Let me start with August. Lots of company!! No better place to be in the summer than the Northwest. Beautiful weather meant lots of time outside, reading, visiting, making good use of the new ramps. We had a visit from our adorable nephew, Russel, and his beautiful new wife, Allison. They traveled from Florida, where Russel serves in the Coast Guard. 
The very next week Bill's sister and her husband (Cathy & Tom) arrived from North Carolina. We were able to make a trip to Pateros, WA to watch Max race his jetski. This was my first real field trip with the wheelchair, and it was a lot of fun for me. I also had visits from two of my closest friends, Maddie and Cherie. I think my face still hurts from laughing! Cherie also took the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge with me. The house was full of loving friends and family, from near and far --so blessed.
September brought back to school activities -- without me. Still the thing I miss the most. I feel blessed to have had the ten years I had -- I really loved every single one of those students. Miss the wonderful people I taught with, too. Just excellent human beings. It has been gratifying to hear from, and even receive visits from, many of my former students. They would be surprised at how often I think of them all.
Through the tenacious efforts of my stepmother, Jeannie, we got an appointment at UCSF Hospital in San Francisco to see the head of the ALS clinic there. We were hoping to get more information about possible research and clinical trials. So, Bill and I loaded up and took another field trip. Felt a little like the Beverly Hillbillies -- van jam packed with medical gear. A walker, shower chair, cooler, Bipap breathing machine, cough assist machine, portable ramp, feeding tube pump, foam wedges to elevate me in bed, clothes, medication bag. Bill got really smart about stops. He figured out that every Starbucks had an accessible restroom for me. So we targeted our stops, and he got his caffeine fix. It was exhausting, but doable. Two day trip. Different than our past trips south -- not a lot of conversation. The ramp van is noisy, and makes it hard for Bill to hear my ipad speech app. We kept my Nook charged, so I got lots of reading in.
The high point of the trip was spending time with family. My dad and stepmom, my cousin, Mark, and his beautiful wife, Kathryn. Meeting my stepsister, Kimberly, and her husband for the first time -- and loving her.Seeing my Aunt Lois. Seeing the Lambro family, and Auntie Cheena-- who I have known since birth, and have had very important roles through my life. We were surrounded with love, laughter and happy memories. The doctor visit was interesting, but disappointing. While it sounded like I may qualify for some trials, there seemed to be nothing currently open, and it sounded like I would not qualify for stem cell treatment, due to my speech and swallowing symptoms.
September also included a visit to my pulmonary specialist, and testing. There has been some decrease in function, but overall, pretty strong. First positive news in a year! Next visit in December. Also saw the sleep specialist, who felt that my Bipap machine was working well for me. (Another bit of good news.) Saw the doctor at the Swedish ALS clinic, who was able to prescribe a medication for the very painful burning sensation I have developed (neuropathy) in my feet. So, overall, a good month physically.
My wonderful neighbor, Kathi, volunteered to organize a team for the Walk to Defeat ALS in Vancouver, WA on September 20th. It was a hot afternoon, but over 50 teams showed up, raising over $137,000 -- well over their $80,000 goal. What an amazing job Kathi did. She made a beautiful banner, carried by my nephews, Kyle and Zack. Almost forty people comprised our team -- friends that we haven't seen for over a decade, new friends, college friends, neighbors, family, sorority sisters of my daughter, Madeline. It was an overwhelming day...so much love and support. Not to mention we raised almost $4,000.
September brought our daughter, Madeline, home from her internship in Palm Springs -- for five days. Then she was moving back down to Oregon State University, and her senior year. The time went quickly, but it was great to hear about her internship experiences. The end of the month brought my little sister, Suzanne. Who quit her job, and left her home, hubby, and dogs to care for me. An amazing sacrifice for both her and her husband. Bill and I are very thankful. More on that in the next post.
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October. After a week to settle in, Suzanne took the reins. Bill accompanied Maxson to Lake Havasu City, Arizona to the IJSBA World Final Races (World Finals for Jet ski racing). This was only Maxson's second year at the finals, and he was entering a second class on a jetski he had only raced once. Last year, he won second place in the Vintage X2 class, on a ski he had rebuilt. He had set a goal of placing first this year -- and I had hoped to be there to see it. Bill and I had analyzed every part of the trip. But when we got to two weeks before, we both had to admit there was no way to make it work. I did not want to be the center of concern, that needed to be Max. So, off they went. Today's technology allowed Suzanne and I (and a few friends) to watch the races live. It was so exciting to see him, and hear his name being announced. Then waiting for Bill to text me with details. Imagine the pride and excitement when we found he had indeed met his goal...first place in Vintage X2 class, against some former title holders! He did not do as well in his second class, but made it through the qualifying rounds, and finished the main race (half the entries did not qualify). Couldn't be prouder. Suzanne's husband. Mitch came to visit, and had a great banner made in Max's honor, which hung over our front porch for Max to see when he returned.
Another great event was the completion of a renovation of our master bathroom with my brother, Craig, as the general contractor (and sometime laborer) and his wife, Dianna, as designer. Not only is it beautiful, modern, and unique, but stylish and accessible. My brother and his gracious wife gifted us with their time, so very generous.As is apparent, lots going on. Fun times, friends and family, love and laughter,caring and compassion. As I have said before, I am blessed. More to come....
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