Strike That!

I started to write this post from a dour, bleak perspective. After all, it's easy to fall into that trap. This disease is taking its toll on personal and inter-family relationships, finances, and it's finally taking its toll on me. To steal a line from Rodney King "Can't we all just get along?!


But is that really me? To succumb to the horrors that accompany this awful disease? As Borat would say... "that is Darren, pause... NOT".

The wonders and pitfalls of technology

Oh the irony of it all. I wouldn't be writing this if it weren't for some great technology. My next computer will allow me to make and receive phone calls using Skype and some voice generation software. The downside is that it is hard to type fast enough to keep a fluid conversation.

Today's world is one of speed, and technology has driven that. For someone with ALS it is impossible to keep up with that pace. It will take me several hours to write this (not to think this b. s. up, just to type it) .

We are a world of instant access. Very few people have the patience or the time to interact at such a slow pace. It’s not their fault. The world and technology has demanded it of people.

If you read my blog from September last year, I've done a 180. I actually find myself jealous as I watch people communicate via mobile devices. Everyone has one and I feel left out! Oh what I would give to be able to pick up a cell phone and call or text message my wife or kids! But still remember to love the one you're with.

The wonders of Google!


Twice in the past week someone that I knew from 20+ years ago, has wondered what I was up to and Googled me. The fact that they wondered what I was doing after 20 years is incredibly heartwarming to me and really helps sustain me as I battle this disease. The fact that they were able to find me by simply typing my name into a computer demonstrates how much technology has changed our lives over the past 20 years. I wonder what the next 20 years will bring.

Health Update

My mobility has reached a point where I can only walk a few steps with someone assisting me. We are in the process of having a ceiling mounted hoist system to move me around, in and out of my wheelchair, etc. I call it my "Peter Pan" system.

My speech is very limited, although, those who are around me all of the time can still understand many of the words I say. It just takes a lot of time and patience. I'm going to keep trying to talk as long as I can!

New custom wheelchair in about a month, right about the same time as the new computer system. Along with a van to transport the beast.

Misc. Musings

I was thinking the other day... I can't drive and I can't pick my nose. I'm fortunate that I'll never again have someone pull up beside me and catch me mining for gold.

How about those Cal Bears! This is the year. (or at least it better be. I'm running out of seasons for them to make it back to the Rose Bowl)

I love this time of year. Start of the NFL season just around the corner and the Raidas are still in the playoff hunt.

I had better find something inspiring to write soon, or I won't be able to say that next post.

Cheers!

DD