It's a fierce love.
We are all ephemeral and all our stuff means nothing in the end. Love is all that matters, truly. This is the undercurrent that is running through my life, the awareness that life is so temporary and so precious. I hope as I share my continued learnings guided in part by Michael's wisdom and influence that you will feel free to share yours as well. I could think of no better way to honor Michael's influence in my life than to invite you to share your sources of inspiration as well, creating a vortex of strength here that any of us can draw on at any time.
I love you, Michael.
Thanks for making it through that first night.
In other news: Michael's wry sense of humor and ability to laugh in the face of adversity never cease to amaze me. When his van died this weekend, in the middle of a Chicago blizzard, he left me a message that was more laughter than words. "You can't fight the universe!" and then laughing and "... serpentine belt went just as we were getting to the highway" and more laughter and finally, "I'm going to go pray now," followed by more laughter.
The serpentine belt is only the latest in a growing list of vehicle problems that have plagued the "Starship". The ten-year-old van is dead and this presents a predicament. People with disabilities typically have vast stores of cash and precious jewels... hahahahahaha... okay, maybe not. Anyone with any leads on reliable wheelchair vans and funds to obtain them, we're all ears. Thanks!
Article comments
1 - Syd Gallaher
Hi. Thank you for writing this. I was wondering how Michael's health is today. I am a caregiver for a quad who is currently about 21 years post injury.
2 - Laura Young
Hi Syd,
Michael is still rolling, into his 24th year post injury. In fact I'll be heading out to see him today and just attended the Illinois high school state hockey championship where he gives out the MVP award.
Winter is tough on him, as I know you can appreciate but he's made it through another one. He's got nine lives, at least. The biggest problem we have now is that he is outliving his van and his equipment and as you know that stuff isn't cheap to replace!!!
How's the person you are helping getting along?