Catching up

I've hit a game changer.  Tuesday I turned my head while in bed trying to turn over, and the room spun.  I turned back, and a few minutes later when I moved my head it happened again, only stronger.          I thought I was going to faint or throw up.  I managed to go to my Boys and Girls Club meeting, and work, and it seemed okay. Wednesday morning it was back with a vengeance, and I stayed home.  Now every time I move my head too quickly, the vertigo and nausea overcome me.

I promised this blog would focus on joy, but I should have known there would be bad days.  I just hate feeling dizzy and nauseous. I've been pretty good about all the other ALS stuff, I think, but this is different.  I feel like I can't function.

I'm not driving now.  I'm trying to remember when I made myself stop. I think it was just before we went to FL.  Dolan and Paul have stepped up gallantly, and one day I ventured to roll home via sidewalks and roads. That was really quite easy and pleasant, although I wondered if I looked like an odd old lady doing it. Why do I worry how I appear to others?!

A local kid who Dolan suggested is redoing my back garden. Rototilling and everything.  I am so eager to see it all redone.

These are "before" pictures.  Lots of green, but it's mostly grass that took over the garden.  Michael Bakke has it all dug up and cleared and it awaits the rototill on Saturday.  I am so excited to see the finished project!  

I will have to wait until Wednesday the 13th, though.  Paul and I are heading to DC Saturday for an ALS conference and lobbying effort.  We are a bit concerned about my traveling by plane with my vertigo, but I do want to see DC one more time.

Life is good, even with this new condition.  I just have to adjust my thinking.  It helps when I look at this view to remember what a wonderful life I have, and that I appreciate it even more now.

Florida

We have been here since Saturday the 4th.  Ah, Florida.  It's eye candy for a northern plains resident.  Spring has not yet come to Havre, so all the lush vegetation is restful.  The throngs of people, however, are exhausting, as is the varying accessibility.

I think this will be my last Florida vacation, but I am so glad we made the effort.  Paul and the kids have been great.  I just realized that I probably am incapable of traveling solo anymore.

Wow.  Not be independent and travel solo?!  I am so happy to have been able to do just that so often, and know that the ability was something I held dear.  Like many things, it is no more.  Still, it would have happened at some point in my life.