[QUAD-L] 25 years October 15
25 years, a quarter of the century, almost one third of my life. Where did the time go from that moment when I fell off the scaffolding and tried to move my arm and realized it did not respond? That was the start of my new life, and although it is not always a home run, it certainly is not a strikeout either. So many people who have helped me, encouraged me, devised a little something that made my life better, cuddled me when I needed it, scolded me when I needed it, and just simply told me to buckle down and get on with life. Thanks to each and every one and you know who you are. Family, friends, therapists, doctors, and yes many strangers. To every little kid (some of them not so little but just as curious) who asked me why I was in a wheelchair, how did I drive my chair without my hands or arms, who offered to help me, I say thank you and bless you that you accepted me for the person I am, especially the young one who wanted to race me and when I won told me to get out of my chair and he would drive it and win! I love you all. I appreciate all of the strangers who are so helpful and kind and open doors for me without my asking, offer to carry my packages out to my car, ask me if I would like a drink from my cup on my wheelchair, or would I like something to eat while I am waiting for someone at the food court to pick up our orders. I don't believe for a minute that the majority of people do not want to help or look down upon me in the wheelchair. Conversely, I love the smiles, the how are you doings, and the people who say- isn't it a great day to be outdoors or shopping or whatever. To the very few and far between people who say or imply something such as " my you really know how to use the wheelchair" I try to smile and reply " you do really well on your feet also" and make them laugh. They probably will think twice the next time. Being a total C4 quadriplegic was definitely not my game plan for my life, but honestly things could have been worse and I am looking forward to what the future holds. I have already outlived by 10 years what they told me at rehab in 1990, so hopefully the rest will be a piece of cake! Thanks for letting me celebrate 25 years.
Re: [QUAD-L] Quick poem
The first 4 for sure. - Original Message - From: "Larry Willis" To: "quad-list" Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2015 12:22:35 PM Subject: Fwd: [QUAD-L] Quick poem More quad quickies to meditate. Feel free to contribute. Have you ever 1. Not eaten for a long time because you dread the bowel ritual. 2. Not brushed your teeth because of the hassle. 3. Worn dirty clothes because no one would/could do the laundry. 4. Had chips for a meal because there was nothing else that you could fix. 5. Sat for hours after your chair/van broke down. 6. Had a bowel/bladder accident in a public place with no way to exit.church, theater, class, work. 7. Fallen from your chair while home alone. 8. Become choked or congested and unable to cough. 9. Been cursed, belittled by a caregiver. 10. Had a public confrontation with a stranger. 11. Gone over a week without a bowel movement. 12. Prayed to God that you won't wake up. 13. Been so depressed you lose all interest in living. 14. Wrecked your van. 15. Been stuck at the bottom of the stairs with no offer of help. Larry Willis Retired and proud of it Begin forwarded message: From: Gmail < bobbiehumphre...@gmail.com > Date: October 13, 2015 at 1:55:19 PM EDT To: Larry Willis < lwillis82...@gmail.com > Cc: " quad-list@eskimo.com " < quad-list@eskimo.com > Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Quick poem I do. Bobbie Smile Everyday On Oct 13, 2015, at 1:28 PM, Larry Willis < lwillis82...@gmail.com > wrote: The opening line of your poem is a grabber. How many of us on here actually do that? I do. Often. Larry Willis Retired and proud of it Begin forwarded message: From: Gmail < bobbiehumphre...@gmail.com > Date: October 13, 2015 at 12:21:47 PM EDT To: Larry Willis < lwillis82...@gmail.com > Cc: " quad-list@eskimo.com " < quad-list@eskimo.com > Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Quick poem Wow, right on the mark. Especially as the years and decades pass by. It's quite indescribable, but you came pretty fucking close. Bobbie On Oct 13, 2015, at 6:56 AM, Larry Willis < lwillis82...@gmail.com > wrote: Wow, Ron, my feelings exactly. Exactly. Larry Willis Retired and proud of it Begin forwarded message: Resent-From: quad-list@eskimo.com From: RONALD L PRACHT < r.pra...@sbcglobal.net > Date: October 13, 2015 at 3:06:14 AM EDT To: Quad-list Post < quad-list@eskimo.com > Subject: [QUAD-L] Quick poem Reply-To: RONALD L PRACHT < r.pra...@sbcglobal.net > Quad Life Every night when I go to bed, I pray to god to wake up dead. As morning comes, I always get scared, because another day must be beared. People say to look above, but all I get is abused and shoved. Life took a young man with hopes and dreams, and reduced him to nothing as so it seems. I try as I may to still be a man, during the bowell routines and all the hell that quad life demands. Everyones forgotten who I was , and treat me like shit just because. I started strong in this game, but when I think...who is to blame? Was I just another victim of circumstance or from the beginning did I have no chance? As the years go by it means less and less because I am still human nevertheless. Ron
Re: [QUAD-L] Quick poem
Sorry Ron about your appendix etc. How did you know that it burst? Did you have surgery? Meredith - Original Message - From: "RONALD L PRACHT" To: "quad-list" Sent: Wednesday, October 14, 2015 12:57:34 AM Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Quick poem Ive had some setbacks these past few years. My appendix burst which set into motion a set of events that I would have never expected, then my dad got meningitis and hurt his back . I had to teach my mother to come in and help out .My Rio Dragonfly handcycle never let me down though, every evening this summer I was able to put on my ipod, connect my handcycle and ride my stress away. I got to about 250 miles this summer then my left elbow got a severe case of bursitis. I iced and used a compression sleeve which got me a few more months but I had to quit just over a week ago for fear of doing permanent damage to the elbow. I love exercise and the high you get after. it also helps with depression and dealing with challenges On Wednesday, October 14, 2015 2:43 AM, Gail Holmes wrote: Is the broken chair the only factor that's keeping you in bed? Sent from my iPhone > On Oct 14, 2015, at 1:34 AM, Jim Lubin < jlu...@eskimo.com > wrote: > > I thinking it's because, being paralyzed from the neck down and dependent on > a ventilator to breathe, I always have someone around me to feed me, brush my > teeth, wash my cloths, etc. Just been fortunate my bowel routine. I don't > own a van so use a service anytime I have gone anywhere. Chair broke down at > home but got transferred back to bed.
Re: [QUAD-L] Quick poem
I too love to exercise. I used to do one hour seated aerobics to a video tape at least 3-5 days a week. 15 minutes warm-up 30 aerobic then 15 cold down. Had to quite because of arthritis in my back. No I learned to meditate and how to teach meditation. I meditate everyday for 30+ minutes. Both the above combat depression. Bobbie Smile Everyday > On Oct 14, 2015, at 3:57 AM, RONALD L PRACHT wrote: > > Ive had some setbacks these past few years. My appendix burst which set into > motion a set of events that I would have never expected, then my dad got > meningitis and hurt his back . I had to teach my mother to come in and help > out .My Rio Dragonfly handcycle never let me down though, every evening this > summer I was able to put on my ipod, connect my handcycle and ride my stress > away. I got to about 250 miles this summer then my left elbow got a severe > case of bursitis. I iced and used a compression sleeve which got me a few > more months but I had to quit just over a week ago for fear of doing > permanent damage to the elbow. I love exercise and the high you get after. it > also helps with depression and dealing with challenges > > > > On Wednesday, October 14, 2015 2:43 AM, Gail Holmes wrote: > > > Is the broken chair the only factor that's keeping you in bed? > > Sent from my iPhone > > > On Oct 14, 2015, at 1:34 AM, Jim Lubin wrote: > > > > I thinking it's because, being paralyzed from the neck down and dependent > > on a ventilator to breathe, I always have someone around me to feed me, > > brush my teeth, wash my cloths, etc. Just been fortunate my bowel routine. > > I don't own a van so use a service anytime I have gone anywhere. Chair > > broke down at home but got transferred back to bed. > >
Re: [QUAD-L] Quick poem
It was late when I was writing that. Staying in bed has nothing to do with my wheelchair not working. I assume it still working. Three years ago I had a pressure sore on my butt. I stayed in bed while it healed but got in the wheelchair once a month to go to the wound clinic. The doctor at the wound clinic said I cannot stay in my wheelchair as long as I had been, about 15hrs/day. That would mean I either have the nurse transfer me in the morning then my mom (the only person with me during the day) transfer me back to bed during the day. My mom is older now and it has gotten difficult for her to transfer me by herself. It just became more practical to stay in bed.
Re: [QUAD-L] Quick poem
Jim is the issue with the chair base, or the adaptive equipment that were added? Best Wishes In a message dated 10/14/2015 1:35:01 A.M. Central Daylight Time, jlu...@eskimo.com writes: I thinking it's because, being paralyzed from the neck down and dependent on a ventilator to breathe, I always have someone around me to feed me, brush my teeth, wash my cloths, etc. Just been fortunate my bowel routine. I don't own a van so use a service anytime I have gone anywhere. Chair broke down at home but got transferred back to bed.
Fwd: [QUAD-L] Quick poem
Hang in there Ron. I have had a big series of setbacks this last year as well. However, I do apologize if I offended any of my peeps on here. I have been on the list since 2002 (I think) and it has been a great place to share, help, advise, and vent. I encourage everyone to join inwe quads are a pretty exclusive group. It's impossible to tell an able person what dysreflexia feels like, but we know all too well. We gotta support each other, and for most of us that means mental and spiritual support as well. God bless each of you reading this. Quad life is hard beyond hard, and we need all the love and support we can get. Larry Willis Retired and proud of it Begin forwarded message: > Resent-From: quad-list@eskimo.com > From: RONALD L PRACHT > Date: October 14, 2015 at 3:57:34 AM EDT > To: Quad-list Post > Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Quick poem > Reply-To: RONALD L PRACHT > > Ive had some setbacks these past few years. My appendix burst which set into > motion a set of events that I would have never expected, then my dad got > meningitis and hurt his back . I had to teach my mother to come in and help > out .My Rio Dragonfly handcycle never let me down though, every evening this > summer I was able to put on my ipod, connect my handcycle and ride my stress > away. I got to about 250 miles this summer then my left elbow got a severe > case of bursitis. I iced and used a compression sleeve which got me a few > more months but I had to quit just over a week ago for fear of doing > permanent damage to the elbow. I love exercise and the high you get after. it > also helps with depression and dealing with challenges > > > > On Wednesday, October 14, 2015 2:43 AM, Gail Holmes wrote: > > > Is the broken chair the only factor that's keeping you in bed? > > Sent from my iPhone > > > On Oct 14, 2015, at 1:34 AM, Jim Lubin wrote: > > > > I thinking it's because, being paralyzed from the neck down and dependent > > on a ventilator to breathe, I always have someone around me to feed me, > > brush my teeth, wash my cloths, etc. Just been fortunate my bowel routine. > > I don't own a van so use a service anytime I have gone anywhere. Chair > > broke down at home but got transferred back to bed. > >
Re: [QUAD-L] Quick poem
Ive had some setbacks these past few years. My appendix burst which set into motion a set of events that I would have never expected, then my dad got meningitis and hurt his back . I had to teach my mother to come in and help out .My Rio Dragonfly handcycle never let me down though, every evening this summer I was able to put on my ipod, connect my handcycle and ride my stress away. I got to about 250 miles this summer then my left elbow got a severe case of bursitis. I iced and used a compression sleeve which got me a few more months but I had to quit just over a week ago for fear of doing permanent damage to the elbow. I love exercise and the high you get after. it also helps with depression and dealing with challenges On Wednesday, October 14, 2015 2:43 AM, Gail Holmes wrote: Is the broken chair the only factor that's keeping you in bed? Sent from my iPhone > On Oct 14, 2015, at 1:34 AM, Jim Lubin wrote: > > I thinking it's because, being paralyzed from the neck down and dependent on > a ventilator to breathe, I always have someone around me to feed me, brush my > teeth, wash my cloths, etc. Just been fortunate my bowel routine. I don't > own a van so use a service anytime I have gone anywhere. Chair broke down at > home but got transferred back to bed.
Re: [QUAD-L] Quick poem
Is the broken chair the only factor that's keeping you in bed? Sent from my iPhone > On Oct 14, 2015, at 1:34 AM, Jim Lubin wrote: > > I thinking it's because, being paralyzed from the neck down and dependent on > a ventilator to breathe, I always have someone around me to feed me, brush my > teeth, wash my cloths, etc. Just been fortunate my bowel routine. I don't > own a van so use a service anytime I have gone anywhere. Chair broke down at > home but got transferred back to bed.
Re: [QUAD-L] Quick poem
Michelle and Nancy, I ask you to please reconsider and rescind your request to be taken off this List. Michelle, Ron isn't all gloom and doom. I believe this is the same Ron that was very helpful and instructive a year or so ago when I asked about hand-cycles. He generously went out of his way to give specific instructions on the Dragonfly and the gloves and personal experiences with his bike that would have been invaluable had my friend actually had enough function to ride it. ( We've recently gone to plan B with a different hand-cycle and it might work out.) Ron, like Nancy and so many others here on this List have unwittingly helped me as a caregiver to one quad and a friend to an increasing number of people with SCI's. I've learned much from their personal experiences on topics like travel, adaptive equipment, technology, medications, procedures, legislation and advocacy and the list goes on. Pun not intended. I'm continually sharing with those I can what I've learned here. Michelle i'm sure that you, in time, would have something to add or take away from this Group. Yes, I have to admit that I too was a bit rattled by the tone of the poem. I've regrouped now and am more emboldened to do my part to effect change in my realm, no matter how insufficient it may be. By the way, are you still riding Ron? Sent from my iPhone > On Oct 13, 2015, at 5:02 PM, Michelle Harkness > wrote: > > How can I be removed from this email list? > > Thanks, > Michelle > > Sent from my iPhone > >> On Oct 13, 2015, at 3:59 PM, nichole rohling wrote: >> >> Yes, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11 >> >> I’m blessed because I can see all of those being very possible. >> >> add >> got stuck outside in your chair and no one to help >> had to call someone in the middle of the night to get you on a shower chair >> because you had diarrhea >> sat at home because van door is broken J >> >> Nicki >> >> From: Larry Willis [mailto:lwillis82...@gmail.com] >> Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2015 2:23 PM >> To: quad-list@eskimo.com >> Subject: Fwd: [QUAD-L] Quick poem >> >> More quad quickies to meditate. Feel free to contribute. >> >> Have you ever >> 1. Not eaten for a long time because you dread the bowel ritual. >> 2. Not brushed your teeth because of the hassle. >> 3. Worn dirty clothes because no one would/could do the laundry. >> 4. Had chips for a meal because there was nothing else that you could fix. >> 5. Sat for hours after your chair/van broke down. >> 6. Had a bowel/bladder accident in a public place with no way to >> exit.church, theater, class, work. >> 7. Fallen from your chair while home alone. >> 8. Become choked or congested and unable to cough. >> 9. Been cursed, belittled by a caregiver. >> 10. Had a public confrontation with a stranger. >> 11. Gone over a week without a bowel movement. >> 12. Prayed to God that you won't wake up. >> 13. Been so depressed you lose all interest in living. >> 14. Wrecked your van. >> 15. Been stuck at the bottom of the stairs with no offer of help. >> Larry Willis >> Retired and proud of it >> >> >> Begin forwarded message: >> >> From: Gmail >> Date: October 13, 2015 at 1:55:19 PM EDT >> To: Larry Willis >> Cc: "quad-list@eskimo.com" >> Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Quick poem >> >> I do. Bobbie >> >> Smile Everyday >> >> On Oct 13, 2015, at 1:28 PM, Larry Willis wrote: >> >> The opening line of your poem is a grabber. How many of us on here actually >> do that? I do. Often. >> >> Larry Willis >> Retired and proud of it >> >> >> Begin forwarded message: >> >> From: Gmail >> Date: October 13, 2015 at 12:21:47 PM EDT >> To: Larry Willis >> Cc: "quad-list@eskimo.com" >> Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Quick poem >> >> Wow, right on the mark. Especially as the years and decades pass by. >> >> It's quite indescribable, but you came pretty fucking close. >> Bobbie >> >> >> >> On Oct 13, 2015, at 6:56 AM, Larry Willis wrote: >> >> Wow, Ron, my feelings exactly. Exactly. >> >> Larry Willis >> Retired and proud of it >> >> >> Begin forwarded message: >> >> Resent-From: quad-list@eskimo.com >> From: RONALD L PRACHT >> Date: October 13, 2015 at 3:06:14 AM EDT >> To: Quad-list Post >> Subject: [QUAD-L] Quick poem >> Reply-To: RONALD L PRACHT >> >> Quad Life >> >> Every night when I go to bed, I pray to god to wake up dead. >> >> As morning comes, I always get scared, because another day must be beared. >> >> People say to look above, but all I get is abused and shoved. >> >> Life took a young man with hopes and dreams, and reduced him to nothing as >> so it seems. >> >> I try as I may to still be a man, during the bowell routines and all the >> hell that quad life demands. >> >> Everyones forgotten who I was , and treat me like shit just because. >> >> I started strong in this game, but when I think...who is to blame? >> >> Was I just another victim of circumstance or from the beginning did I have
