It's about time!

Let me list a few of the things I can't do:

I can't-

Scuba dive

Snow ski

Slalom behind a boat

Spelunk

Play Lacrosse

Play basketball

Play soccer

Type 60 words a minute

Ride a skateboard

Do a back handspring

Juggle

Throw a baseball from 3rd to 1st

Act

Do bills

Balance a checkbook

Shop

Write legibly

Plaster

Don't feel bad, I couldn't do any of these before I got ALS

On a positive note:

I can-

Sit for extended periods of time

Move at 6 mph for 26 miles without breaking a sweat

Choke on demand

Lose a foot race to a snail- which has no feet

Brush my teeth with no hands

Eat with no hands

Drink with no hands

Pet a dog with my mind

Float face down- I used to sink, not an improvement, though

Speak on occasion, but not well

Lock down every muscle in my body- several times a day, more at night

Imitate thumper with either- or both- leg(s)

Cry and suffocate at the same time

Not walk

Not swim

Not jump

Still enjoy life, my family, my friends, sunshine, TV, movies, sex, a paddle fan, my awesome shower, my bidet, a functioning mind, the REAL power of hypnosis, the influence and power of love and empathy that I physically experience every day

As long as I have events I want to stick around for, I will stick around. Just this summer- boys' birthday party, family reunion, Nick and Paige in my back yard, Amy's birthday, our 35th anniversary, Peoria and Tower Park................. I realize that life goes on, with or without me. I'd rather not miss anything. I'm like that.