Friday – 12/13/2013

Happy Friday the Thirteenth!

The only freaky thing I have to report is how freakishly massive my muscles have grown  from working out these past few days…Huge!

Just kidding, but I’ve been using my FES bike for about a week now and love the workouts it gives me. It’s nice to feel sore from exercising and not just from the toll of sitting in a wheelchair all day. Believe it or not, my shoulders and neck tend to get extremely sore and achy as the day goes on due to constantly being in a fixed position. I know that my body will appreciate the increased exercise, especially throughout the winter when it tends to ache the most. Plus, it’s also nice to know that if inclement weather were to prevent me from making it to the gym I can still get a great workout in.

Unfortunately, it’s been a tough past week for my family, not physically but emotionally. Mary Ann, my dad’s sister, sadly passed away a few days ago (obituary). She had been battling cancer for the past several months. Fortunately, my father and all of his siblings were able to spend some time with her in October when they all traveled down to North Carolina to visit with her. She is survived by my Uncle Fred and cousins, Andrea, Melanie and Deanna. I was also fortunate to have been able to visit with her on several occasions over the past few years and am grateful for the time we had together. However, it’s never enough.

Popop, my grandfather on my mom’s side, was admitted to the ICU earlier in the week after displaying stroke-like symptoms. He has since been moved out of the ICU after it was determined he did not suffer a stroke, but is battling pneumonia and a UTI. My grandmother, Nani, passed away earlier in the year and this will be his first Christmas in 75 years without her.

Every day is difficult when living with the loss of a loved one, however, the holidays can be especially hard on us. My thoughts and prayers are certainly with my family this Christmas season, but also with many of you whom I know are facing a similar situation. You don’t need me to remind you that tomorrow is never guaranteed for any of us. Don’t keep your hugs to yourself, especially if it’s been a while since you shared them with those who need them most.

A reminder, as many of you finalize your Christmas shopping via online purchases, you can have a portion of your purchases applied towards my Assistance Trust at no cost to you by using the iGive app.  Simply click here to get started. Thank you to those who have already used the app to assist me!

Finally, Melanie turns the big 3-0 this Sunday! People are always surprised when they hear that she is 29 years old. Capuchin helper monkeys can have an average life expectancy of 45 years. She’s been with me for a little more than a year now and has settled in quite nicely. Recently, I did an interview with “Life In Action” magazine  about our relationship.

Stay warm and stay safe. Please keep my family in your prayers.

Stand Strong!

Scott