Happy New Year! Can I still say that?
We’re almost a month into the new year and I feel like I’m still stuck in the starting gate.
Like a lot of others, my family was battling the elements for most of the past several weeks. We all came down with Covid last November. My dad went into the hospital for a few weeks before he was moved to a nursing home. While there, he contracted Influenza-A which sent him back to the hospital. Then back to the nursing home. Now, he’s finally home getting his strength back. And then Influenza-A decided to pay my mom a visit and morphed into bronchitis. She is still fighting it, slowly trying to get back to herself.
Unfortunately, throughout all of this, I continue to struggle with finding caregivers to cover all my shifts which has forced me to rely on my mother way more than I should. It certainly has not helped her body get the rest it needs. The shortage of workers in the healthcare field seems to be never-ending. It remains a challenge trying to find appropriate coverage. Although I feel that I could be by myself for several hours a day, it’s risky to take that chance in the event something did occur such as needing to cough, a spasm knocking me out of position, or a myriad of other things. Ahhh, just another idiosyncrasy to love about a spinal cord injury.
To that point, if anyone is aware of any STNAs (or LPNs) looking to pick up a couple hours of home care work, please reach out to me or forward my information to them.
It hasn’t all been coughs and sneezes, though. I’m still getting out and about speaking to various groups about the power of faith, overcoming adversity and dealing with challenges. I recently spoke to a group of 100 teenagers from Philadelphia in town for a retreat. It was an amazing night, and I think I got more out of it than they did. Their faith, energy and overall atmosphere was contagious and certainly impacted me. Interestingly, the event was set up by a fraternity brother of mine I haven’t been in contact with since my college days. He’s been quietly following my story over the years and an opportunity presented itself which made sense. I’m thankful for the evening. I have several more gigs lined up over the next couple of months that I am looking forward to.
Last week I had another chance to show off the wonderful benefits of technology from which I have benefited. CBS’ “60 Minutes” was in town to do a feature on the Cleveland FES Center and its research around spinal cord injuries. They asked me to come demonstrate my cough assist system and speak of its uses/benefits. While I don’t know if my part will make it into the segment, I am still always eager to show off the device, as it has been a literal lifesaver for me (it kept me out of the hospital during this past bout of Covid).
Unfortunately, last week I also attended a memorial service for my best friend growing up, Marty. He passed away unexpectedly at the age of 49. I have many, many fond memories of our exploits together and was very saddened to hear of his passing. He leaves behind a beautiful daughter who is studying to be a doctor. It was nice to catch up with his family and others, although I obviously wish it was under much different circumstances.
Lately, it just seems like things are a little bit more difficult. Nothing in particular I can point to, other than that it just feels like a lot of uphill trudging. I doubt I’m alone in feeling this way and I’m sure the lack of sunshine and fresh air has a little to do with that. However, as I tell others when I speak to them, it’s all about those inches. Even if you get up each day and take it inch by inch, the inches eventually add up to feet, the feet to yards, and the yards to miles.
And before you even realize it, your surprised at how much ground actually covered. So keep trudging!
Stand Strong!
Scott
Scott, would you please email me at amhealey@cox.net. I’ve got some good news for you 😊
Hi Scott, I’ve been following you for years. Never do I read your posts without getting something meaningful from them. Sorry that the recent weeks have been so challenging for you and your family. I’m pulling for you from NC. God bless you and keep you. You’re in our prayers! Dawn Martin (Kristin Martin Mancia’s mom)
Hi Scott,
Just got around to reading your post. I am so sorry to hear about your dad and mom’s health issues. It is scary when you get older and can’t bounce back. Your mom is a saint and she would never complain on taking care of you. A child is forever yours. It is wonderful that you are able to get out and talk about your story. Hope to see you on 60 minutes. I will try to find you a good caretaker. I hope in the near future, I can come to visit and bring my buddy, Kathy. Anything I can bring you?
Sorry to hear about your friend Marty. You guys will meet again.
Happy New Year Scott. I am so glad you are speaking about the benefits of the cough assist. Ryan was kind of a pioneer of the unit and I know it really saved his life on many occasions. He spoke at the Great Lakes Science Museum about the unit and demonstrated its benefits. I am always praying for you and your family. As you said, the health care field is lacking in providing good caregivers, but I know your Mom is only too happy to help you out. Ryan was always worried about me when I was his caregiver, but take it from a Mom, it was a labor of love. God’s blessings upon you forever.
Michelle
Happy New Year Scott ! Health and happiness to you and your family !
Scott, so many people struggle with depression and winter is especially hard. Just reading your post fills me with gratitude that you would share your uphill trudge with the rest of us. Your post does one of the best things a person can do when they are feeling down–help someone else. It’s so uplifting to reach out and help others. You have helped your readers so much. You have helped me so much. Keep on trudging through the slushy snow and ice. Valentines day is coming and then spring <3
I’m sorry for the continued struggles in your life. You are a good man and always will be. Remember you make many of us strong by what you have been through and the strength you have shown. STAND STRONG. God Bless. Mike
I wish you and your family a speedy recovery, Scott. What a terrible ordeal you’ve all been through! I’m glad to hear you’re able to get out regularly in spite of the cold and snow. I agree with you, every aspect of life seems to feel just a little more difficult since we got out of lockdown. It’s a process, this getting back to normal business…
I’m an avid 60 Minutes fan and I’m going to keep my eye out for your segment. With you’re star power, I’ve no doubt it’s going to air! Take good care.
Inch by inch-life is a cinch.
Yard by yard-life is hard.
Love your posts always Scott ♥️
Thank you for sharing your truths and experiences. Let’s all keep pushing forward.
Xx Melanie
Inch by inch-life is a cinch.
Yard by yard-life is hard.
Love your posts always Scott ♥️
Thank you for sharing your truths and experiences. Let’s all keep pushing forward.
Xx Melanie
It is refreshing to read an update posted here on your blog, Scott. You bring the breath of spring we need after the Michigan snowstorm we had today! Prayers of getting well and staying healthy for you and your entire family. Remember, you cannot measure everything by inches; sometimes it’s better to remain in place and reminisce about how many miles you have come. Sending my best prayer to God’s ear that someone nearby (hey, Scott’s FRAT BROTHERS, this is your chance!) can get you more daily help to relieve your angel of a mother. Love always XOXO