Fall 2025 (Let’s Go Mariners!)

We are almost a year into recovery and I thought it was time for another update. 

Well shoot! We were moving along so smoothly. Unfortunately, a high fever in July set the stage for a really long summer. The good news is now I know I need to avoid getting sick. What happens is that it triggers all of my symptoms to fire all at once. Symptoms that were mostly in check. My walking was very unstable all summer.  So, here we are in September and I’m finally feeling optimistic again. I’m excited to concentrate on my health again.

It’s been a tough time with my folks having to both move this summer to different places.  Dad is finally settled but we are now moving mom again.  She did not take well to the memory care setup we placed her in and so now we’ve found what we hope will be a good place for her.  Fingers crossed for both of them.  It’s so hard to accept they are not able to be together.  My four sisters and I are closer than ever before, so that is one of the best things to come out of this summer. They have all been so kind to me as I navigate this disease  

It’s amazing that I can still play golf!  I can’t run, jump or walk very far unassisted, which actually makes golf the perfect activity for me.  My putter gets turned upside down into a cane.  It doesn’t even bug me when I miss a green because then my chipper turns into another walking aid.  I haven’t played in a ladies tournament in many years, but played in the club championship this month.  Score was not great- but I finished both rounds, which was the goal. I did have a lot of help from my caddy- Cameron drove my cart, raked my bunkers, calmed my nerves and we did it all together. Because of my right leg issues, it’s really difficult to get into a golf cart, let alone drive a golf cart! It may seem like a small thing- but for me it was pretty emotional and reminded me how lucky I am to have my kids, Jeff and a community of support that helps me deal with this.  

TJ and Nicole are settled into a condo in downtown Bellingham. Cameron and Emma just moved to downtown Woodinville so we have our little house back to ourselves. Looks like we are going to be in Desert Aire awhile longer and I’m excited for fall.  Because with fall comes football and post-season baseball.  I remember going to Mariners games with my dad as a kid.  We would leave the games well after we were supposed to (mom dictated the school night bedtime routine), and we would run to the car to make up time and then complain to mom about how bad traffic was.  We used to park under the viaduct and I’m not kidding when I tell you we sprinted to the car.  In fact, it’s how I discovered I had asthma.    

I get emotional when I think about all we’ve gone through these last couple of years.  Jeff and I celebrated our 29th wedding anniversary with a week in Montana.  We saw a few concerts and spent time with friends all summer.  Cam and Emma are set to get married next spring, so we have that to look forward to.  We are really looking forward to celebrating with family and friends next year.  

Thanks again for following along.  I am really looking forward to a life that isn’t all about “me and my MS”……baby steps…..🥰