Scooter Saga

Some may view this life task as morbid.  For me (and consequently, Earl) it's just housekeeping and organization.  Spoiler alert: We're all going to die sometime.  I figured that if I can discuss depression*, leaky bladders** and suicide***, I can certainly talk about end – of – life issues.  I appreciate that, to some people, such decisions are personal and private.  But, that never stopped me from blogging before. Earl and I wanted to minimize the hassles falling to a surviving spouse or children at a difficult time. Nothing would be worse than to have them wondering, "What would mom and dad want?"  Instead, our children encouraged us (or rather me) to stop blabbing about it already.  POLSTs everywhere... To that end, Earl and I updated our wills, trusts,  durable powers of attorney, and Oregon's POLST ( P hysician's O rders for L ife– S ustaining T reatment) .   The POLST forms needed to be signed by our healthcare...

I've said before that the inherited ataxias do progress neurologically*.  I know that, I've seen that, and I realize progression is both inevitable and unpredictable. I need to be ready to make appropriate accommodations.    But a dramatic transition (there have been many) is always harder to take in stride.  Earl's and my goal is to hit the 'just in time' point in acquiring new devices–neither too early, nor too late.  It's a continual struggle between my 'one day at time' ethos, self-esteem, fear, caution, and anticipation.  I'm still working on the balance. Transitioning from trekking poles to a walker had its down and upsides.  A walker removed all doubt that I had a disability** and strangers no longer had to wonder if I was drunk or high.  I felt more stable, less frightened, and it didn't impact my ability to venture out.  But, a walker for gawd's sake!  It made me feel so vulnerable—and noticeable.  I thought I h...

It was time to think about phase two of the house remodel.  Earl's retiring next year, but still gainfully employed.  It was now or never.  We love everything we did in 2010, but now had a big two–bedroom house.  That's just goofy, considering the eventual value.  Not that we're planning to sell, but we wanted to be responsible.  There was plenty of "camping out on the floor" room, but could we do something more conventional as well?  The big question was, could we get more usable space without more house? Could we house family/guests? Yes. Could we house family/guests and afford some privacy? No. Did the grandchildren have a play area?  Yes. One they didn't have to share?  No.  Could we have two grandchildren for a sleep over.  Yes.  All four?  No.  Would we want to?  Probably not. Was there an affordable way to make the former master bathroom accessible to more rooms?  Yes. Was I very attache...

Disclaimer: The post is long with lots of pictures.  It may be duplicative of an old website.  So sue me. Most friends know that we remodeled the house in 2010 to accommodate my progressing disability from ataxia.   The primary issue was decid ing what to do.  Was it financially feasible? Would modifications devalue the house?  Would selling now be more reasonable?  Should we be downsizing at this time in life?  Earl and I talked with family and friends, then embarked on an exploration of other, smaller houses.  For a multitude of reasons, we decided it was best to stay and modify.   At 3600 square feet, the house was much larger than we needed.  But access to the front entry, garage entry and back entry was already a single, manageable step. That in itself, is hugely important to someone with impaired mobility. Not everyone can or should do a major redo.  It's a big undertaking, but it was the right move for us....