PROGRESS

My Excelerator XLT Handcycle arrived last week, and I have been practicing quite a bit since then. Judy has been very helpful and supportive. I can hear her shouts of support as she helps me try to improve my speed and race times. I haven't wanted Hope to be at our practice sessions, because I really want this to be a surprise for her. She's seen the Handcycle and other new medical equipment in our garage, but hasn't asked any questions about them yet.

My arms ache as I write this due to my recent wheelchair practice sessions, but they are beginning to get stronger and look much more defined. I also feel that my breathing is improving. I used to be a smoker before my accident, so all this excercise is definitely going to improve my general health and well-being. I'll keep you posted on my progress!

ACTION

I did it! I ordered the Invacare Top End Excelerator XLT Handcycle. The order was place yesterday, so I expect expect the handcycle to arrive in approximately 5 days. I can't believe it. I am going to be a wheelchair racer! I am usually very good when purchasing medical equipment and supplies, because that was my former business, and I got a great price for it.

I've been following the 2008 Summer Paralympic Games which are being held in Beijing, China from September 6 to September 17, and they have been a strong influence on me. Visit http://www.universalsports.com/ for more information on the 2008 Summer Paralympic Games. Judy has been very supportive with my efforts to get started in wheelchair racing, but I really just want to see my daughter's face as I cross the finish line. That vision will come true one day.

UPDATE

Ok, I haven't bought the Invacare Eliminator OSR Manual Racing wheelchair yet, but I will let you know when I do. Invacare also has a Top End Excelerator XLT Handcycle which looks fantastic. Does anyone out there have some suggestions for me regarding wheelchair racing and racing wheelchairs? I'd love to hear about your experiences, and I'll appreciate any input that I receive. Thanks!

On another note, I keep having some serious mood swings even though I've been getting out of the house with Judy and Hope more often. Some days I'll wake up ready for the world (and ready to order my racing wheelchair), but other days I don't even want to get out of bed and deal with my paralysis. Judy continues to be the angel in my life, and she is always very patient with me in my depressive states. I really couldn't have found a better woman to be my wife. Sometimes she reminds me of my mother. The way she looks at me and instantly knows my mood makes me feel like a child again. All I know is that if I had to deal with paralysis by myself, the world would be a much colder place. My mother died right after we adopted Hope, and I feel like Judy has taken her place in my life. Being paralyzed has brought me back to my adolescence, and like all kids, I'm simply confused and impatient about the options in my life.

Sometimes I don't really have anything helpful or meaningful to post on this blog, but I still want to share my feelings with all of you. I hope that I am making those like myself realize that they're not alone.