WITTICISMS

Cerebral palsy - birth complications or genetic?

2012-02-07T21:27:00.000-08:00

Jodie and I both have cerebral palsy...in case you have not figured that one yet.

Jodie was a premie, weighing less than two pounds. I had always thought that my umbilical cord wrapped around my neck, cutting off oxygen to my brain. Mom told me last week that was not true, though there was reason to think that some oxygen had been cut to my brain at birth.

Cerebral palsy has always been thought to have been caused by some complication at birth, until now. Last week it was reported that most cases of cerebral palsy may have genetic causes, just like other developmental disabilities.

It is not hard to see why people would believe the complications at birth theory. Birthing is such a complicated miraculous process - there is always room to say this or that could have happened to cause cerebral palsy.

According to Medscape, the rate of cerebral palsy has remained the same in the last 40 years. You would think that with the vast advances in medicine over that time, that the rate of cerebral palsy would have gone down under the complications-at-birth theory.

When Jodie was pregnant in 1995, we checked with her doctor to see if we had an increased chance of having a baby with cerebral palsy. Under the prevailing thought the cerebral palsy was not genetic, the doctor assured us that the answer was "no."

Today, the answer to that question might be different.

Sad day for Peek users

2012-02-01T19:55:00.000-08:00

You probably don't know what a Peek is, and therein lies the problem. Mine stopped working two days ago. I sent an email to customer care.

Peek axes first-gen emailer service in favor of cloud - SlashGear

A Peek is a pocket-sized gadget with a full keyboard that handles email and text. I used it mostly for texting my son, Eric, and to read hourly email summaries of my tweets.

I paid monthly for my service, though they offered lifetime service for around $250. I was tempted to buy the lifetime service, though I never really expected that it would last a true lifetime.

Dear Peek user,
Since we launched Peek in September 2008, we received amazing accolades for the product and the support of many, many Peeksters like you.
Since 2010 the business has been taking off in a direction that moved us away from these devices -- putting our cloud platform and software to work bringing smart apps to simple devices made by other mobile phone makers.
We have been winding down the US service since late 2010, and at the end of 2011 this email address was connected to one of a few Peek devices still operating in the US. At the end of January, this last batch of devices was decommissioned.
I'm sorry to report that this
As our Peek cloud powers increasing millions of devices around the world, we hope you'll find yourself using our apps for services like mail, chat, picture sharing, and cloud backup. Indeed, we were just honored by the global mobile industry association with a prestigious Best Technology award nomination. You can read more about this and where we are heading at http://peek.ly/blog
All the best,
Amol
Peekster-in-Chief

I am surprised that I was not warned of Peek service ending. I have a cellphone that I can text with, but with the telephone style keyboard I have a hard time texting with it. I have not decided whether to upgrade to a smartphone. I can't really do that until December when my current contract is up.

II wish that T-mobile, the carrier that handled the Peek email service, could offer us dumped Peek users. T-mobile is also my cellphone carrier, but I know if I went into the store and tried to explain this to them they would not have a clue what I was talking about.

Now Peek invites us to use their app for cloud services? I don't think so!

Thank you bud!

2012-01-26T21:48:00.000-08:00

We were up at the hospital today. We feared that a "funny feeling" Ma2 had could have been a bad thing. Everything turned out fine. We all went to her house afterward to rejoice. We shared the birthday cake that she made yesterday. Life's little scares have a way of redirecting our attention to the important stuff.

I didn't know if I was going to be able to leave the hospital. I got myself stuck.

When Jodie and I got to the hospital, I dropped Jodie off by the front door. I went to look for a disabled parking spot. There was none available in that lot. I saw a car pull out of a regular parking spot, so I pulled our oversized van into that spot. The thought crossed my mind that pulling out was not going to be fun.

When it came to leave, I climbed the hill with my walker. I got some funny looks. It was a pretty steep hill. I put my walker in the van.

I backed out, then pulled up over to the left. I needed room on the right to swing out. I have a backup camera, but I have trouble telling how close the back corner of the van is to the cars in back when I am trying to turn out.

This guy was waiting for my spot. I kept pulling forward and back to try to give myself enough room to swing out. The guy waiting for my spot gave up and drove on. He came back around and figured out what I was doing. I looked at him and he started to give me hand motions to show me how far I could back up.

Now, I know the guy helped me because he wanted my parking spot, but he really saved my bacon.

Thank you bud!

Lawsuit challenges sheltered workshops for Oregon's disabled | Reuters

2012-01-25T22:51:00.000-08:00

I heard this story at lunchtime on the radio and I was intrigued:

Lawsuit challenges sheltered workshops for Oregon's disabled | Reuters

After my college days at Oregon State University, where I worked on the student paper as a columnist (Witticisms...imagine that!) and a copy editor, I worked six months as an assistant editor for World Christian magazine, I had to move back home to look for a real job...one that paid.

For a year I sent out resumes. Zero response. I want to a job seekers class through the Hillsboro Chamber of commerce. I had a vocational rehabilitation counselor named Art. He was an awesome guy. He tried lots of stuff to help get my foot in the door. Truth was. I was hard to market.

Truth is, I am hard to market. My cerebral palsy affects the way I walk and the way I talk. Getting a job depends heavily on your book cover appeal.

It was not until I met a couple visionaries who looked past my disability to give me a shot at proving my ability. Don Bougher ran the state volunteer program in Hillsboro. He had an Apple computer sitting on the floor in his office. He did not know what to do with it. He asked if I could write a spreadsheet in Lotus 1-2-3 to track volunteer hours. I volunteered and created the spreadsheet. Don was a visionary; he saw something in me and gave me a shot to prove my ability.

When I was going to move to California to pursue what looked like better job training possibilities, Don spoke with Gary, the child welfare branch manager. He told Gary the only reason I was moving to California was to look for a job. The next day Gary offered me a temp clerical job. Gary was a visionary. That was over 22 years ago. I work as an eligibility specialist now.

I think about the sheltered workshops. I never worked in one, but it seems like I easily could have ended up in one. I was intrigued by the example at the end of the article, 23 year old Eleanor who got a job at a grocery story after a "strong advocate" helped her get out of a sheltered workshop.

It takes visionaries - disabled who have the vision to believe in themselves when few people do, employers who can see past disabilities to see abilities, and advocates who can help both sides to vision the possibility - to make a successful job match happen.

Whether a lawsuit can make all this happen, it will be interesting to see.

A birthday card and a givers heart

2012-01-24T22:45:00.000-08:00

We usually fail to honor people when we ought. We wait until they are gone and kind words are the order of the day.

Tonight we were honoring the 20th birthday of our dear niece Manda Jo. I remember seeing sis-in-law Pam over at Portland Adventist hospital as if it was yesterday...but I digress.

We were gathered around the table at Old Spaghetti Factory. Pam and Logan were lighting the 20 candles and trying not to set the place on fire.

My mother-in-law (Ma2) started to hand us each a card. She was watching me as I opened mine. A piece of paper, nice cat and dog stationary, was secured inside. It read:

"My seventy-seventh birthday card to you -
Troy,
I thank God every day for giving me you as my son-in-law. I am very proud of you and honored that God chose me to be your favorite mother-in-law. Love ya lots, Pat."

As I contemplate her kind words, I realize that her own words reflect the kind of person she is, always giving and preferring not to be recognized. Who hands out birthday cards on her own birthday? My dear mother-in-law does.

Her goodness has made and continues to make this world a better place for so many people. Her words reveal the kindness of her heart.

Tomorrow is her birthday. I won't say how old she'll be...just wouldn't be appropriate.

Happy birthday Ma2...much love from your favorite son-in-law.

;)

The Wonderful World of a Former Hoochie Mama

2012-01-16T19:53:00.000-08:00

Awesome title for a blog:

The Wonderful World of a Former Hoochie Mama

For some of us life is one idyllic episode after another. Perfect spouse, perfect kids, perfect job...

For other's of us, life is not quite so perfect. We need to open our eyes and, with God's grace, search for the perfection in our life. For people like Former Hoochie Mama (Mel) and myself, we need to write about our life to bring the perfections in our life to light.

I am a born again Christian, and I struggle daily to be a decent person. Many people think you have to be perfect to call yourself a Christian - fact is there was only ONE decent and worthy person of being a Christian and His name is Jesus. The rest of us need only to try to be Christ like with his love, mercy and grace.

I am FAR from a perfect Christian, but I am a perfect example of His love, mercy and grace. I will NOT preach to you or at you - I will simply try to display HIS love through my actions and life as much as I can. I will also fail at this at times and I ask for your forgiveness before hand. :)

Please add to your list of must reads!

A "No" to transplant because of cognitive disability?

2012-01-15T12:11:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I blogged about the ridiculousness of questioning whether a person with a cognitive disability has the ability to understand and accept God's love.

Today I came across an article about young Mia, who needs a kidney transplant to live. The problem is that the doctor would not recommend Mia for a transplant because of her cognitive disability.

Mia's mom, Chrissy, writes:

"I begin to shake. My whole body trembles and he begins to tell me how she will never be able to get on the waiting list because she is mentally retarded.
A bit of hope. I sit up and get excited.
“Oh, that’s ok! We plan on donating. If we aren’t a match, we come from a large family and someone will donate. We don’t want to be on the list. We will find our own donor.”
“Noooo. She—is—not—eligible –because—of—her—quality– of –life—Because—of—her—mental—delays” He says each word very slowly as if I am hard of hearing."

Please read her post by clicking here.

Takes me back to sixth grade values education...is that what we called it? You know, 12 people need to be saved and the rubber raft holds six. I always figured I would not be one of the six who would saved. I never understood the value of this exercise except to make me feel like junk.

Little Mia...a life not worth saving? Doctors playing God?

It makes me feel uneasy..

Does God's love depend on cognitive ability?

2012-01-14T11:03:00.000-08:00

This is an interesting yet ridiculous debate:

Is the Gospel 'Closed' to the Mentally Disabled?, Christian News

The notion that God's love is only available to people who can hear and cognitively process God's love in a prescribed way really bothers me.

Who of us has perfect enough thinking to fully understand God's love? Jesus welcomed the children to Himself and said that we too should

¹⁴ Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” ¹⁵ When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.

If God's love depended on cognitve ability, space cadets like me would not stand a chance!

If we are going to say that God's love is only for those with perfect understanding, then we are serving a god who is in our mind. No need for God the Father who is in heaven, Jesus His son, and His Spirit within and among us.

Troy...step away from the soap box!

;)

You know you are getting old when...

2012-01-13T21:44:00.000-08:00

I have had issues with dry, itchy skin for awhile, but lately it has gotten out of control.

Yesterday I visited a dermatologist for the first time. I smiled when I saw a basket of mini candy bars at the reception window. "A way to encourage repeat business," I wondered.

I was thoroughly surveyed...my visit was long overdue.

"You know," the doc said, "you will have to deal with this for the rest of your life."

My mortality flashed before me. "The rest of your life." Yes, I will turn 48 soon, and yes, I am not as flexible and pain free as I use to be, but to hear the doctor say that drilled it home to me: I am getting old!

Holladay Center alumn

2012-01-10T22:01:00.000-08:00

Part way down on the left side of this blog I have a section called "Calling all Holladay Center alum".

Response has be quite underwhelming. It has been up for three years and I have gotten three responses. Now that there is a Holladay Center page on Facebook, my attempt to gather the names of alumn is pretty much useless. Even so, when an alum fills out my Google form and I get the notification by email, it is a bit like Christmas to read their story.

The other day was Christmas. Jerry Pattee went to Holladay Center from 1958-1964. When I responded to Jerry I could not help but note "1964...that is the year I was born!"

Jerry had the same doctor I had, Dr. Cottrell. He has been a volunteer with United Cerebral Palsy for 26 years. He had a 30 year career with Quest Communications. I am impressed because I would guess Jerry has 10 years or more on me. My road to getting employment was not easy. His must of been challenging as well.

Jerry said in an email to me that it is always good to know an older person with cerebral palsy. Our disability does not worsen, but as we age, the way our changing (aging?) bodies respond to our cp changes. Jodie and I are dealing with some of this right now.

We plan to meet with Jerry sometime in the near future. Jodie and I push so hard during the work week that on the weekends we relish our veg time. Jodie and I want to try to put ourselves out there to make valuable connections.

;)

Howdidwemeet.com

2012-01-09T21:38:00.000-08:00

I was contacted by the website howdidwemeet.com to share our story, so I did:

I was three and she was four... - Miscellaneous - How Did We Meet

;)

How we met up again

2012-01-08T19:13:00.001-08:00

...You need to share it

2012-01-05T21:23:00.000-08:00

Yesterday at work a caseworker/friend of mine came over to where I sit doing my nerdy eligibility stuff. I told him about my new baby, wittren.com. and the desire Jodie and I have to share our story with others. As I explained our message of overcoming barriers and never giving up, he seemed a little off guard by what I said.

I chalked it off to my uncanny ability of talking too much and annoying people.

Imagine my surprise when that same worker came over, sat on my walker, and told me "You do have a message and you need to share it."

Turns out he had a sister who had very severe cerebral palsy, who was hospitalized at age three and passed away at age six. After all these years he still had some raw emotion over this.

I hurt for his pain. I was thankful he shared this part of his life with me.

It also made me thankful for the life Jodie and I have. The smallest change of circumstances could have made the life we have together impossible. Without the love and support of family and friends, we would not be where we are.

We all have abilities; we all have disabilities. It's about focusing on what we can do rather than what we can't.

Yes, we have a message to share.

Observations of the day

2012-01-04T22:54:00.000-08:00

A resolution I have for this year is to blog more. I feel I dropped the ball last year by not blogging much.

It's easy to blog when life is moving fast and a lot is happening. When life is mundane, not much happening, blogging is difficult. There did not seem to be much that happened last year, so I did not blog much.

This is a bad excuse for me. As a writer, I am a life observer who should be able to take the most boring of days and turn it into fine art with the right words.

Today was Jodie's first day back to work after two and a half weeks off. I went back to work today after five days off. This morning, Jodie and I were getting ready to leave for work, and Eric was getting ready to leave for school. Before we left, Eric gave Jodie a hug and then gave me a hug. With a 6''5" teen, that does not happen everyday. A wave of joy came over me considering what a great kid we have.

The news of the day is that Romney won the Iowa caucus by eight votes. It makes me laugh to hear the big deal people are making over that. I like to follow politics. I am a moderate...a moderate what I am less and less sure. I really am not sure which party contains the majority of my ideas anymore. Both sides seem more interested in self promotion rather than getting the right things done for the people.

Jodie sent me a message toward the end of the workday that she wanted to go to the midweek church service tonight. Eric was going because the youth we having a white elephant exchange with the youth afterward I was surprised to see the Christmas decor still up in the sanctuary. Pastor reminded us that Epiphany is Friday, and intern Ray shared more with us about what Christmas means to us. Jodie and I are hoping to make the midweek service a habit.

I will try to be more observant this year, and will put more effort in making this blog more interesting for you.

Making the world a better place

2012-01-03T20:03:00.001-08:00

Jodie is a speaker and I am the writer. Jodie and I have known that from the beginning. You can tell that from the video we just posted here on this blog.

Video blogging is kind of weird. Staring into my netbook's eye and talking. No contact with the audience, no questions to answer - so one dimensional.

When I was in junior high, I was asked to speak to my sister's first grade class. I can't begin to tell you how empowering that was to me. These little guys, who perhaps would of laughed at me had they first seen me outside the classroom, we listening to my story and beginning to understand me.

Four or five years later I saw a young boy as I was riding my big yellow trike through the elementary school grounds. He said, "Hi, remember me? You spoke to my first grade class." I was use to kids teasing me. I would do what I could to avoid kids because of this.

This little guy empowered me by showing me respect. I was even more struck by the thought that my speaking to a first grade class years ago produced a boy who probably not be so quick to judge people because of the way they looked. Seeds of what I said helped make this world a better place.

Making the world a better place - that is why Jodie and I want to do public speaking.

Please look at our new website, wittren.com, How many people do you know who have their last name as a domain name? Kind of geeky I would say...

Read our story. Maybe you are in a group at church, at work, or in an organization who could benefit from our message. Maybe your child has a class that needs to hear our message - that people who are different are okay.

Making this world a better place...

Jodie and Troy video - public speaking

2012-01-03T18:29:00.001-08:00

Holladay Center

2011-12-28T20:49:00.001-08:00

Video journey day 2

2011-12-27T20:45:00.001-08:00

Hi...I'm Troy...and I'm Jodie!

2011-12-26T16:22:00.001-08:00

The bird on my mom's window sill is real...

2011-12-13T21:10:00.000-08:00

Mom called me today and told me this robin had gotten in the house:

a picture of mom trying to get the bird out of the house...now that would be a classic!

Two Coke trucks...the real thing?

2011-12-03T22:27:00.001-08:00

I drove down to Safeway this morning to get a few things for breakfast. I parked on the side of the store because I wanted to use our lift to get my scooter out. Our lift is in back. I like to park in low traffic areas so I am not blocking cars while I unload my scooter.

I thought I was in a low traffic area today, but a Coke semi came through as I was getting my scooter out and I had to fold the lift back up so the truck could get through.

What was really strange was that when I came out of the store and was loading my scooter, another Coke semi came through and I had to hurry up and fold the lift so he could get through.

Made me chuckle..a run in with two Coke trucks during one shopping excursion...and I am a Pepsi guy!

Laying back with shades on...

2011-10-27T21:09:00.000-07:00

Like an old friend, I stop in to see her every six months...and we chat.

Today she sat me down in the chair, leaned me back. She offered me a pair of shades to wear; I accepted.

She saw Eric last week. She was happy to hear how well he is doing in school and in sports, how tall he is and that he is driving. I tell her about the new computer system at work and how it is making Jodie and I go nuts.

She shared with me that she had just returned from a trip from LA. She had been there for two weeks with her daughter, who had to have a double mastectomy and was fighting an aggressive form of cancer.

I did not really know what to say. I really could sense her pain. I started to pray for her daughter. I babbled on so as to not let the conversation drop. I then told her "One day at a time." It is really the best we can ever do, but sometimes we fool ourselves into thinking that we have a semblance of control over life.

As she cleaned my teeth, yes, the dear lady is my hygienist, I noticed my lower jaw was doing the cerebral palsy shake thing. I wondered how often it does that without me knowing it. I realized that I am likely this hygienist's toughest patient that she sees in a year. My inward complaining "Man! This always takes so long!" turned to "Man! She she really treats me with patience and grace."

I got back to work. I had several IM's going in no time...all work related, of course, I had a "dear John" email for a job rotation I was really hoping for. I told Justin I didn't want to open it...but I did.

Made me realize that things happen for a reason, or don't happen for a reason.

We are just called to be there in the moment...even if it is laying back with shades on.

Off the bus!

2011-10-15T15:58:00.000-07:00

A local uproar is being made about a local lady who was kicked of the bus for failing to quiet her crying baby. The driver has been disciplined, though Tri-Met cannot disclose what the discipline was. It is probably a letter in the driver''s personnel file that stands to be removed upon appeal if the driver cares to do so.

Many passengers got off the bus with the lady and the baby - a sign of solidarity against the bus driver's unreasonable demands. I think it is wonderful the support of the other passengers, all the media coverage and the public outcry.

At the same time, I am bothered at all the attention this story is getting.

Twenty one years ago...Jodie and I were newlyweds. We were living in those old brick apartments behind Carr Chevrolet in Beaverton. I was working for the child welfare office in Hillsboro; Jodie was working for for the Center for Hearing and Speech up on the hill.. I would race home from work in my '70 Nova (they can go fast...I've been told) and I would wait for Jodie to come home on the bus.

Jodie would take the bus from up on the hill, to downtown Portland, and transfer to the Beaverton bus.

One day I was home waiting for Jodie. The phone rang. Jodie was calling from downtown on a pay phone. She was crying. "The driver won't let me on his bus. You need to come and get me." I hopped in the Nova and drove downtown. Jodie was waiting on the corner, shaking with anger and tears.

Jodie was walking with crutches at the time. To get on the bus, she would hand the driver one of her crutches so she had a free hand for the railing. Most drivers easily complied with this, but this one driver refused.

We called Tri-Met to complain. They wanted to witness the driver not letting Jodie on the bus. They stationed a supervisor where the drive could not see him. The driver refused to let Jodie on the bus. They tried this again, and the driver refused again. The third time, with a supervisor visible, the drive still would not allow Jodie on the bus...he was not going to be told what to do. The fourth time, with a supervisor stationed where Jodie got on the bus and another stationed where Jodie got off the bus, the driver complied, shutting off the bus and making as big of show as he could.

Jodie and I went to a meeting with a special disabled committee with Tri-Met. Jodie shared what happened...and they did not really care. We were laughed at.

I was not blogging at the time. Facebook and Twitter was not around. I may have written a letter to the paper. There was not a way to get the story out...and all the avenues we took to get the story out were met with apathy. The only real comfort we had were other drivers who knew who this driver was did not have good things to say about him. He was a bad egg.

The story about the lady with a crying baby getting kicked off the bus is getting the viral social media treatment. She is getting the attention that Jodie never got. In the end, however, the driver gets a slap on the hand.

Similar stories, much different public attention.

In the end, the outcome is the same. The status quo is met.

Another milestone - a newly licensed driver in the family

2011-10-08T18:33:00.000-07:00

For 16 years I have been driving the little guy to daycare at grandma's, or to school. A year ago Eric got his driving permit, so we switched seats in front.

Yesterday morning he took his driving test here in Gresham....8 o'clock...first thing in the morning. His driving tester was named Mary. When he got back, all the other workers in the DMV wanted to know how Eric did. They were surprised..."You got a 95% from Mary?" They said that Mary was the toughest tester in the office.

Eric drove us to McD's for some breakfast, then he dropped me off at work and drove our Sprinter to a friend's house. There can't be too many 16 year-old's out there who drive Sprinters. We are still trying to figure out the vehicle situation. He wants a truck...something about boys and trucks.

Last night I had Eric pick Jodie up at work, then come get me at my office, then we drove and picked up his friend, yes, the girl type, and I drove them to the bowling alley.

Today Eric drove us to the Beaverton Olive Garden for a birthday celebration with my side of the family. On the way home, Jodie wanted to stop to buy Eric some new duds for the homecoming banquet next Saturday. It was nice to be able to tell Eric to drop me off at home and just have him and Jodie go.

Our "Little Guy" is now 6'4". I still can't believe it!

Telling our story

2011-10-01T21:39:00.000-07:00

At back to school night a couple weeks ago, Jodie told Eric's health teacher that she and I would be willing to come and speak to her class about our experiences as people with cerebral palsy, Ann, Eric's health teacher (also basketball coach when he was very young), said that she was doing a unit on brain injury and that a presentation from us would fit in well.

Yesterday, Jodie and I took the day off work to go and speak to Ann's three health classes, including Eric's.

My prior experience doing this kind of thing was when I was in junior high I was asked to speak to my sister's first grade class. I was such a hit that the teacher asked me back for a couple years. Young kids...so innocent and honest with their questions...I was able to tell the kids how much like them that I was, how I became disabled, and that I could do most of the things they could do, only differently.

Jodie use to travel for a non-profit group called "Breakthrough" speaking to church groups throughout the U.S. to promote disability awareness. Jodie has a lot of speaking experience and has thought for a long time that she and I could travel and share our story with groups. She is a speaker and I am a writer...one of these days it will come together.

Ann wanted us to talk about our cerebral palsy...what it is and what caused it. We know the cause - Jodie was under 2 pounds at birth, and I had the umbilical cord wrapped around my neck, choking oxygen to my brain. It was funny, Jodie and I don't know much about the technical aspects of cerebral palsy, so we were surfing the internet trying to learn more about cerebral palsy.

Jodie talked about her birth, how the doctor was not sure how she would survive her first night. and her early life. I talked about how my grandma, a nurse, could tell that I was not holding my head up right when I was 8 months old, and that shortly after that I was diagnosed as having cerebral palsy.

Jodie shared about the early school days we spent at Holladay Center in Portland, the intense therapy we went through, and the special kind of baseball we use to play.

It was hard to tell what the kids were most interested in hearing about. One boy wanted to know how I could drive.

After the first class, Ann encouraged us to share more about God in our life. Jodie shared about going to her room as a child and praying for God to heal her. Years later she told her pastor. The pastor explained to Jodie the many ways that God had healed her and brought her through life.

I shared about how people have prayed with me for healing, and how I have felt bad for them when I have not been healed by their faith. I shared about how Paul prayed for God to remove his thorn from his flesh, thought to be weak eyesight, but God chose not to. "...for my power is made perfect in weakness."

Anyway, Jodie and I are open to sharing our stories to other groups, kids or adults. You can find more information about us at wittren.com. We are willing to answer any question and we want to do whatever we can to promote disability awareness.

The barrier of intellectual ignorance

2011-09-26T21:23:00.000-07:00

As I read Glenda's blog post about Cayleigh, I found myself getting angry. Cayleigh is a four-year-old cp'er in Texas. The Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services would not provide a communicative device for Cayleigh until she started school.

Cayleigh is non-verbal. Would you send your child to school before they were able to communicate?

Over the summer, Cayleigh's mom and dad bought her an ipad with the Prolouquo2go app, Glenda has blogged extensively about what a premiere communicative device this is for the disabled at a much lower price than what the traditional devices cost. Cayleigh's mom worked with her over the summer to master the device, but Cayleigh's teacher was not impressed:

"She started talking about a study that happened in the late 80's early 90's when facilitators were starting to be used. A facilitator is someone who supports the non-verbal person's elbow so that they can use some sort of communication system. This isn't new news to me, but I sat listening. Apparently the study found that when the non-verbal person was the only one who could see the object in question there were all kinds of errors, but when the facilitator was involved and was aware of the question the answers were often correct. Basically, subconsciously the facilitators were giving the non-verbal person some sort of signal. She then proceeded to tell me that because of those findings that she could not test Caleigh using her iPad the way that she currently uses it supported in our lap. She feels that Caleigh needs to be able to communicate independently for her to properly do her assessments. The sooner we can get another device the better." -- Cayleigh's Corner

There is a intellectual arrogance when it comes to educating and training people with disabilities. Jodie and I both spent our early school years at Holladay Center in Portland, a school for children with disabilities. The school was a boot camp of sorts for us. Intense therapy - physical, occupational, speech - as well as working with other kids with disabilities, gave us a base of skills and confidence to jump into the real world.

We tried to explain this one time to a cousin of mine who had earned her masters degree in special education. She was pretty much appalled that Jodie and I would advocate any kind of segregation. Our point was not that the disabled should be segregated from the non-disabled, but rather that there are times when the disabled can be together, pool their strengths and be a support for each other.

Through the years Jodie and I have heard stories from mother's with disabled children who get some services through the public school system, but not nearly enough to help them achieve the kind of independence that Jodie and I have attained.

I am not saying that Cayleigh's teachers mean to harm her by taking away the communication device that she and her family had mastered, or that all disabled students should always be together. I am not saying that the experts on disability are wrong.

The disabled and the families that deal with disabilities have experiential expertise that should be at least on par with the book learned expertise.

We have enough barriers to overcome; intellectual ignorance should not be one of them.

Amazing garage sale

2011-09-23T21:37:00.001-07:00

If you are out and about in Portland tomorrow, stop in and check out:

The Amazing Garage Sale

Low prices...the family appreciates your support.

OR-Kids

2011-09-05T20:50:00.000-07:00

Last week, the state agency I work for, began using a brand new, very comprehensive, SACWIS system. The information a child welfare agency must track is huge. OR-Kids has been years in planning and development, and it replaces our FACIS system that has been around since 1994. Yes, I was around for that...man, I am getting old.

The new system requires much more data input. It is labor intensive up front, yes, but as an eligibility specialist who mines data to gather enough information, it is a bit of a dream.

Last week was hard for me though. I wanted to get through at least one determination. I kept running into bugs. Flustered a bit, because I like forward progress, but not really surprised. Soon me or the system will get whatever me or the system has to get and forward progress will be made.

Because my job is a unique on done by a small group of us across the state, I started a wiki page for us all to report issues we are having with OR-Kids and posting solutions as they come through. My hope is that we can use each other's issues and successes to speed our forward progress as a whole.

I am anxious to see how this experiment works.

Labor Day Weekend 2011

2011-09-04T17:57:00.000-07:00

Jodie, Eric & Troy at Brad & Lori's

Raising money for a good cause

2011-08-27T08:41:00.000-07:00

I am not supposed to mention the cause out of respect for privacy...so I won't.

Open hearts, open wallets, great stuff at a huge yard sale.

If you are anywhere on the eastside of Portland today, please check it out:

http://www.yardsalesearch.com/yss-garage-sale.jsp?id=20989620

Bye Diana...

2011-08-24T22:51:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow we will gather at Willamette National Cemetery to say goodbye to a family friend.

Fred and Diana were friends of my Mom and John. They came over a lot with their daughter, Danni, when I was in high school. We were at her mom's beach cabin when Mt. St. Helens spewed ash everywhere.

Fred was a vet from the Vietnam war. Not a bragger...a kid doing what he was told to do he would say.

Diana was the girlfriend waiting at home.

Life was never that easy for them. Jobs came and went, health issues came. They never gave up and their zest for life never died. They went on trips and they never quit figuring out ways to have fun.

Fred died a few years ago...I think it was cancer.

This past year Diana put up a helluva fight against lung cancer. The cancer spread. I saw her last fall while she was staying with Mom and John. Diana was not shy about showing Eric and I how her head had been stapled together after doctors had gone in to remove what they could of the spreading cancer.

Diana will rest with her love, Fred. tomorrow.

I asked Danni for a favorite song of Diana's. Of all the songs, this is the one that popped into her head first:

Goodbye Diana. We mourn, but thought of you will always put smiles on our faces.

:)

Disposability...so ungreen!

2011-08-13T22:34:00.000-07:00

We bought our last microwave nearly two years ago. A GE "Spacesaver"...considered a mid-sized microwave I discovered from my research today.

A nice microwave with lots of special buttons, including Jodie's favorite "popcorn" button. We really loved it...it did everything we needed a microwave to do...until a couple days ago. It would turn on, the fan and light and carousel ran...but no heat!

I did some Googling. It could be a fuse or a diode, but more likely it was a control something another. $92 for the part and whatever for labor...for a microwave that cost $119.

I was perplexed. A good microwave that served us well for nearly two years. It would most likely cost more to fix than replace. It seems so ungreen to replace rather than repair, but we did not want to deal with the inconvenience of taking it to a repair shop and risk paying more to get fixed.

We went to Fred Meyer. Two Sharp Carousel microwaves caught our eye. One was $99 and had a single special sensor "popcorn" button. Jodie would have been happy with that one. The other was $30 more with several sensor buttons. One was mid-sized and one was large. We went for the large one.

Now we have a broken mid-sized microwave to dump. Helping the economy, while thumbing our nose to planet Earth.

So ungreen!

A beautiful Saturday...

2011-07-30T22:20:00.000-07:00

Jodie and I with a free Saturday. Eric is finishing up his mission trip to Las Vegas with the high schoolers from church.

Jodie wanted to go to the fair. The Washington County Fair has free admission, that is always a draw to us. Funny though, I think those six dollar corndogs probably covered the admission price. They were really good though - footlong, deep fried...not the kind the Obama girls would ever be allowed to eat.

Part of the fun of going to the fair for me is parking in the disabled parking lot and seeing adapted vehicles of all kinds. A guy who parked near to us had a small truck with a crane in back. He used it to hoist out a powerchair for his wife.

We usually take Eric to the state fair in Salem. We go pretty much every year. Jodie has her powerchair, I have my scooter, and Eric gets tired...;) He use to ride on my lap when he was tired, but now he is over six ft. Today, Jodie and I were free to go and not have to wait for our able bodied son.

Jodie and I watched a couple rides. This one ride raised the riders a few stories off the ground...and then dropped them...one time and the ride was done. The ride next to it was much longer and seemed like a much better ride for the buck. It was a roller coaster in a circle. The cars kept going higher and higher on each side until it went clear around the circle with the riders upside down.

We enjoyed a dog show. We kept hearing Clint Black tunes (no vocals) coming from the amphitheater area. We would have loved to have seen his show, but we did not want to stay that late.

We did take in a western show in one of the side tents - the Marty Davis show, The Legend of the Pioneers. He was very good! He did a great job with "Ghost Riders in the Sky." It was pretty hot outside. This guy moved a table for us so that Jodie and I could get in, then he offered us water...really nice!

We went through a couple barns to see the animals. Twice we saw cows relieving themselves. I guessed I had never witnessed it before, but with their rear ends pointed toward us, it was, well, gross!

Before we left, Jodie wanted to get some kettle corn. We circled the fairgrounds looking for it. Jodie wanted to give up looking, but I knew we would find it somewhere...and we did.

On the way home we stopped at Buffalo Wings for dinner, then we watched a Cary Grant movie when we got home.

It was a beautiful Saturday!

Pass around the blessing...

2011-07-20T21:43:00.000-07:00

I was in my final years of college. Annette, a dear friend of mine who helped me find Jesus and who took a bus up from Ashland just to go to my prom with me - she had come down with Hodgkin Disease, a form of cancer that had taken her dad's life.

I took a train up to Tacoma to see her and cheer her up. I met a guy on the train named Wes. We hit it off and we talked the whole trip. He was going to Oregon State University also, and he was on his way to see a friend also. Wes was from Hawaii. When we got back to OSU, he invited me to a luau. It was a beautiful production put on by the Hawaiian club.

I'll never forget the night that Wes came by with a buddy with his buddy's 4 by 4 classic black Cadillac. It was four feet off the ground! Needless to say, I was hoisted in!

Anyway, me dear friend Wes sent me a Facebook message with the video below. Wes lives over in Hawaii. He is a triathlete like the one guy in the video. I am like the other guy with cerebral palsy...not quite as bad.

Wes always says that I inspire him. That always makes me feel a tiny bit squeamish. My foibles are many...just ask my coworkers who have all abandoned me, leaving my side of the building empty!

Wes inspires me. He runs marathons and triathlons, but he finds inspiration in a guy like me for whom getting out of bed in the morning and getting to work is like running a marathon.

Watch the video. The song it plays, "I can only imagine" is one of my favorites...it chokes me up a bit. Each man in the video is a inspiration. Together though, there is power...a miracle is born...there is blessing.

A very lovely first of July scene

2011-07-01T22:46:00.000-07:00

On our way home from the baseball tourney today, we wanted to stop by the river and see the scenery. We tried to do this in Hood River, but we kept going the wrong way and could not find a place.

As we headed home, we stopped off at Cascade Locks. We found a boat ramp with people, all shapes, sizes, and colors - they were lining the banks fishing.

A very lovely first of July scene:

Jeez!

2011-07-01T22:22:00.000-07:00

Our son has a baseball tournament in Hood River this weekend. Today was day one.

The games are being played at Hood River Valley High School. Other than having to maneuver Jodie's powerchair and my scooter (with a weak battery) over a bunch of grass to get to the jv field, accessibility was not bad.

After the game, we stopped at Shari's Restaurant to eat and, well, Jodie and I don't do outhouses.

Jodie went into the restroom. The handicapped stall was not large enough to accommodate her powerchair. She parked it outside the stall and went in to do her business.

As Jodie was making her way back to her powerchair, a lady came into the restroom and was mad because Jodie's power chair was blocking the other stall.

"Jeez!" the woman said, very upset.

Jodie hurried as best she could. She was not able to wash her hands an that really bothered her. We are going to get hand sanitizer for her to pack on her wheelchair.

Disability is inconvenience...there is no question about that. We work hard to make sure that it inconveniences us only and not other people. Sometimes we cannot pull that off.

If we were to stay home and go nowhere, we probably could pull it off. God has blessed us with a rich life filled with many gifts that does not give us that option.

Next time we are in your way, blame God.

Curb cut, Mr. Mayor

2011-06-30T07:41:00.000-07:00

Eric's baseball team had a game at Overlook Park in north Portland last night. We played David Douglas. Not sure why two eastside teams had a game way over there...

The parking lot was taken over by an outdoor festival. We drove down Overlook on the north (?) side of the park. We parked at the corner of Melrose and Overlook. We were lucky to get a corner spot so we had room to let are lift down.

The baseball field was close, but there was no curb cut on the corner. I thought about the pothole signs around the city that the Mayor had posted for people to alert the city of potholes that need fixing. A public park should have curb cuts at every corner. There should be a phone number for that!

Jodie and I motored wheelchair and scooter down Overlook, over the giant speed bump, until we found a driveway. We drove on the sidewalk back to the field. The sidewalk was old cement tiles crumple by huge tree roots. One had a 4 inch drop! I'm not going to complain...I realize this world is not made for us.

We sat on a very high, steep hill over looking the field. Coach saw is and asked if we were going to come down the hill...with a grin on his face.

Turned out the son of dear friends of our were on the other team. We had a wonderful visit with Barby and Larry, and her parents, Jim and Judy.

Big unit pitched an inning. One hit...then 3 outs...bang, bang, bang!

Onward, Elizabeth Hovde, onward

2011-06-23T22:02:00.000-07:00

I am a fan of Elizabeth Hovde. She is a conservative columnist for The Oregonian. I am not exactly a conservative, for anyone who knows me. I don't believe all truth lies in one camp. I like to read all sides.

Elizabeth is a conservative with a heart and a brain.

I sent her an email last May when she wrote about how special that foster parents are. I thanked her for making such an important point, and for the way her writing has of making me feel and think.

My heart was broken when I heard of her skiing accident last January 11 that left her with a traumatic brain injury. I have been praying for her since I heard about it.

Oregon Public Broadcasting interviewed her the other day. I missed it when it was on the radio, but I found it online: http://www.opb.org/thinkoutloud/shows/elizabeth-hovde/

I applaud her courage for doing a radio interview. Life is different for her now. Two young kids and a husband. Life is different for all of them. Something like this could happen to any of us at any time.

Elizabeth wrote back to me last May. I think the words of encouragement she wrote me is a wonderful prayer of hope back to her:

"Keep up the writing, the humor, the love of life. Onward, Elizabeth"

Onward, Elizabeth, onward.

Barriers will not keep us from Eric's game

2011-06-18T22:03:00.000-07:00

Eric's single A legion baseball team has been playing tournament this weekend.

Gilmore Field in Salem. Beautiful ball fields with berms around them.

Friday's game was at the varsity field. Jodie and I motored all around to find a way up the berm. It is just too steep. We did find a spot where we could get on top of the berm, but I feared that a homerun ball from the one field could nail us, so we went down into this little hole behind the benches. We almost feel like buying batters hard hats ourselves to protect our heads from foul balls.

After the game we gingerly motored our way up the berm, across, and back down. The feeling of driving a scooter and a power chair on a steep slope - it is scary. You feel like you are going to tip. I rolled my scooter once and it was not fun. Jodie in her power chair...the prospect of her tipping frightens us to death.

Today's first game was at the jv field, which sits down below a berm. Jodie and I stayed at the end of the right field line. I used my walker today to increase my agility to maneuver the berm, but it greatly decreased my ability to go very far. I told Jodie she could probably get over the berm at one place, but she did not want to try...and she wanted to stay with me.

The second game today was at the varsity field. I just muscled my way up the berm, across the top, and over to the bench. Jodie followed. She kind of freaked when she stopped. We were on top of a narrow, steep berm. Bob, the dad of one of Eric's school friends...and a friend of ours, was with us. He walked with Jodie, helping her turn around and go back to a low spot where Jodie could get down. People had a tent up and were watching the other game in the spot where Jodie had gotten up the berm. The people were willing to move, but Bob was able to guide Jodie down the berm.

Places we need to go to support our son in his sports are often not accessible. It does not stop us. We wish places were more accessible, but we realize that many places just aren't. I am thankful for the kindness of friends, like Bob, and strangers, who help us around the barriers we come across.

I just wish that the designers of kids sports venues would be aware there might be a kid playing with a parent in a power chair, a scooter, or a walker.

Ben Comen - CP'er cross country runner

2011-05-28T20:12:00.000-07:00

You fall down...you get back up. Pretty much summarizes cerebral palsy.

The story of a true champion.

Thanks Kathryn for sharing this with me.

I am ready for the Rapture!

2011-05-20T21:49:00.000-07:00

We saw the Weinermobile today at Wood Village Fred Meyer. I have now seen it all.

I am ready to be raptured!

From BLOG

Seth Reder, new artist with amazing voice

2011-05-13T21:35:00.000-07:00

My work cube neighbor's nephew is out with his first demo. Great acoustics and vocals!

Please give a listen:

Happy birthday Bono!

2011-05-10T20:30:00.001-07:00

I am an "Important Person!"

2011-05-08T16:00:00.000-07:00

We husbands say stupid things all the time. It is part of our job description.

When Woman #1 is mad, you say nothing. Husbands know that. Total no-brainer.

Yesterday I slipped.

Eric's varsity baseball team had a game in Tualatin at Horizon Christian. We thought our favorite third string catcher might get to catch, but instead a junior was pulled in from the outfield for the catching duties.

Jodie likes to position her powerchair as close as she can to home plate.

Horizon has a beautiful baseball field. When we first got there we saw the team folding up the tarp that covered the whole field. Dugouts were nicely built with cinder block. There was a low cable fence separating the field from the parking lot. From the backstop to the outfield fence, it was a beautiful field.

Behind the backstop, the ground was rock and hilly. There was a eight inch curb. The only curb cut was blocked by shrubs at the top. There was no way for Jodie to get up to the spectator area.

Jodie was upset. She could not believe the lack of accessibility to get up to the field.

We parked in the lot down by third base. We could see everything from there except the most important part of the field - home plate.

I told Jodie, "This is terrible that there is no accessible way to the field. If there was an important person on the board or at the school that needed access, there would be access."

Jodie shot back "I am an important person!"

Ouch! I said the wrong thing!

A big fault of mine is that I can see many sides of things. Accessibility is spendy, and how many disabled come to watch baseball games?

Jodie totally did not share my sentiment.

I moved our van over behind the backstop, as close as we could get, which was not very close. We could see parts of the batter, depending on which way the crowd was moving.

Jodie was not happy not being able to see much of the game, but people watching is always priceless.

There was a couple dogs at the field. A lady brought her dog behind the crowd. The dog did his duty #2. The lady covered it with the bark that was covering the ground. She used her toe to lightly cover it. The lady looked up and saw Jodie and I watching her. She shrugged and giggled with a 'oops' look on her face.

We then watched a multitude of people walk over that spot and tried to guess who got the surprise on their shoe.

We lost the game to Horizon 5 to 3. Portland Christian's first loss of the season.

I don't think it's possible for a non-disabled person to understand a barrier of an eight inch curb. Until you are in a wheelchair and you can't get somewhere you really want to get, you won't understand.

Us "important people" understand.

Garmin...Google Map...where am I going?

2011-05-03T22:25:00.000-07:00

Eric is on the varsity and the junior varsity baseball teams for his school, Portland Christian. He counts the hits, is the warm up catcher, and backs up first for the varsity team. He does not see much playing time for varsity, but Jodie and I don't miss a game.

Yesterday, there was a game at Western Mennonite High School. I put the address into our Garmin. It directed us to go over the Wheatland Ferry. I didn't want to go over a ferry with our big Sprinter van. I went to Google and got a map that directed us to take Highway 99, to 18, to 221. It seemed simpler. If I missed a turn, we'd wind up at the casino...not so bad.

I was not in the right lane for the Tualatin exit off I-5. I could not get over. I've gone that way many times...no idea what I was thinking. I took the next exit and made my way back to the Tualatin/Sherwood Road.

We made it down Highway 99. The Garmin kept telling us to turn everywhere. I left it on so that when we got close to the school, it would let us know.

We got caught in that bottleneck area on Highway 99...took us forever!

The school is on Highway 221, northwest of Salem, between Lincoln and Hopeveil, two small towns I did not know existed. Farmland, fresh air, a very beautiful setting for a school.

We made our way to the parking area. It was a grave lot, except for a couple cement slabs for disabled parking. I parked in one of the slabs. Jodie moved her chair onto the lift. I let her down. The gravel was a slight down hill slop. The lip at the end of the ramp would not go down. I had Jodie get back into the van and I drove to the other disabled spot. Save for the nasty mud hole I had to slog through to open the back doors of the van, I was able to unload Jodie in her powerchair and my scooter without trouble.

People were looking on with curiosity as we unloaded. I got the feeling the the disabled parking spots don't get used much at that school, and they probably don't see many lift vans there.

The boys won. Eric counted the hits. Jodie was not sure about letting Eric drive us home, but I knew he could do it.

We followed the team bus into Salem. We grabbed dinner at a Dairy Queen drive-thru, parked to eat, watched a guy bum some change from a gal sitting in her car a few spaces from us. We watched him go into the market across from us, come out with a brown paper bag, and disappear behind the Tru Value store.

Eric drove us home and did a fine job.

Now, I need to find LaSalle high tomorrow, Sherwood high on Friday, and Horizon Christian on Saturday.

Ahhh...baseball season...

BADD 2011 - Be aware of My Best Buddy

2011-04-30T22:48:00.000-07:00

To be honest, it is hard for me to be honest. I am a glass-half-full kind a guy. I like to tell people what they want to hear.

Life goes easier that way, people are happier.

In my college days, I had a weekly column in the Oregon State University "Daily Barometer" titled 'Witticisms' - imagine that! My thought was that if I could get people to smile, or feel anything, I could get them to think.

One time, it was disability awareness week. I felt a burden to promote the awareness. I was up all night. I was ranting and raving about accessibility problems around campus, and how tough it was to be disabled and going to college. I looked at what I had and I realized nobody was going to read my angry words.

I took a different tact. I took my readers, sat them down, and gently put a pair of my shoes on their feet. I told a story of my best buddy. I told of some of the obstacles that my best buddy faced in the course of the day and the ways he got around them.

People who knew me knew right away who "my best buddy". They were affected by my words. The sports editor, who I barely knew, called me and told me how much he like the column.

My best buddy. Twenty four years out of college now. Twenty one years working as support staff for child welfare.

Life has been good to my best buddy. Twenty one years ago he married a girl he had met at a elementary school for disabled kids. Their life goal was to not have kids, but to take care of each other without relying on outside help.

Five years later, God surprised them with a son. Family and friends were there to help. The pregnancy, birth and early years, but there was never a lack of love and support behind them.

One time my buddy and his wife tried to by a lot in Beaverton on which to place a manufactured home. The owner would not sell it to my buddy and his wife because he did not think my buddy could work, even though he did have a job.

On the other side of the spectrum, a few years ago when my buddy and his wife needed a larger van to haul both of their scooters, my buddy found the perfect van on the internet. My buddy, his wife, and their son drove to Seattle to look at it. It was decked out with a ramp and restraints. It was expensive, but the dealer and the bank worked things out. A week later the van was their's, one of the simplest transactions in their lives.

My best buddy's wife is now in a powerchair full time now. At first she felt that laying down her crutches was a form of giving up. It has proven to be a much greater level of independence for her. Even so, it has been a surprise to her how many local business don't have automatic doors. She has to struggle with the door herself, or wait for the kindness of strangers to help.

My best buddy uses a walker much of the time these days. It bothers him sometimes when people are in such a hurry to get around him that he does not have time to get out of their way. It bothers him that walkways are narrow and/or cluttered in such a way that hurried people can't get around him. It bothers him that he always needs to get out of the way.

Forget being aware of my best buddy's disability - be aware of my best buddy!

This is my contribution to Blogging Against Disableism Day 2011.

World's Last Typewriter Factory Closing Its Doors | News & Opinion | PCMag.com

2011-04-29T07:08:00.000-07:00

World's Last Typewriter Factory Closing Its Doors | News & Opinion | PCMag.com

Momentous day. Last typewriter factory closing.

I learned to type when I was seven at Holladay Center. My handwriting would get me nowhere fast...I can barely read it!

When I was mainstreamed in the fifth grade, a typewriter followed me from class to class. In high school, my typewriter was in the special resource room.

At home I had my brown IBM. I used the white paper corrector stuff...such a mess! I then got a Facit self-correcting. In college I always had to make special arrangements with my professors to use a typewriter for tests.

The hassles of disability. Such an understatement. Gotta embrace it and roll on...or you go crazy.

In my work life, I have had a typewriter follow me around. Now that the IV-E adoption assistance and guardianship assistance forms are finally on the computer, I really have no use for it. And we no longer have a contract for getting it fixed.

The only thing I handwrite now is my signature on those pesky receipts. For any other handwriting I need to gulp down my pride and ask for help.

The end of an era. I would not have gotten where I have without this technological bridge to the computer.

I finally got one...

2011-04-28T22:09:00.000-07:00

I have wanted a Kindle electronic book reader for years. Mom got one for my stepdad, John.

I have been using the pc version of Kindle on my netbook for awhile.

My reason for not getting one for so long is that I don't read a lot of books. I consume news and blogs. I am addicted to Twitter, Facebook, and Google Reader. On my Twitter I follow many news outlets, reporters, and favorite people. Google Reader I follow disability feeds, google trends, national and local feeds. On Facebook I follow family and friends. I find out more about what's happening at work off Facebook than anything I hear at work.

I am an informational junkie.

Any books I read are non-fiction - "Angel Face" about Amanda Knox, and "The Case for God". I am not that good of reader because I speed through everything. I am just looking for the facts.

Well, my new 3g Kindle has surpassed all my hopes. I did not realize that I could access the internet with it. It handles Twitter, Google Reader and Facebook wonderfully, and the mobile connection is free! My Gmail is not very easy to navigate on the Kindle, though I did finally find the best link to use.

The keyboard on the Kindle is not very "Troy" friendly. Punching in my passwords is not as easy as I like. The mousepad is small and tricky for me to use.

Even so, my Kindle is proving to be quite the dream for this info junkie.

Eric and the order of the towel

2011-04-21T23:13:00.000-07:00

This is Holy Week. Tonight we had a Maundy Thursday service at church, a commemoration of the Last Supper.

Three of our high school freshman, including Eric, took part in washing people's feet. These kids have been through a peer ministry course, equipping them to listen to and serve other kids their age who need help.

Eric and Robert were at one of the foot washing stations. Jodie went up in her power chair. Eric took one of her shoes off and they washed her foot. Jodie does not have toes; she has a couple stubs. A big reason she has had to use crutches her whole life is because she does not have toes.

It took courage for Jodie to go up for a foot washing. Just as the disciples were not all that comfortable with having Jesus wash their feet, neither was Jodie with having her son and Robert wash hers.

Jesus set the example of what it is to be a servant of all, pretty much opposite everything our culture sees as success.

Tonight Eric earned his towel; success that is out of this world.

Being disabled in time of trauma

2011-03-26T21:55:00.000-07:00

Being disabled is never a picnic, but sometimes it can be really frustrating and downright scary.

People who know me can generally understand me. Throw in some trauma and people who don't know me and...well...lot's of luck.

Ten years ago when I had back surgery, I was recovering I the hospital. I needed help with something. I hit the call button and said "I need help. " All I got back was "We can't understand you sir." With cerebral palsy, the harder you try to talk, the worse it gets. Involuntary motions.

Help never came. When Jodie came in, she was furious.

Marriage is about pooling strengths. Throw in disabilities, like CP, as in the case of Glenda and Darrell, and Jodie and I, marriage goes beyond convenience. We depend on each other. We use our abilities to overcome the other's disabilities...if that makes any sense.

A few patients and accompanying companions followed the nurse into the secured treatment area. The nurse indicated that Darrell would have to go back to the waiting room because there wasn’t room for two wheelchairs.
Darrell explained that I needed him for speech purposes. But, once he relayed how the injury occurred and other necessary medical details, he was told to leave. The nurse assured him that she would come get him if he was needed. None of the other companions were forced to leave.

Do It Myself Blog – Glenda Watson Hyatt » The Foot as a Brake: Do Not Attempt This at Home

Healing and peace my blog buddy Glenda!

Concatenate

2011-03-25T21:32:00.000-07:00

I had never seen the word "concatenate" until today.

I was trying to merge multiple columns into one in Excel, in an effort to squeeze a two page phone list onto one. Microsoft help screens are terrible; I always have to go to Google for real help.

I was trying to see if I could have different text formats within a concatenated cell. Don't try to figure this one out...I am always trying to figure out the impossible.

Today, on my Don Quixote-like quest, I hit a computer virus...a bad one. The computer ran a scan, then took me to a place to pay. I knew that was not right.

I put my technical smarts to work. Geek prayer - "Please God", geek trick- turn computer off...turn computer back on.

Didn't work.

I called the help desk. Karen, our computer tech, came over. I told her I was Googling to figure out how to concatenate. She laughed and said "that just sounds wrong!".

She had to re-mirror my computer. It took quite awhile.

Sigh...

Rockwood Child Welfare support staff...R.I.P.

2011-02-08T20:28:00.000-08:00

Me and the hot babes of Rockwood Child Welfare.

We are now combined with East Multnomah, but we will never forget the sizzle we were...

Beaverton School District - support for the disabled

2011-02-01T21:47:00.000-08:00

This story struck me on a few levels:

Beaverton School District's reaction to developmentally disabled student's efforts show why bureaucrats get a bad rap | OregonLive.com

I went to Holladay Center in Portland thru the third grade. Holladay was a special school for the physically disabled. My dad's job took us to southern California for a year. I went to a special school down there as well.

When we returned to Oregon in 1974, I started going to regular public school in Beaverton. My mainstreaming experience was very positive. Jodie went to Holladay center as well. She was mainstreamed in Portland. He experience was not so good...another story.

One thing I did struggle with was socialization. I had friends in my classes and all, but I missed some of the comradery I had with other kids that had struggles similar to mine. At Holladay Center, there really was no disability, we all had different abilities.

What moves me about this story is Conall's persistence to create a club for special needs kids, and Beaverton school district administrators working to help Conall reach his goal, while abiding by privacy rules.

Takes me back to spring of 1982. I was a senior about to graduate from Beaverton High. A vice principal called me out of class. The school district wanted to pay my way to go to a summer science program at the University of Iowa.

I remember thinking "Why would they do this for me? After graduation and all."

I went for the two week program. I was exposed to many scientific fields of study. I made lots of friends. I remember a guy with cerebral palsy who worked for Caterpillar, with a message that has stuck with me to this day - whatever you do, be the best at it...make it worth the company's money to accommodate your needs. I remember our weekend trip to Chicago, and a trip to the top of Sears Tower.

I am still moved that the Beaverton School district made that life changing opportunity available to me. I am moved now to see they are still willing to go outside the box to provide unique opportunities for kids in their charge today.

A cable and a ring...greater accessibility

2011-01-26T21:55:00.000-08:00

Our friend, Shel, from work came by tonight. He had heard that Jodie had to park her power chair at the bottom of the ramp in the garage, then user the railing that Shel installed a few weeks ago to walk back up the ramp to close the door.

Shel attached a light cable to the top of the door, ran the cable across the ceiling, and put a ring at the end of the cable so it hangs just beyond the railing. Now, Jodie can come down the ramp, pull the ring, and the door closes. Very slick!

As We Pray for Peace…

2011-01-09T22:54:00.000-08:00

I can't quite get my mind around the shooting down in Tucson.

Gabby was not on my radar before, but everything I hear about her I like. A centrist working for solutions; my kind of people.

The people who died, the judge, the 9/11 baby, the others...I am just sick.

Words from one of my favorite blogs help me.

Remembering our baptism.

Remembering why we are here.

Thinking and praying about as if life depends on it, because it does.

But what I do want to suggest is that we all need to change our own war like mantras that we put out there when we want to accomplish a goal.
This week we concentrate on our baptism, our initial moment of starting fresh as Christians and our constant reminders of those promises from that day forward. How can we renew these promises with a sense of urgency with regards to peace? How does God wish us to greet one another and deal with our differences? How can we be the refreshing waters of Baptism for others and a healing balm for the world?
This week let’s think about that and pray for those who were in harm’s way this week.
And most of all, let us pray for those who died and for peace.

As We Pray for Peace…We Need to Change « Googling God

Much love to Denise this day

2011-01-06T11:30:00.000-08:00

Denise is having surgery today to remove cancer affected areas of her body. We are clinging to the hope the doctors give us, and the love of God that carries us.

We thank you for the prayers you have prayed for Denise, and we ask you today to say a special prayer.

Denise and Ken, Jodie's sister and brother-in-law. Denise is a protective older sister; Ken was like a surrogate father/friends to Jodie.

Ken walked Jodie down the aisle to me when she became my bride in September 1990. Ken was 6'7", former University of Portland basketball star. Tall guy with a huge heart and a kid-like love for life. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor two weeks after our wedding. He was told he had a year to live. For the next four years he taught his family and friends what it meant to really love and live.

Vance was born in 1992. Ken had a basketball in his hands by the time he was two. To this day, Vance is most comfortable when he has a basketball, or a baseball, in his hands.

Fast forward 20 years. Denise was found to have rectal cancer. It is a serious cancer that requires aggressive treatment. I cannot go into great detail because of a complicated life situation.

Cancer is never fair. It is not fair that Denise lost a husband, and Vance a dad, to cancer. It is not fair that Denise now has to fight cancer. I am not going to defend God for letting this happen...or causing this to happen. I have read the Book of Job...I know the futility of that.

God is with Denise and the family. The pop can fundraising has been successful. The donations continue to come into the "Denise Downey cancer fund" at U.S. bank. And, just last week, a family at church provided a house for Denise, Vance and Jodie's mom to stay in for awhile.

Today is a big day for Denise. A wide gamut of emotions, but she is very strong.

Please say a special prayer for Denise and her son, Vance, today.

Thank you!

Can we send an ambulance for you sir?

2011-01-05T21:29:00.000-08:00

"No!" I replied.

Women are stubborn, and men, well, we're men!

I have not been feeling well this week. I've been tired and I have been feeling faint at times. No coughing, no sneezing, no headache...just feeling yuck. I have not fell sick enough to stay home.

This morning when I got to work, a coworker said she could hear me wheezing. My chest felt heavy. I texted Jodie to call our doctor to find out what to do. Of course, they hear "heavy chest" and they want to send an ambulance. I had my coworker, Sheri, take me to emergency. Jodie had to come by bus because of her power chair; a coworker rode with her.

I can't thank Sheri enough...so kind!

They did a bunch of test, a cat scan, and a chest x-ray. Everything negative...maybe a spell of indigestion. I avoid going to the doctor because they rarely figure out my problem.

I was told not to drive until I followup with my doctor tomorrow.

Nephew Vance and our son, Eric, picked Jodie and I up at the hospital. Eric drove our bus from Vance's house to our home. How many young drivers get to drive 3 qtr ton vans? He did a wonderful job.

I am thankful I am ok, hopeful the doctor can figure out what this is.

Life...

A word from Jodie...

2011-01-03T20:18:00.000-08:00

I can now get my chair in the house. It does pretty well. So far the only place I can't get to in the chair is the master bath. But, other than that, it will go in all of the other rooms, though some are a tight fit. I think I am going to feel better having the chair in the house. Eric was able to secure our portable ramp down on the door from the house to the garage. I am worried though about Troy walking up and down the ramp. I am hoping we can put some kind of handle by the ramp for Troy.

Laundry was a breeze! My arms did not go numb and my back didn't spasm. I think I am going to be able to do a lot more from the chair. It has gotten so I cannot do much from the standing position anymore.

Jodie's wheels, like new!

2010-12-30T21:54:00.000-08:00

Jodie has had her power chair for a year now. When it has been working properly, it has made her life much easier. When it has stalled continuously and has to be reset over and over...and when she has not been able to reset it herself...well...you know.

The last straw was a couple weeks ago when Jodie stalled out in the rain a couple blocks from work. I had left early to drive Eric to school for open gym baseball practice. As I blogged a couple weeks ago we took the power chair into the shop. They had to order parts. We kept Jodie's chair at work, since her workspace is all set up for her power chair. We got a manual chair in the meantime to get Jodie to and from work.

The shop called yesterday to let us know the part for her power chair had come in. Eric and I took it in this morning, and returned to get the chair at noon.

They replaced both the left and right motors. They updated something...I don't remember what they said.

Eric drove the power chair to our van and he could not believe how smooth it drove...and twice as fast!

Jodie has not tried it yet, but I am anxious to see how she does. I can see her booking down the sidewalk, getting to work in half the time.

I know it sounds strange, but I kind of look forward to the day when I have my own power chair to book around in...using less energy for my disability so that I have more energy for my abilities.

;)

Messing with a big kid...

2010-12-22T07:01:00.000-08:00

I took Eric to the doctor the other. He had what looked like an infected sliver that would not go away.

His regular doctor was not in, so he had a lady doctor attend him. She was tall and she seemed surprised to see a kid that matched her height.

She diagnosed it as a wart.

There are two ways to get rid of wart - the slow, no pain, medicine way, and the short, painful, freezing off way.

Dry ice, wart falling of - it was a n brainer to Eric.

The doctor came back with a cup of smoking dry ice. She had a smile on her face and a "I get to mess with a big kid!" look in her eye.

She dabbed Eric's wart with a swab of dry ice. It was painful...I could tell. Eric grimaced. The doctor said that little kids scream and push her away when she does that to them.

When she was done, she threw the dry ice at the wall...it was gone in a puff of smoke.

Her smile and spirit reminded me of my Aunt Barb who was a great nurse. Hi cousins Tiana and Travis...nice to have contact with you again. Your mom is smiling down on us.

To whom does the power chair belong?

2010-12-18T12:50:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Jodie and I took her power chair in to Providence home care services to be looked at. She stalled out a couple blocks from work yesterday, and she has been stalling out a lot lately.

I unloaded Jodie from the van, we went into the "store front". The gal behind the counter was very nice. She called for a tech. He came out. Jodie transferred to a regular (non-wheel) seat in the waiting area.

The same tech came back out awhile later. They had the power chair up on the rack. From viewing the log from the onboard computer chip he could see that Jodie's chair had indeed been stalling out...a lot! The diagnosis was that the left motor on the chair needs to be replaced.

It will take five to eight business days to get the part. They offered Jodie a loaner chair, but with her experience with the loaner earlier this year, we figured dealing with Jodie's chair is a better option. I will take her to work and to her meetings for now...no busing it or long way ventures for Jodie for awhile.

Another tech brought Jodie's power chair out. The gal behind the counter was on break.

The look on the tech's face was priceless! Like - "OMG! They are both disabled! Whose chair is this?" A deer in the headlights look - totally!

He came towards me with the power chair. I do look like the more disabled one...no doubt.

Jodie said, "Umm, it's my chair."

"Dang!" - I could see it in the tech's eyes.

Jodie and I had a good laugh...

Bye Shadow

2010-12-14T20:13:00.000-08:00

As I wrote before, we are a household of five dogs.

Make that four.

Shadow, one of Ma2's "Boys", was put down earlier today.

Shadow was a big, old, Lhaso Apso with attitude. A grumpy old man whose growl frightened Vinny, a lab mix four times Shadow's size.

As a pup, Shadow had a near death experience. A nylon stocking in his intestine was the culprit.

Shadow was a cudly dog, Ma2 says. Jodie called him "Teddy Bear". Shadow loved to play, he loved to tip over the small trash can we have by the computer table. We have a plastic container--our bill box--Shadow would take whatever paper he could get out of there and eat it. He even tried to eat the lid!

Jodie called Shadow the "Matriarch" ("patriarch" woman!) because he carried himself in such a kingly manner around all the other dogs in the house.

My favorite memory of Shadow is how he would sit at my feet while I sit at the kitchen table. He would get as close as he could to my feet and lay down. I could never resist reaching down to pet the Big Guy.

Yesterday the vet said that diabetes was getting the best of Shadow. Eleven years old. Pain. No guarantee that extreme measures would even help him.

Ma2 brought him home last night so we could say goodbye. I got choked up this morning as I pet Shadow and said my goodbye.

Shadow is curled up in a much better place now.

Bye Shadow.

Skeeter, Shadow, and me

Thanks!

2010-11-25T10:29:00.000-08:00

It's too easy to focus on the empty half of the glass. It takes an extra muscle in the heart to see that in everything there is something to be thankful for.

Eric has been to my office, seen the cube where I spend my days...has no desire to see it again. He calls my job "the most boring job in the world!" Policy, data, paperwork...he really is not that far off! Yet, I have been doing the job for over a decade. I am proficient at it. And...I am employed!

I am thankful for that.

Jodie...Woman #1. She works her tail off as an office manager with little thanks or appreciation. This has been her first year in a wheelchair full time. As long as the wheelchair is functioning right for her, this transition has been a big blessing for her as it has reduced pain and strain on her body. Twenty years of marriage!

I am thankful for that.

My son. Eric is 15 and towers over me now. Great student. Awesome pitcher who helped lead his team to state. He has given two sermons at church this year. Jodie and I have always known that Eric was a gift from God to bless this world. Every day that is more apparent.

I am thankful for that.

Family. A job for stepdad John after a twenty month search. Jobs and college for my nieces and nephew. Everyone rallying around SisD with her battle with the Big C...the boys picked up a giant 80 bags of cans donation to support her yesterday. I had an awesome visit with my sister last month, and I have been seeing my mom and have been having great visits on Saturday mornings while Papa John teaches Eric to drive. Life - good stuff and hard stuff mixed together.

I am thankful for that.

Women #1 thru #99...you guys know who you are...keeping me sane or insane. Lunch dates, words of wisdom...keeping me together.

I am thankful for that.

My church family - Resurrection Lutheran. Interim Pastor Craig an Pastor Karl. Faithfully sharing with us words we need to here. Sisters and brothers at church with words of encouragement. News that Pastor Mike has accepted the call to come lead us.

I am thankful for that.

Happy Thanksgiving!

This is YOUR problem

2010-11-18T06:49:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I got an email to problem solve a medical eligibility issue for one of our kiddos.

I use to do that kind of problem solving in my previous duties; not so much now.

I went to a coworker. I kindly told her, "This is YOUR problem to deal with", as I showed her the e-mail outlining the problem.

She shot back, not missing a beat, "That name at the top of that page is YOUR name," pointing to the e-mail. "This is YOUR problem to deal with!"

One of us was schooled.

;)

SisD update

2010-11-17T20:29:00.000-08:00

I had a request for a SisD update.

She had a good day today. She spent a week in the hospital.

Sores inside her because of an allergic reaction to treatment made her unable to hold food down. She was sent home yesterday continuing to have that problem. She needs another week of treatment before period of rest and then surgery.

It's hard to share stuff when the silver lining is not apparent. The treatments seem to be working. God's strength is carrying SisD and the family through this.

Your continued prayers are coveted and appreciated.

Yes Virginia, the season is upon us...

2010-11-16T20:47:00.000-08:00

Twelve thirty five. I was savoring my leftover enchiladas. My phone rang. Not a number I was familiar with, but I answered it.

It was a mom wanting to get her three children on the list to get toys from the "Toys for Tot's" program. Someone told her she had to go through DHS to get them on the list. Our office is the closest DHS office to where she lives.

I am the point person for Toys for Tot's in our branch. I basically pester the caseworkers by email to find out who will be responsible for getting the toys delivered to the kids after the toys are delivered to the branch.

Our office is a Child Welfare branch. The toys we get are for foster kids or for kids in families with whom we have involvement. This lady did not fit that criteria, but she did have a foodstamp case. We can't help her at our branch, but I didn't tell her that. I took her information.

I emailed the lady's information to the person who is coordinating Toys for Tots for the district. We're not sure this family meets the criteria that has been set up for the program, but we are finding a way to make it work.

The desperation in the lady's voice kinda got to me. Her kids, foster kids, all kids in need. I know that Christmas is about way more than gifts under the tree. To kids, though, Christmas is about gifts under the tree. Gifts under the tree shows that somebody cares for them.

It does take a village to raise our kids. Kids in need are all of our kids.

This holiday season, amid the hectic pace, amid the joy and celebration, amid the hopes, dreams and possible disappointments, find a way, ever be it so humble, to reach out to the village and help make a miracle happen.

;)

Sprinter discrimination!

2010-11-11T12:06:00.000-08:00

AAA

Attn: Membership Records

600 SW Market St.

Portland, OR 97201

We have a 2006 Sprinter van. My wife and I purchased it in June 2007 as a mobility van. My wife has a power chair and I have a scooter.

A couple weeks ago we called for a tow and learned that you cannot tow Sprinters in Oregon.

Please cancel our membership #:

Thank you,

Troy Wittren

SisD and the Big C

2010-11-04T22:06:00.000-07:00

Jodie's sister, Denise, has cancer. Rectal cancer.

I hate calling it the "Big C". It seems to give cancer a respect that it does not deserve, when in fact it is a hideous, scary disease.

It has been barely a month since she found out that the sickness that she felt was not just food poisoning. Her whole life has changed.

Chemo, radiation...and upcoming surgery.

Denise is a hairdresser at Salon Ambiance in Gresham. Hairdressers are a tough breed. On their feet all day. Talking with people all day. Counselors who cut and do hair.

The chemo treatment has made it to where Denise cannot work at the moment. The ladies at Salon Ambiance, along with family and friends, are rallying to help Denise get through this tough time.

There is a bottle and can drive to raise funds to help Denise get through this tough time. Bring your bottles and cans:

Saturday, Nov. 6 10am-2pm
Salon Ambiance
192 NE 2nd
Gresham, OR
MAP

You can also donate money at any US Bank branch under "Denise Downey Cancer Fund"

Denise's husband, Ken, walked Jodie down the aisle to me at our wedding 20 years ago. He was a giant of a man. Not just his 6'7" basketball stature, but two weeks after our wedding we learned that Ken had a brain tumor. He fought it with grace for over four years. Their son, Vance, was two when his dad passed in December 1994.

Vance is now 18. Tough deal, real tough deal.

Doctors are optimistic that this battle will be won...but the battle is real and it must be fought.

Donate cans, bottles, or money if you feel you can.

Even more important though, I ask you to pray for Denise:

-release from pain
-remission from cancer
-financial needs met
-a place to stay that does not have stairs
-strength and grace for Denise and her son Vance

Thank you!

Johnnie is "too disabled" to fly

2010-10-17T13:54:00.000-07:00

Too disabled to fly...totally bizarre!

US Airway employees wheeled inspirational speaker Johnnie Tuittel onto the plane and seat belted him into place. An agent then returned and wheeled him off the plane. He was told he was a danger to himself and others, that he would need a companion with him if he wanted to fly.

www.wzzm13.com : Grand Rapids : UPDATE: Grand Rapids man with cerebal palsy removed from US Airways flight

Johnnie is a professional motivational speaker. His website is extensive and impressive. He has even authored an acclaimed series of children adventure books, the Gun Lake Adventure series.

I have not flown since I was a kid. I was always treated well by the airlines. Even though I'm ambulatory (able to walk) I remember being wheeled from gate to gate by airline employees. I remember being wheeled onto a plane at least once. I remember boarding early, and I think I was first to get off. The staff on the plane was always very responsive to my needs. Jodie says she experienced the same when she use to fly.

Married 20 years and we have never flown anywhere together...I know...we are not that exciting.

The disturbing part of how Johnnie was handled is how the airline was able to perceive Johnnie as being "too disabled" and were able to act on that perception. Johnnie has flown an half million miles with no trouble.

I can't relate to Johnnie's recent experience on the plane, but I do know what it is like to be in and out of my comfort zone. Most places I go to anymore are places I have been to before. People know me, or at least have seen me before.

Occasionally I find myself in a situation around people who don't know who I am or what I'm about. I get the looks - "why is he driving that bus...he can't hardly sign the receipt!" And, many people assume that since I have cerebral palsy that I must also have a mental disability as well.

We all judge each other...it is human nature. Usually these judgement are in the form of a stare, or a comment.

To get kicked off a plane because of these kind of judgments...

I hope Johnnie's career soars with all this publicity...and I hope the airline has a wonderful opportunity to learn an important lesson.

;)

Touchdown!

2010-10-14T06:58:00.000-07:00

Thank you Dixie for sending this my way:

<a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/video?vid=472a294c-2918-4642-b8de-b3eba6c1ebf3" target="_new" title="">Fantasy Fix: Waiver Wire</a>

Temper @ Terrible Palsy

2010-10-14T06:51:00.000-07:00

Pint sized wisdom far greater than my own.

"Because" is the perfect answer.

If we quit doing the mental acrobats of trying to fit each other into our own frame of reference and learned to just accept each other, wouldn't the world be a better place.

Moo is six I believe. Truly a voice the world needs to hear!

Master C then asked me why Moo has cerebral palsy? He told me that he gets asked all the time at school.
“They shouldn’t be asking you,” Moo said. “They should be asking me.”
Sometimes it astounds me how grown up that little boy is. I asked Moo what he would say if he was asked that question.
He thought about it for a couple of seconds before replying, “Because.”
No. No other reason that just because.

Temper @ Terrible Palsy

I can't say "Thank you" enough!

2010-10-13T21:20:00.000-07:00

I usually don't take my scooter into work, but today was so beautiful. I took my scooter in so I could do a Safeway run at lunch.

After work I went to load my scooter into our Sprinter van. I let the lift down, backed my scooter on, then I pressed the "up" button. Hydraulic fluid started spraying out...not a good sign!

The lift would not go up...the more I tried, the more I was sprayed with hydraulic fluid. Shannon was moving the state cars around for the parking lot re-striping. She went and got Russ. Brian, David and Vicky came out. Connie offered to drive me home.

David called Triple A. They don't provide towing for Sprinters...Jodie is going to call tomorrow. Why keep paying them if they can't tow us?

I tried to pump the lift up manually, but that requires there to be hydraulic fluid..something I did not know. We got the instructions for the lift out of the glove box. There wasn't any other way to get the lift up.

I was worried about how late I would be hanging out waiting for help. 122nd & Powell...not the safest area at night.

Jodie was able to call the after hours emergency number of Performance Mobility. A technician named Gene was only ten minutes away, cruising down 122nd. In less than ten minutes Gene was there on his black motorcycle.

To get the lift up, Gene needed a couple strong guys. Shannon went and got Russ and Ryan. She also grabbed a cooler. Gene carefully explained that they would need the lift the lift, slide the cooler under it to hold it off the ground a ways, get under the lift and lift it the rest of the way up. When the lift was all the way up, they would need to push it upright into the van and not let go...it could pop back out with great force. Gene closed the door.

I need to get the van into the shop ASAP. I'll be doing that after my dental appointment in the morning. Sounds like it could take a week to get the parts in. We might need to rent a van from them...not quite sure how all that is going to work out...

Thank you Vicky for wiping up the hydraulic fluid in the van...what a mess that was!

Incredible help from a incredible cast...Thank you!

122nd & Halsey

2010-09-15T06:33:00.000-07:00

I drove by 122nd & Halsey twice on Monday and I didn't notice anything different. From Eric's school to work, and the reverse at night.

I must have been in such a zone on Monday. Returning to work after two weeks off. Emails to read, eligibility puzzles to solve, caseworkers to harass--how could I ever stay away from such fun for that long?

Yesterday, I noticed that the one corner on 122nd & Halsey was a pile of dirt. The old neighborhood Albertson's was was gone. Empty for years now, in its day it was a old style grocery store, not too big, not too small...like a favorite comfortable shoe.

The coffee hut on the corner is gone...though I assume that will come back. Jodie and I go their sometimes while waiting for Eric at Sunday School. Great service, great coffee.

Anyway, this is what my flying fingers found on Google:

What's happening at the former Albertson's store at NE 122nd & Halsey? | Hazelwood Neighborhood Association

Back to work...

2010-09-14T06:55:00.000-07:00

Two weeks off work was nice...back to work today.

We took Eric to the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum. Only $7 to get in, lots of artifacts and historic photos. I loved the old logging truck - it still runs and is used in parades. We drove down to Hood River and watched the wind boarders...that was cool!

Jodie and I went down to Lincoln City for the night to celebrate our 20th anniversary. We had a nice, accessible room at Ashley Suites. We parked by the beach. The highlight was Chinook Winds. I was sitting by this one lady who kind of reminded me of Grandma D. She was coaching me on what do do on the penny slot...as if I don't know how to lose money myself! I got done to zero, and she put one of her bucks in. I quickly turned that into five!

For me, the magic of the casino is watching the people. All ages, all walks of life...all there to win big. We are all different in how we look and act...but we are all the same in what we want. We all want security, and we see a shot of financial security.

Jodie and I each won a small pot of security. I played mine down to zero...we had two ribeye dinners on Jodie's at the wonderful restaurant upstairs at Chinook Winds. Yes, I know who the smart one of this duo is...

During vacation, we took in the state fair. We have been going every year since getting our scooters nine years ago. Mom and John met us there this year. Jodie, I and Eric only had to pay for one this year...almost as good of deal as last year when a worker called us through the side gate. It happened to be on one of the few hot days we have had this summer. Great onion rings, cool 3-d art...fun watching the farm kids trying to keep their goats quiet while they were being judged. We found our favorite backpack vendor and got one for Eric for school.

I know...not hugely interesting. But two weeks off work...priceless!

Twenty years, Woman, twenty years...

2010-09-08T07:18:00.000-07:00

My brother Scott told me "Bro, you won't believe it! People are lined up down the block trying to get in here!"

Yes, 20 years ago Jodie and I packed the church on 39th & Brooklyn, St. Paul Lutheran. We went to school together when we were very young, but then did not see each other for 16 years. It was a very brief courtship...we just knew we were going to get married.

September 8, 1990 was the huge day. It was only dampened by the news that my best friend, Erick Norlin, could not make it out from St. Louis. His head was full of tumors and his doctor would not let him fly out. We had been through a tough time together on World Christian magazine. Had no idea that day that Jodie and I would have a son five years later...and a perfect name...dropping the "k".

Jodie & I were reminiscing at the changes in 20 years...our jobs, where we live, family and friends no longer with us.

Twenty years is a long time, but it does not seem that long ago. Both of us were ready to give up on finding love. God brought us together.

Jerilyn sang this song to open our wedding. It describes our love then and our love today:

Trying to get a disabled bus pass

2010-09-07T11:16:00.001-07:00

Jodie got the application for a honored citizens card some time ago. She filled out her portion, the faxed it to our doctor to complete the rest. He faxed it back.

We are on vacation this week. We took the lightrail downtown to the main Tri-Met office to turn in the application. It was not accepted. No photocopies, has to be original.. Jodie is in her power chair and has ID. No go.

She did not argue. Rules is rules. We are state workers; we understand.

But man!

God not needed for creation?

2010-09-04T12:22:00.000-07:00

In my humble opinion, it is harder to believe in nothing then to believe in God.

Hawking is a genius to be admired, but statements like this void of fact make little sense to me.

“Because there is a law such as gravity, the Universe can and will create itself from nothing,” the excerpt says. “Spontaneous creation is the reason there is something rather than nothing, why the Universe exists, why we exist. It is not necessary to invoke God to ... set the Universe going.”

Author Hawking says God not needed for creation - The Oakland Press News: The best place for news in and around Oakland County

The lift...It still not working right!

2010-09-03T09:38:00.000-07:00

Jodie and I are on vacation this week and next. Staying home, doing this and that.

On Wednesday I took our Sprinter into the shop. We have had the van for three years and have dealt with a hanging ceiling panel...a missing snap. Hard to explain...easier to show. One missing snap has turned into six...the ceiling is falling! My cousin Kevin is the shop manager...I showed him what was happening...he ordered some new snaps to fix it.

Jodie has had her power chair since December. We have had trouble with the lift stalling when we are lifting Jodie into the van. The lift was geared for us to back on to be lifted; Jodie has been coming front first to be loaded...and, duh, not working to well. Jodie, Eric and I were at the lift shop for a couple hours yesterday for a tuneup and to fix it so we could front load.

It worked at the shop...of course.

We made some stops on the way home...the lift stalled each time on us. We had to hand crank it.

We stopped at Cathedral Park on the way home...very beautiful place!

When we got home, we tried something. We pushed my scooter closer to the backseat, put my walker on my scooter, then had Jodie turn her chair around in the van. It was tight, but it seemed to work. Jodie transfers from her chair to the seat in the van.

Today we are going to see if Jodie can just back in and then walk around her chair.

Trial and error...always!

Lens of faith - God is real!

2010-08-13T06:59:00.000-07:00

Random thoughts...

I've been a follower of Jesus for 30 years now. I pray...not nearly enough...but I try.

A concerning situation was facing people close to me yesterday. I can't get into it here. We prayed. Support arose from the woodwork, and a potentially bad situation was averted.

I have seen God act before, but, I confess, my faith grows stale and I forget the realness of God.

Once I was driving home to Oregon to visit family. I was working at World Christian magazine in Pasadena. I got a flat in Redding, CA. I had a "I need help" sign in the trunk. I held it for a minute. A guy stopped, took my tire into town, had it fixed. There was not time to worry. I was taken care of.

God is real.

Another time I was driving home from Spokane. My radiator blew in the gorge. Two truckers stopped. One hiked down to the river for water. They shored my radiator up enough for me to get home. Angels on the highway...I know they are.

God is real.

My thought turns to the calling of a new pastor at my church. The above situation has nothing to do with that. We have been without a permanent lead pastor since June of last year. We finally found a candidate - Pastor Hoyme. Yesterday we got word that the Spirit led him to not take the call.

Some might see it a a blow to the church I suppose. Over a year looking for a new pastor. I see it as a time to reflect on who we are as part of the body of Christ. We have been looking for someone to "lead the flock". We do need a person as pastor who has leadership skills to guide us as a flock, but we need to open our eyes of faith and realize the grace that is upon us.

We have a leader - Jesus. He has graced us with Interim Pastor Craig and Associate Pastor Karl. They have done a wonderful job co-shepherding us. The commitment of Craig to serve us, spending so much time away from his Redmond home...and his motorcycle. The energy of Karl, leading the youth, and, in this past year, filling in so many needs around the church. Have you seen the visitation scheduling board in his office?

Yes, we continue to look for a lead pastor, but let us do so with thoughts of humility. What do we as individuals, and as a corporate body, have to offer a new pastor, a new partner in the ministry?

Look at the prayer drop box we have in front of the church:

We have been praying as a congregation for the the requests that have been put into this box. Broken people with needs. Broken people, just like us, with needs.

For the new pastor we are looking for, let's realize they are broken people too. Let's welcome them to our side to serve and to be served.

Let's continue to pray. Let's continue to look up. Let's continue to serve. Let's expect great things.

God is real!

My old college digs

2010-08-08T13:27:00.000-07:00

Eric snapped these photos of places I used to live when I attended Oregon State University in the 80's:

Varsity House - We were brothers...Sudbeck and Sandage...Sam and I still have lunch...Roland Johnson is around town somewhere...Mike Blok married Karen, the Griz's sister, and he teaches science at my old high school (Beaverton)...house mom, Maxine...I miss her and her homemade maple bars...and the Griz, my first roommate - I had the dish hose in my hand...he dared me to shoot him...I nailed him! Ten minutes later, I opened the door to our room...a bucket of water was on my head!

The Mansion - $85 per month, owned by dear old Mrs. Parks at First B....Jeff - I won't tell a sole about the green peaches that were in the fridge when I first got there...or the half gallon boxes of ice cream we use to chop in half and devour...I remember Dave on the drums, coming home one day and Dave and Troy (T2) playing 25 to 6 to 4...heard it clear down the street! I remember the great spaghetti we use to throw together...I remember Sunshine laughing hard at my cooking technique - exploding hot dogs in the microwave...I remember the three bats flying around the living room, my frantic call to Tom, and the hysterical laughter at the other end of the line. The three pained window, that was my room at the end of my college days. Best room in the house...large...wood floor...built-in dresser...walk-in closet. I lived as a king!

Jodie's return to orthopedist

2010-08-08T08:37:00.000-07:00

I took Jodie back to see the orthopedic surgeon last Wednesday. Her foot was crunched in a door when she was in a loaner power chair in June.

This time the doctor's office had our referral, so they were able to take x-rays.

The good news is that nothing is broke in her foot or ankle.

The concern is that the top of Jodie's foot is very tender and painful to the touch, which is odd even more because of her limited feeling down there. The dr. is worried about possible nerve damage. I never realized the havoc that can cause, but I guess it can. She wanted Jodie to take a pill to reduce the pain. Jodie preferred to wait...not wanting to take another pill.

The dr. warned Jodie to let her know if the pain increases.

Yes Dr.

We go back in a couple weeks.

Congratulations Scott!

2010-08-02T06:37:00.000-07:00

Scott Dietz is a premiere nature photographer that goes to my church. He has an incredible eye for the beauty of God's creation and shares it generously on his blog The Narrative image.

Three of his photos were selected for this exhibition:

The Narrative Image: Celebrate the Gorge Photography Exhibition @ Columbia Art Gallery

I feel a ROAD TRIP coming on...

Rockwood Outlaws: 2nd at State

2010-07-28T07:09:00.000-07:00

Pictures of Eric pitching at the state tournament...Thank you Beth Mumford!

We beat teams that most people thought we had no chance of beating - Camas, Clackamas, and Stayton (word was they were "stacked"). Bam Bam hit two home runs in one game! Stellar pitching from JJ and Eric. All the boys stepped beyond themselves into greatness. Assistant coach LJ had emergency surgery for a ruptured appendix on Friday - he was back on the field on Sunday. It was hot...the high 90's.

In the end we were beaten by Jefferson, a small town team as scrappy as ours.

God bless the boys of summer!

Me and the Boys..

2010-07-17T10:19:00.000-07:00

Jodie's doc visit

2010-07-15T07:20:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's venture taking Jodie to the foot specialist proved challenging.

We were in line for valet parking. One car in front of us. No one appeared to be helping them. I got the lift out for Jodie. We were running late. I was trying to get the cars behind us to scoot back. The valet guy came and told us we had to pull ahead. Jodie back up the lift, back to her seat...I pulled ahead.

New dr., so many forms to fill out. It's all on the computer...doesn't matter.

The billing person called us back to a room. Jodie had called our primary care provider and our insurance. We had the referral. The billing person said the referral had been filed July 2nd, but it had not yet been processed. The visit would only be covered as out of network. Higher deductible; less coverage. Our choice was to go home and make another appointment, or keep the appointment and pay more. We kept the appointment. The billing person was very professional; we thanked her.

Young dr., very nice. I think she is the first African American female dr. we have seen. She took Jodie's boot off, examined the Achilles tendon. No break there. The top of Jodie's foot was tender...there is concern there. X-rays are needed, the the dr. said we can wait until the referral is sorted out.

The dr. wants to go the non-surgical route if she can. That made us happy.

Afterwards, Jodie and I stopped at Applebees for lunch to go. We took it to the park,

Sigh...

Welcome home, son

2010-07-13T06:55:00.000-07:00

Workmate Shari accused me of worrying like an old woman. Pastor Craig's sermon yesterday (a home run btw) about how each of us have our 17 mile treacherous walk to Jericho spoke to me. As I was applying the sermon to Jodie and Ma2, they pointed right back at me.

Yes, I missed Eric during his week-long mission trip to Montana. The train ride was long. He slept a lot yesterday. He helped paint a house, stayed at Heart Butte elementary school, attended a Blackfeet powwow, learned of how the Blackfeet were mistreated by the white man. He now has Facebook friends in Arizona and Minnesota.

Much more to hear of the trip.

We have a great kid. Some day he will grow and be off to mark his wonderful mark in the world. We will one day need to let go of Eric. That day is not today.

Baseball playoffs this week. If we win district, we go to state playoff next week in Corvallis.

A risky proposition

2010-07-02T19:18:00.000-07:00

Eric Nelson rides his adult trike around Gresham. A 35 year old cp'er, the trike is his lifeline. He does odd jobs and returns pop cans. He's a volunteer "geek".

Eric maximizes his ability to make this world a better place, the highest calling any of us have.

Interesting story here:

A risky proposition

He was stopped by the Gresham police for riding on the sidewalk, but then he was hit when he was walking his trike in the bike lane. Adults are not allowed to ride bikes on sidewalks, but Eric does not feel safe in the bike lanes. His bike is banged up, as is his confidence.

I did not drive until I was out of college. I rode my yellow trike everywhere in Corvallis - to class, to the grocery store, to the laundromat, to church...everywhere. I rode sidewalks on busy streets. I had a close call with a car at a strip mall driveway one time.

I don't know Eric personally, but I see him around all the time. The Gresham police chief will work with Eric to figure out what is best for his safety and the public's. Eric's confidence will return.

Your community needs you Eric. Hang in there!

Torn tendon?

2010-06-30T06:32:00.000-07:00

Jodie saw Dr. Molly yesterday. She thinks Jodie may have torn a tendon in her foot last week when her foot got caught in the door. Dr. Molly scheduled Jodie to see an orthopedist who specializes in feet and ankles in a couple weeks.

We are hoping to get Jodie's power chair back from the shop soon. She is using a manual chair with leg lifts for now.

Lots going on at work, so she can't just take time off to relax.

Prayers and good thoughts for Jodie.

;)

Jodie scare

2010-06-25T20:26:00.000-07:00

Jodie called me this afternoon at work. She was in a lot of pain and was really upset.

She is still using a loaner power chair. We had her power chair home from the shop for one day last week when we had to take it back. The guy said one more contact needs to be changed. The part should be in next week and the chair will be ready next Thursday. I don't know why it takes two weeks to fix a contact...but we are at their mercy.

Jodie decided to go across the street to Burger King for lunch today. He feet hang on the loaner chair; their is no leg lefts or foot straps to secure her feet. When she was leaving BK, her foot got caught in the door. She said her foot bent backwards.

When Jodie returned to her office, her left leg was writhing with spasms. She was not able to stand at all.

She called me to come get her. She was in pain. We were both scared about what may have happened to her foot. I left my office, picked up Eric to help, then went to pick up Jodie. We got Jodie on the lift and into the van. A couple caseworkers helped get Jodie from her chair to the back bench seat. We have not figured out how to secure Jodie in her chair in the van yet.

I took Jodie to immediate care. An x-ray showed no break, but it is a sprain. They gave her a boot.

We are very thankful that there is no break, but it is proving to be quite the challenge. Jodie's foot is not supporting her at all. We are using my walker as a chair to get her around the house, but right now we are trying to figure other things out.

...But have a good life!

2010-06-19T20:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went downtown (Portland) to have lunch with Sam. We roomed together at Varsity House down at Oregon State 27 years ago. We meet together a couple times a year to talk about family, faith and politics.

I am his one honorary liberal friend. Awe!

Usually I pick Sam up in our oversized Sprinter van and we drive somewhere for lunch. We were going to do that yesterday, but I actually found a parking spot. It was only two blocks from the Oregonian building where he works, right in front of a couple mail boxes.

It was a gorgeous day. I had room to unload my scooter, so I did. I scooted down and met Sam in front of The O. Rather than wishing him a belated "happy birthday", I commented how thin and white his hair was becoming.

We headed down to the Pioneer Place food court. Sam walks fast. I was keeping up with my scooter.

This one block we walked down, this is tricky to explain...there as a curbcut for a driveway, then a curbcut up to a narrow sidewalk that led to a larger driveway to a underground parking garage.

Sam and I were making our way down this narrow sidewalk at a good clip. We got to the end. A ten inch curb. No curbcut.

Sam looked at me and said "Can you go over that?" I think he read my thoughts - Yes Sam, I'm going to back this puppy up a bit, hit 90, and fly from curb to curb...instead, he helped me back up.

Thinking about it now, I think there should a sign at the beginning of the sidewalk to warn that there is no ramp at the other end...something like "We recognize the needs of the disabled enough to put up this cheesy sign, but we care to little to do anything about it. There is no ramp at the end of this sidewalk...but have a good life."

Please don't forget the "But have a good life" part...it's nice to know you're thinking about us.

After lunch, I loaded my scooter into the van. I tried to do a trick that works some of the time - I tried to close the back doors from inside the van. I pulled the left door part way, put the lift up, then tried to reach over the top of the lift to pull the door closed. As I was flailing about trying to do this, passing cars started waiving at me, as if I was waiving at them! It made me laugh.

I ended up going down the lift, putting it back up, closing the back doors properly, and going in through the front.

Sigh...

Power chair woes

2010-06-18T08:14:00.000-07:00

Jodie got her power chair last December.

A couple weeks ago, Jodie's power chair surged while she was in the break room at work and she ran into the sink.

We took off work Wednesday afternoon. Jodie's power chair was ready to be picked up. The loaner was ok...bald tires, no leg lifts to prevent Jodie's feet from swelling...but we were happy to have a loaner.

When we picked the loaner up, the throttle pad was still bent up as from when the chair ran into the sink. Jodie went in and talked to the guy in the shop. He thought it had been bent up for her to access easier. He assured Jodie that the power chair worked perfectly.

The next day (yesterday) Jodie IM'd me..."call me." I knew something was not right. I called. Jodie was in tears. The lights were flashing and the chair was stalling every time she tried to move.

So disappointing!

The hardest thing with disability is being at the mercy of others. The power chair is Jodie's independence. Jodie called the shop. We are taking it back in this morning. We have no choice but to follow what our insurance and the shop say to do.

The only comfort we have is that if the chair turns out to be a "lemon" they will get her a new chair.

How many months will that take?

Baseball and grads; parking and elevators

2010-06-14T06:26:00.000-07:00

Saturday we drove down to Linfield College in McMinnville. Nephew Vance was in the 1A-2A-3A state all star game. Vance pitched a stellar game...most valuable player!

We had to leave before the end of the game to go see niece Amanda graduate from Tualatin. The graduation was at the Memorial Coliseum. We have not been there since we got our eight and a half foot tall van. We found a top of a parking garage where we fit, even though we scraped the maximum height sign. Eric joked how one day we're going to decapitate our van.

Jodie, Eric and I got in the elevator to go down to street level. As we got out of the elevator, one of Jodie's wheels got stuck and Eric's foot got stuck. We should have gone back up a half floor, but neither Jodie or Eric were going to get back on the elevator. We found a way around to the sidewalk.

Jodie and I found the last 2 wheelchair spots on the far left side of the semicircle seating. Eric sat up high with Jodie's sister Pam. 410 grads...3 hours!

Afterward we met up with Eric. The handicap door closed on me; a very nice guy pried it open for me.

Just a mass of humanity! All Jodie and I could do was go real slow and wait for people to part so we could get through. I don't care for crowds, but people were really nice and let us get through.

Rather than use the elevator in the parking garage, we went around the block to avoid it. Eric did not complain; he did not want to go back in that elevator.

We made it to the van and got Jodie's chair and my scooter loaded before the crowds came. When we were ready to leave, the crowds were there so we just waited.

We made it home by 11. It struck me how we get around and participate in life. It's not always pretty and graceful - a scraped top on our fan, an elevator trying to swallow Jodie and Eric, a handicapped access door trapping me - but we make it through.

At the dentist

2010-06-09T09:36:00.001-07:00

Jodie had a dental appointment this morning, the first since getting her power chair in December.

I parked at the opposite end of the building from where I usually park...easier place to park our rig. I decided to come in with her...glad that I did. The doors are all so heavy!

the elevator was at the other end of the building. It is so dark!

It would be dreamy to not have to deal with disabled stuff. I sometimes think people should see us in action.

"Um...I'm stuck!"

2010-06-03T20:22:00.000-07:00

Jodie has had her power chair since Christmas. It began stalling on her repeatedly, so two weeks ago we took it into the shop. They found a loose contact in the throttle, so they fixed it.

This week the chair started stalling again. Jodie called and made an appointment for us to drop the chair off at the shop this morning. Yesterday the chair did not stall at all, so this morning Jodie called and cancelled the appointment.

Just after Jodie got off the phone from cancelling the appointment, she went into the breakroom at her office to fill her water bottle at the sink. As she approached the sink, her throttle stuck. She rammed into the sink and got stuck.

Another worker came into the breakroom. She greeted Jodie. They were chit chatting, then Jodie said "Um...I'm stuck!" The worker was not able to free Jodie, so Jodie asked her to get the security guard.

When Jodie returned to her office, she had to call the shop back and tell them what happened. After lunch, I went and picked Jodie up and we took the chair to the shop.

I was proud of myself! I backed Jodie's chair onto the lift without flying off the lift. I have had nightmares of that. With the headrest on her chair it is hard to see backing up. I have trouble controlling the joystick throttle. And then, when you are turning the chair as you are backing up, the wheels swivel in funny directions making it hard to back up straight in such a short distance.

After we dropped the chair off we went to pick Eric up from school. We had an hour and a half until Eric's baseball game. We went to the store and sent Eric in to get us a snack.

The shop called. They needed to keep the chair overnight. We drove to the baseball field. It started to rain; within a half hour we got the call Eric's game was cancelled. Third rained out game this week.

Jodie will be staying home from work tomorrow since she does not have her chair. Hopefully I can go pick it up tomorrow, or the shop will have a loaner for me to pick up.

Another day.

Trusty GPS and Google maps?

2010-05-31T21:28:00.000-07:00

This lady is suing Google over walking directions that led her on too dangerous of a path:

Woman, hit by car, sues Google for faulty directions | Technically Incorrect - CNET News

We were in Bend over the weekend. Trying to find our motel, our Garmin gps led us off the highway, around a few blocks, and back onto the highway.

That instant when you realize the gps has led you astray and you have to use your brain to figure out the needed correction is really frustrating.

We were trying to find a place for breakfast yesterday. We found out the Denny's on the Garmin is no longer a Denny's. Some of the baseball venues we needed to find were not even on the Garmin. Three teammates were late to a game because of that.

I wouldn't sue Google over a faulty map, or Garmin over wrong directions, but I do understand the frustration.

Yes, we should carry maps and not over trust technology...but then we need to learn to read the blasted things again!

We are as we Google

2010-05-21T21:27:00.000-07:00

Old Navy has a flip flop sale, Dora the Explorer is an illegal immigrant, Ray Stevens - We the People...

Google Trends: May 21, 2010

Now that's serious $$

2010-05-21T06:47:00.000-07:00

Tiger is in the woodshed:

Elin Nordegren Divorce Demands Reach $750 Million: Report

Bad to the bone!

2010-05-14T20:22:00.000-07:00

Goodbye Deborah

2010-05-14T06:44:00.000-07:00

There was nothing fancy about her, except for her name. Deborah. Never "Deb" or "Debbie", but "Deborah".

Well, she did have a fancy car...a PT Cruiser when they first came out. She was so proud of that car.

She began working for the state of Oregon Child Welfare, East Multnomah Branch, shortly after I transferred there in 1995. I sat by her for a little while. Her first job was inputting in-home services...a simple job. She did it with vigor..."These people need to get paid," I remember her saying.

I knew she could run the place. She had the smarts and the energy. Deborah intimidated some people because penchant for perfection and not being shy to share what she knew. I was not intimidated; she inspired me to work harder at being good. She moved on to Midtown Branch as a IV-E eligibility worker. I am a IV-E eligibility worker as well. Most people do not want our jobs. We piece together financial information, court orders, case narrative, notes and policy. No one sees our work except the occasional auditor. I changed jobs for a couple years in 2002. When I returned to IV-E, I met with Deborah and the meticulous desk manual she had put together for the job. Deborah went on to become a lead worker at Midtown, to being an office manager in Beaverton.

I did not know too much about Deborah's personal life. I know her mom lives down in Lakeview, Oregon. She lived in an older mobile home and was handy at fixing things. She did not have a family of her own, but, being a cat person, active with her neighbors and involved in her church --- she had family.

Late last year she retired. I asked Jeff, a recent coworker of mine who was working for Deborah, to let me know of any retirement party. Jeff said she did not want one. She had some kind of tumor and was very sick.

I received and IM from Jeff on Wednesday letting me know Deborah had passed. We knew it was coming, but it hit me kind of hard. I started to cry. I ran out to the van and gave Jodie a call.

The graveside service at Carus Cemetery, a small country cemetery a mile of the main highway outside of Oregon City yesterday. The service was at 2. I got there at 2 and the service was already happening.

I parked the van and got my walker out. The walker made too much noise on the gravel, so I hustled across to the grass where the moms with babies were. I was really moved. There were a crowd of people saying goodbye to Deborah.

I heard a couple bluegrass hymns and the service was over. By 2:08 the funeral was over. Everyone headed for their cars. I waited for the cars to clear before I started the van. I slowly drove down the road closest to the casket. It was a beautiful white casket with white roses on top.

The sky was blue, the sun was warm, and the country setting was gorgeous. I joined the long line of cars heading down the country road to the highway. As I drove by the Christmas tree farm and watched the guy who was out there mowing brush, my mind wandered...

Coworkers are like family. You work together, break and have lunch together, you talk, you watch the clock together, and sometimes you annoy the
heck out of each other. Bonds form. You don't realize how strong the bonds were until you get the phone call, the email, or the instant message telling you the bad news.

Another thought is to remember how important today is. Tomorrow may never come. Some of us drag ourselves through our daily jobs looking forward to a happy retirement tomorrow. It's not bad to look forward to tomorrow, but take care of today in case tomorrow does not get here.

The crowd around Deborah's casket, the mamas with the babies back from the crowd, the long line of cars...all in tribute to Deborah.

Goodbye Deborah.

Cerebral palsy? There's an app for that...

2010-05-13T06:32:00.000-07:00

Father creates iPhone app that gives a 'voice' to his severely disabled daughter | Mail Online