The Best

Every Friday, almost without fail, I have lunch with my good friend, Suzanne...

...and every Friday, again almost without fail, we go to the Macaroni Grill here in Boca...not because its the best food in town. It's not. But it is good. And doggone it, we like it there! 

I imagine it's not easy to have a friend who's quite a bit slower than you are. I tend to plod along with a walker or struggle to propel myself about in my wheelchair, until I tire and someone has to take over and push. That's on flat surfaces, which most of Florida is, thank God! You should see what happens on any kind of an incline or slope...!!

If Suzanne is ever troubled by the public spectacle I can sometimes be, she's never let it show. One time I had an attack of muscle paralysis (see hkpp.org ) while we were drinking lattes at our Starbucks. I'm thinking this could be pretty daunting for most people, but not Suzanne. She had known this was a possibility, yet she remained unflappable. Our friendship was new and her response was impressive. 

"I'll drive you to the emergency room," she stated calmly. "And I can come back later to get my car." "Sounds like a plan," I told her. Starbucks was packed that morning, but she looked straight ahead, parting the sea of people around us, as she helped me out...not caring what anyone else thought. (You know, the usual~that I had been adding Kentucky Bourbon to my coffee!) We arrived at the ER just in time for me to collapse in a heap on their floor. My legs were goners...She called for help at the same time a nurse came running with a wheelchair! 

They got me into an ER cubicle and Suzanne began to explain what was going on and then she started asking for warm blankets, 3-squares, snacks, extra coffee, flowers and wine! Well no, but you get the idea...

I smiled and sighed with relief that I was being well-cared for. Later that afternoon, she came up to my hospital room to see me, orchid in tow!
I'm grateful to her for so many things. But I'm profoundly thankful for the love she always shows me. I feel sorry for people who don't have a friend like her. She's incredibly rare. Suzanne is the best and I thank God for her! xx

Suzanne at Mac Grill! 

Warning!

Somedays are like this.

I got up with the intention of doing a little light housekeeping, taking a shower and heading to the mall for a couple of errands. Steve needs a battery for his watch and I also wanted to hit Sephora for some skin care goodies. Besides, the mall is my go-to spot for a little exercise and getting out of the house. I'm comfortable going to a couple of places now; there and my Starbucks, where I can also frequently be found!

I did everything I had in mind to do...until it came time to actually go to the mall. Haha!

As it happened, once I was ready to go, I was too exhausted to go there!! Oh, I made it into the car. I put the key in the ignition of my van, backed out of the garage, pushed the garage door opener to put close the door and...
...sat there staring at the dash. The gas light was on!  UGH ...Two stops?? I didn't have it in me and I knew it! The gas and the mall would have to wait. I went back in and hit the sofa. These muscles were also on 'empty.'

Neuromuscular disease prevents or interferes with the production of adenosine triphosphate, ATP, the energy that fuels muscles. And today, just like my van's gas gauge, my muscular system's warning light was also on, saying, 'Don't go very far, Ann. You're not going to make it today.'

I'm thankful for this 'warning system' because it keeps me from making mistakes.
Once I was resting, with my ever-present companion, Jimmy Page, I knew I was in the right place. I think all of us should pay closer attention to the messages our bodies are sending. I knew it as an athlete and I know it now. Peace xx

Jimmy Page

P.S. This post was written when I was still using my walker at the mall. That isn't possible anymore. Neuromuscular disease is always progressive. Always.