Christopher Dior Simon's Blog, page 9

It Is What It Is

Things are sometimes difficult and almost unbearable. I ordered two bedspreads and a third one to remind me I could do this. I’m not allowing my disease to beat me down. It’s bad enough without my bad attitude adding to it. I read in the Ancient Book that love bears all things.

It will remain what it is until I, or a scientist, make it what it can once again be. I’m not talking pie-in-the-sky wishful thinking. I’m referring to what we already have. Our brain and mind can create reality that, in many cases, we are commissioned to bring about by our thoughts, words, and actions.

Can we will it into existence? I will say yes. Our will helps, but our brains and thoughts do the heavy lifting. I’m a believer. Yes, in God, but I am not talking exclusively about Him. I’m espousing that what I believe is strangely, to some, able to bring it to the past. Some call it the law of attraction, and others say it’s the power and principles of the universe. Call it whatever you want, Shakespeare said; a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.

The Power of Neuro-Plasticity, by Dr. Shad Helmsetter presents these seven items to change our brains positively. 1 Mindfulness, 2 Choices, 3 Intention, 4 Focus, 5 Repetition, 6 Emotions, 7 Beliefs. I’ll use everything known to work to live.

I’m working on there not being any quit in me. My goal is that we don’t stop until we get it. What is it? Simplysaidbysimon “It is whatever you make it” because
we are ALS – Admirably Loved Sempre. Thanks, Bonny.

Fantastic Finish

Fantastically favored Friday. We are so blessed, and I give God thanks and praise for all of His benefits extended to me.

I’m thankful for the sweets my sister brought me yesterday. It appears that some of the staff also enjoy them. The mini chocolate candy bars are a hit.

Today, I will earnestly work on my book publications, listen to my playlist, and read several books. I’m almost finished with Surprised by Jesus by Dane Ortlund.

Have a good weekend. I’m looking forward to what my wife will bring me, and of course, I am always fortunate to see her and call her the center of my joy. Simplysaidbysimon, some sweets don’t mess with your sugar or cause cavities. ALS – Adding Life’s Specialties. Thanks, Jilliane.

Here he comes to save the day

Miracle Man came yesterday and completed my Hero list. We complimented each other. I created an experience in my mind, and he executed the vision. MM even sometimes solved difficulties and made improvements when possible.

Yesterday, we straightened the crooked picture frames, enlarged the hanging cup hooks, mounted one more picture frame, and watered the plants.

It is essential when disabled to have those who step in and let us borrow their abilities to do some of the things we can no longer do without assistance. Please don’t stop accomplishing what is possible. Is it sometimes frustrating, exasperating, and painstaking? Yes, yes, yes.

Do what you can, and enlist help for other things. I also received some early Father’s Day money gifts. I appreciate those who have poured into my dreams and supported me by financing Copyright fees. I love my life and those who have contributed to helping keep my dreams alive.

ALS has made it challenging to do certain things. Don’t allow it to put out the fire for life and living. Swimming may be impossible, but still get into the deep end of your life, and don’t succumb to drowning. Float. Levitate. Soar.

I don’t sleep quite as much, but I still have dreams. There may not be a cure in my day, but I am mentally staying in the gruesome game of a diseased body. My mind is clear, and my spirit is indomitably strong. My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. John F. Kennedy. Simplysaidbysimon, remain a contributor to this awesome life and be ALS – Always Lending Support. Thanks, Belinda.

Shape Up

I’m finishing up my room today. It has been shaped to my preferences. I have a popcorn maker, a bread machine, and an air fryer. My animal themes are cute, with wolves, bears, tigers, lions, and elephants. They have bedspreads, curtains, throw pillows, and pillowcases.

I’m making everything I can simple for the staff. Oatmeal. Just dump it into my cup, add five yogurt-covered raisins and five almonds, add hot water, stir, and let it sit while I have a range of motion, shave, and face.

The disease makes much of life different. With creative adjustments and forethought, I’m removing every difficulty that I can. Nothing great in the world has ever been accomplished without passion. Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel. Simplysaidbysimon, be passionate about living good with ALS—Always Loving Sweets. Thanks, Belinda.

Differently the Same

Yesterday, I finished two books and watched the movie, Wonder. I love it. Like many of us, Auggie had experienced life gone astray. His dilemma with his issue was a birth defect.

Auggie has over a dozen operations in an attempt to make him “normal,” but they have failed. He is left with a disfigured face and a life of looking different. People don’t know what to say to him. They often call him cruel names once they get past their curiosity and astonishment of this freak of nature.

Living a life of being ostracized when he only wants to fit in, Auggie deals with fake friends, stares, profiling, and general disappointment. Does any of this sound familiar? Pain is pain. May we find the fortified life that has become the best “me” possible. I wish you a great bounce-back when let down and disappointed. When put down, may your self-confidence soar.

A friend is one who knows you and loves you just the same. Elbert Hubbard. Rough diamonds are sometimes mistaken for worthless pebbles. Thomas Browne. Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced. James Baldwin. Simplysaidbysimon, words do hurt, but words can also lift and help sooth the brokenhearted with ALS – A Loving Spirit.

A Better Day

What a difference a day has made. Just a week ago, I lamented over the temporary staff’s care. It can be a feeling of horrendous helplessness for a patient of unfamiliar or unskilled caregivers. I’m thankful it does not happen often. It’s not easy being disabled and unable to care for yourself. However, on mornings like this morning, I am grateful for those who care and go out of their way to show it.

Butter and syrup—just like I like it. Pancakes. The cook asked if I would like one, and I am sure glad I said yes. It has been a long while since I enjoyed eating one. Other cooks could never get it right. I had one fluffy, light brown pancake this morning, though, with a crusted ring around the edges, swimming in butter and warm syrup.

I continue to do due diligence to avert and hold those who refuse to perform their jobs accountable. It’s been a slow process, but we have made great progress. However, we are now regrettably regressing with a few people.

I don’t need people who care about me, but every individual must care to do a good job when performing their responsibilities. Working together, we can help make a change. Challenging the meaning of life is the truest expression of the state of being human. Viktor E. Frankl. Challenging poor care and advocating for every person who can’t speak for themselves is my job, as well as everyone who cares, Simplysaidbysimon. ALS—Accomplishing Life’s Scenarios. Thanks, Jilliane.

Dream Doses

I’m caught up with my voice-over artist. I read one book and watched a documentary on Amazon Prime Video called For Love and Life: No Ordinary Campaign. It just put faces to the information I already knew. I don’t know why the FDA has been slow to understand the need to fast-track and allow people who don’t mind the risk of taking a not-yet-perfected drug that could offer some promise.

I’m happy there have been strides of progress for The Walking Dead. The hope for an extended life is strong. The occasions of multiple incidents that gave significant signs of incremental progress are close to miraculous for the few who have experienced what I will call Dream Doses.

Inch by inch, it’s all a cinch. In the ALS world, we’re in it to win it. The prize? This precious experience is called LIFE. What do we want? When do we want it? Simplysaidbysimon, now is the time for action because some may not have many more “todays” to live. ALS – A Lasting Scenario.

Make Some Changes

I have some great caregivers and some who seem not to care. Similarly, I have experienced management members, at times, apparently void of common sense and who evidently are unaware of what we go through. For over three years I have asked the staff to help manage my room temperature by the positioning of my door. Also, I have asked for my blankets not to be removed during my urination. I get cold easily. Well, it is like they don’t care, or they try to provoke me for amusement.

I continue to provide solutions and reminders. My enjoyment of my environment, privacy, and comfort level are continuously compromised. I smile when I think about the old folks and how they’d say they feel a draft. I am now officially part of the army of old people.

Disease and aging bring about changes that we must learn to deal with. I’m going through it. I’ll make whatever adjustments are necessary for my comfort and continued life. It is the battle terrain of mind and body. Keep your spirits up. My motto is: Contented with little, yet wishing for more. Charles Lamb. Be not simply good – be good for something. Henry David Thoreau. Simplysaidbysimon, be a key contributor to the solution and not just a squeaking wheel. ALS – Answering Life’s Squeaks.

It was a good mistake

Yesterday, I enjoyed another great bed bath. After getting cleaned up, I chose my wolf bed set, curtains, and throw pillow. I quickly found out that I mistakenly bought a sheet set instead of a bedspread set. No worries. I received a credit for my incorrect purchase, got to keep the fitted sheet and pillowcases, and bought flowers with the credit. Fantastic. I was wondering what I would do about my flower shortage.

I have a pretty decent setup. My neighbor’s snoring for someone else would be horrible. I’m happy that his noise means I can play my books and music louder without worrying I will disturb him. The staff and management obstructions increase my creativity and patience. I’m going to be Indestructible and unstoppable.

I’m working hard on regaining more of my lips and tongue movements. I was not given the exercises I requested from my Speech Therapist. All I received were caution and stop signs. Guess what? By trying to chew and swallow little by little, I have somewhat improved my tongue abilities. Not very strong, though.

I’m going to count it all joy. I’m not going to give up, and I won’t give up what little bit I can do without a fight. I’m hoping you’re a fighter, also. There is no influence like the influence of habit. Gilbert Parker. Try to be like the turtle – at ease in your own shell. Bill Copeland. Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower. Steve Jobs. The only sure weapon against bad ideas is better ideas. Alfred Whitney Griswold. Simplysaidbysimon, giving up is sometimes a bad idea. ALS – A Long Survivor. Thanks, Belinda.

Adjustments

I’m all twisted. Yesterday, I woke up and thought it was morning. Praise God, I survived a shift with all the registry and one permanent CNA, whom I never saw the whole shift. We have never worked well together. I’m tickled that I thought sunset was sunrise.

Many days, our world is turned over and upside down in a tumultuous ride with disease. Aside from losing health, we lose some we thought of as friends. The good news is we will survive the moment just as I adjusted to the temporary staff of yesterday. In acts of survival, I stopped having fluids and took no medication. I could do this, but halting necessary doses is not generally wise. My missed medication was for secretions. No biggie for one afternoon.

The night shift came, and I was handed over to the seasoned and capable care of those I had grown to trust and rely upon. Oh, to sleep with both eyes closed, peaceful and refreshing sleep. I’ll give my nurse some of my new delivery of banana nut bread and lemon pound cake.

I don’t take my care for granted. I’m thrilled by every stretch of consecutive awesome care days. I’m thankful and pleased. I’ll resume my appreciation pins that acknowledge good service and job performance.

Rough diamonds are sometimes mistaken for worthless pebbles. Thomas Browne. Nothing happens until something happens; let’s work together this time for something happening to your good. There is no influence like the influence of habit. Gilbert Parker. Simplysaidbysimon, reach out and touch a life today with your kindness. ALS – A Life Surrendered.