–It’s time a for a quick check-in with JimBob and his pal DeltaMae.
–JimBob, tell us how you’re doing these days.
“First, let me thank you for not tilting your head to one side while asking how I’m feeling. It’s a fair question, but, Lord, it’s hard to answer. As someone living with ALS, I never know how to respond to the ‘feeling’ question. Emotionally? Physically? Mentally? Spiritually?
–I can see that.
“I have relevant data to share from each domain, but where to begin.”
–uh huh.
“Most days I just smile and say, ‘Oh, I’m fine.'”
–yeah, I get that.
(Silence)
–JimBob….
“Yes?”
–JimBob, back to the question: how are you doing?
“Besides fine?”
–Yes, besides fine. Tell us how you are doing? We care about you. We truly want to know how you are doing.
“Well, I’m not happy about this ALS mess.”
–I imagine not.
“And, I’m not depressed or anxious. Praise God for Zoloft.”
–The world is a better place since Zoloft. I’ll grant you that.
“I have a new brace for Lefty which makes it 100 times easier to type.”
–Excellent.
“Physical therapy is fixing the adhesive capsulitis in my left shoulder, so I’m not in pain anymore, and I’m sleeping all night with Peggy in my arms. I can wash my hair with both hands again.”
–Terrific.
“I’ve written about my double-life.”
–Yeah, that was a tad dark.
“I know. Sorry about that.”
–No worries. You’re good.
“The ALS falderal is ever-present, you know. It has a way of being a constant storm.”
–ALS falderal?
“The forms, the emails, the decisions, the disappointments, and all the problem-solving with lousy options.”
–Oof.
“Yeah, sorry.”
–No worries at all. Sounds like a ton of work.
“And stress. Thank God for Peggy.”
–Amen to that. And DeltaMae.
“DeltaMae loves our morning contemplation. It might look like she’s sleeping, but I know better.”
–Right.
“I’m learning to slow down, and to welcome joy.”
–Good.
“I’m remembering to linger in the holy moments, and be grateful.”
–Lovely.
“Oh, I can’t forget to mention that The Hummingbird Fund is taking off. We’ve hired a Program Coordinator for Outreach and Advocacy.”
–Excellent
“The Hummingbird Fund is clearly my next gig, and I can’t tell you how happy that makes me feel.”
–Brilliant.
“Hey, thanks for asking.”
–You betcha. Peace… Out.
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