February 28
As my body comes back online, it has been a process. My hands and arms come first, legs and feet second, and my face is trailing behind.
In early August of 2021, I was diagnosed with Guillain–Barré Syndrome (GBS) – a rare autoimmune disorder. My own immune system damaged my nerves, which left me paralyzed in my legs, arms, and face. Luckily, my lungs have been only slightly affected.
I’m finally well enough to start sharing some of what has happened and what’s to come. I want to honor this moment as an opportunity to be transparent and vulnerable.
This is my journey of healing and growth as I navigate life after being diagnosed with Guillain–Barré Syndrome.
February 21
As I watch the fire, I can’t help but think about change. Fire is a symbol of change. It’s force literally creates change, some would say devastation. Is it devastation or is it just different? Is it both? Maybe it’s perspective.
February 14
My wife and I like to enjoy a cup of hot cacao outdoors. We enjoy the peace and energy nature gives us. It’s a great place for us to discuss our lives. What’s working, what’s not working and what we’d like to experience next.
February 8
This is me, grumpy and sad. My daughter took this picture when I didn’t want her to. She said she took the picture to show me how grumpy I was. It was the end of a tough day.
January 31
October of last year was a big deal. I went from being in a wheelchair to walking with a walker to using a cane. I keep getting stronger and gaining my balance.
January 24
I was trying to take a picture of this sunset from the bridge over this little river. I dropped my phone off the bridge into the river. I’m still gaining back my hand grip.
January 17
I made it to the beach! Going out to a beach my family enjoys, we had forgotten there is a short hike out to the beach from the car. Normally, this would not be a big deal at all. It was the longest walk I’ve done to that day while recovering.
January 10
Early in the dating years with my wife I bought Carl’s Jr. (Fast Food,) brought it to my house, lit some candles and invited her over. Candle light dinner! That was over twenty-five years ago.
Fast forward today, our kids set up a reenactment of that dinner.
January 3
Through this process of healing I have been learning a lot. Learning to slow down. Learning to take small steps forward. A step forward is a step forward.