversation. I cherish those times, almost feeling I've just come off of another IV of Solu-Medrol without the aftertaste.

      Why would I want to share this topic? Well, it's actually for two reasons: to encourage whomever ends up reading this and to remind me not to lose hope. I am the one I know of that needs the most reminding not to quit, or to lose momentum. I also encourage others that even though it can seem dark, there are times when a little light can pierce through.

Now, without further delay, here is my salute to the memory of Chris Cornell

Soundgarden

Audioslave

Temple of the Dog

Farewell, adieu, and say hello to heaven for us all.

Tunes, Food, and Atlanta Traffic

     This coming week I am headed to The Shepherd Center for my six month MRI. 

     There really is nothing new about it. I have had so many MRIs since my diagnosis (2007) that I am almost able to hum the drone of the machine as it scans my brain and spinal column. Yet, something new has appeared, and I do not mean more lesions. The radiology department now has the ability to pipe Spotify into the ear buds for the entire length of the MRI. So, what did I do? Made my own MRI playlist and shared it publicly so that I can jam to my music with an awesome beat in the background. 

    But, there is also a new added blessing to this trip: The I 85 bridge has been repaired, so I only have to leave at 4 instead of 3 in the morning!

Marching for dimes is easier with a scooter.

This past weekend, I was able to enjoy a fundraiser for the March of Dimes at the hospital where my wife works in Seneca, SC.

     It was an interesting event that was impacted by the summer heat, crowds, and more heat. There were bounce houses, A LOT of concessions with grilled sausages, pop, and funnel cakes. I think that had it not been for my scooter, I would've never survived as long as I did. But, as summer moves into full summer, here's what I took from this event.

The Good:

• It was relaxing to watch my kids run around a safe place.
• It was nice to get out of the house.
• THE FOOD (Need I say more?)

The Not-so-Good:

• I forgot sunscreen and burned: my head, tops of my arms, and knees.
• I didn't pay attention to my scooter battery and almost lost its charge.
• Getting too hot is NEVER good.

The Funny:

• Watching my three year old try to eat a funnel cake while, "Powdering" her nose.
• Seeing my 10 year old's pictures from a free "Glamour Shot," booth for kids. (Think of a pirate with bunny ears.)
• Falling asleep in the lobby of the hospital because I needed: A cool place and an outlet to charge my scooter.

All in all, it was a great time.