CHOOSE LIFE: HUSBAND'S BATTLE WITH ALS EMPOWERS WIFE TO LIVE

As Canada's new government apparently seeks to legalize assisted suicide, my heart breaks at the thought of folks supporting such ignorance that devalues human life. It is why if I find great example such as this couple, I want to share them. Hopefully, through awareness, education and a miracle, those who believe the lie, that to die by taking your own life through the hands of another because you have a life altering disease or such, will open their eyes and see the value of all life.
As well, I pray that the blind will see that living with diseases and disabilities is a part of life for many of us and by supporting assisted suicide and Euthanasia, it sends a very negative message to those who live with dignity no matter how tough it may get.
Psalm 139:14-17
14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully [and] wonderfully made: marvellous [are] thy works; and [that] my soul knoweth right well. 15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, [and] curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all [my members] were written, [which] in continuance were fashioned, when [as yet there was] none of them. 17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!

WOOHOO! FIFTY AND LOVING IT!

According to a dear family member, I have been informed that I am the only person who was ecstatic to be fifty. Funny, they were implying that it was almost as if it wasn't "normal"to feel that way about reaching the half century mark. Well, I am here to testify and confirm what I had already anticipated, that yes, after two whole days since the big event, I really do love being able to say, "I am fifty!" Seriously, saying it,  with great honour and privilege, actually moves me to tears. Ya, I know, it may sound corny to many, but not for me.
I encourage all friends and those who I may never meet, to not fret or allow vanity to ruin the momentous event. Aging for me is an adventure that I really thought I wouldn't get to experience. More on that another time.
So woo hoo, yay, fifty!!! Thank You Lord for this grand adventure called life!

Say No To Murder, Of All Kinds - Life, Is Not Up For Debate

Yup, that is Me back in 1966 or so!

They're at it again! It's been out there all this time, but I confess, I have been looking down at my feet. It is such a painful subject, I stepped back a while ago and tried to ignore the Euthanasia issue. Ashamed that I whimped out because it frustrated and saddened me to no end, realizing that even those I thought cared about protecting all life, have fallen for the lie.
As a person who lives with a progressive neuromuscular disorder called Spinal Muscular Atrophy, that can weaken my muscles to the point that I may need a respirator or be fed by a tube one day, I shudder to think that people I trust actually believe it would be ethical to end my life if I asked them to.  Recent headlines about our new Liberal government seeking to work on legalizing Doctor Assisted Suicide or Death, left me with no other option but to speak out again. Even if no one listens, what matters is doing what I believe is right. The results are in God's hands.

So, I started by trying to write an article about this passionate subject and the feelings about it are so intense, it is hard to put it on "paper," so I recorded a video. It is the best way available, to share my heart, to plead with people to think, think about what it really means to say yes to legalizing Doctor Assisted Suicide, Euthanasia and even "mercy" killing. Think hard and long about what it all actually means before you endorse such acts. The blood of the innocent, unborn babies, murdered every day are already on our hands as a society, to add more...

Of course, I know many won't agree about the sanctity of human life at all stages and will agree that it is a great option to have for suffering loved ones or themselves.  Whether anyone wants to believe it or not,  just as 3x3=9,  regardless of  whether we accept it as truth, the answer is 9, always will be. The same goes with taking human life, regardless of why or how or when, it isn't right. No debates about that.
Here's the video...  I feel convicted to share this.
Anyway, here is the video.

Protect All Life, Fearfully and Wonderfully Made.

Because I made a series of vides a few years ago on the subject, I will not repeat what is in there. So the videos are below incase anyone is interested. Again, the topic breaks my heart and infuriates me so much.

Info Links:
From the Council Of Canadians With Disabilities (click the title to see the article):
I Am Not Dead Yet!

Frequently Asked Questions about Doctor Assisted Suicide And Euthanasia

Incase you want to see the videos from a few years ago, here are the links...
Life, Not Up For Debate Part #1

Life, Not Up For Debate #2

Let's Show Em What Dignity Is

BE INSPIRED...PURPOSE AND REASON!

We heard a Pastor once, passionately declare to the congregation, how insensitive it is when someone

is suffering or struggling, to be told that "all things happen for a reason." It wasn't the first time I heard words from his mouth that made my heart sink, because it was obvious to me that I was the person he was describing.
After all, being honest about yourself and repenting of anything that God may be showing you through the lips of another is one way He teaches us right? I remember a distinct sinking feeling in my heart, because I was one of those people. No, not the suffering person, but the one who always uses that very same phrase "all things happen for a reason." Never did I think I was being insensitive. It is something I know to be true from experience. That includes even if you can't see why at the time. Nothing is ever in vain. God is Sovereign and even if some things make no sense, I know He is worth trusting completely.

Thankfully, God taught me a while ago, to not assume that Christian leaders are right all the time, to make sure that their words line up with His Word, so the sinking feeling left as fast as it came as I was reminded that it is true, all things do happen for a reason and nothing happens without purpose. Just read these words from God's infallible Word:

Luke 12:7 NASB - "Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows." 

Romans 8:28  And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

[Rom 9:13-23 ESV] 13 As it is written, "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated." 14 What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God's part? By no means! 15 For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." 16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth." 18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills. 19 You will say to me then, "Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?" 20 But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, "Why have you made me like this?" 21 Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? 22 What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23 in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory--

Psalm 139:1b-4 O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar. You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And are intimately acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, O LORD, You know it all.

Psa 139:13-17 For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
Purpose
Pretty much, most of us who live and breathe, have been inspired by the life of another.  Joni Eareckson Tada who dove into the Chesapeake Bay at the age of seventeen, breaking her neck, resulting in paralysis from the shoulders down. From the depths of despair, seeking death, she was stretched and challenged, pushed to emotional brink and physical limits that most of us will never know, to the point where she unswervingly could declare to a peer who was questioning the "whys?" questioning God, that she would rather be in this wheelchair knowing Him, than on her feet without Him. Thanks to God opening our eyes to see, we believe beyond all doubt that, because He knows all things, He permits in our lives to cause us to see that we need Him above all others and secondly, to then encourage and support others who may live in similar situations.
Fear No More
We didn't always see life or God in this way. At the ripe old age of seven or so, after years of tests

and speculation about why my legs were so wobbly, collapsing beneath me from the time I began to walk, I heard a "specialist," declare to my mom, when I was about seven years old, that I would be dead by the time I was twenty. That caused me to face the real meaning of life at an extra young age. Only God knows why, but the meaning of life and what happens when we die, pounded at my heart repeatedly.  It gnawed at my spirit and often lead to deep times of depression because I was terrified. Many nights, I would lie in bed agonizing over why I had just lived today, that today can't be re-lived and tomorrow, will fly by just as quickly. To just let go of these thoughts and live life to the max, was not an option. If you have ever gone through the same thing, you know just how much those thoughts and queries consume everything you are.

Respite from this mindset occurred after much testing and seeking, the day I knew beyond all doubt, that Jesus Christ is our  Lord and Saviour and anyone else's, just for the asking, by believing. Every fear of death and question about meaning melted away. For me it took years of searching, even passing on thee Answer early on.  It took years of multiple bad life choices. But even in all that, there was purpose in all of that. That includes  perverse horrible encounters with abusive individuals and being robbed of childhood innocence early on.  Without all of it, I wouldn't be able to knowingly say,  I understand, I have been there and I know the only One Who can help you. There is a reason for everything. Nothing is in vain.

on that note, it is not insensitive to say to someone who is suffering, "everything has a reason or purpose." Not, if you mean it. To those "Christian" leaders who think it is insensitive, clearly must not trust in God's Sovereignty. Again, see what god's Word says.

JOY STICK TROUBLES? HERE'S A COOL SOLUTION...SUGRU

I love working with Polymer Clay and watching tutorials about using it. On one of my favourite channels, "Polymer Clay Tutor" I learned about a really cool new product/invention called Sugru. What does Polymer clay have to do with Walking Way Overrated you ask? Well, this is my blog and it is one of my favourite things to create with. Aside from that, I discovered today when I went to purchase some of this amazing putty like stuff that the product helped this beautiful young lady use her joystick on her power chair.
Joy Stick?
A joy stick is not just a gaming device, it is what we use to control and drive our power wheelchairs. And joy sticks can just fall off. Years ago mine fell off far from home, on a street. I am not able to reach the ground so I left assuming it would be long lost. My husband surprised me days later, when he went and retrieved it, it wasn't lost. To be romantic :o), he put it on a special wire to make it look like some kind of a special ring. He knew how much it meant to me to get it back, because I had assumed that I would never see it again! It has been falling off again! Lo and behold, I saw this video today as I was on the Sugru website buying their product to check it out. What were the odds I would see a video about how Sugru was used to help someone like me! Take a look!

What Is Sugru and Other Sugru Uses

Here is the link to the SUgru Website as well as the original video from the polymer clay tutor, where I learned about this cool fix it putty!
Polymer Clay Tutor and Sugru Hack

What Is Sugru and How Can It Be Used Videos

Not Again! Craig's Quickie Xtender Wheels- Update what? Number 5?

Well, it has been about a month or so since Craig received his third replacement pair of Quickie Xtender power assist wheels. We assumed it was all figured out and would never happen again, that the clicking issue in the wheels was attributed to the fact that, the wheels had been installed incorrectly. Meaning, they worked and all that, but the dealer accidentally or unknowingly, left the camber on Craig's rear wheels. Check out this link to see what "Camber is."

Wish I could report that all is silent on the home front, but NOPE, I can't. Craig noticed a more subtle intermittent clicking, at first not wanting to even have to deal with it. He fiddled with his spokes for the first time ever and that was when he noticed it had something to do with lose spokes. Because, when he just pushed on one of them a little bit, the clicking would temporarily stop. Not wanting to do anything that isn't going to mess up the warranty. He did call the vendor/dealer and they told him that they don't deal with spokes, that he should bring the wheels to the bicycle shop. We investigated how to tighten spokes, (Click Here For that Post)

As the ever concerned wife, loose spokes making clicking sounds didn't make any sense to me. But, when I looked at his spokes, it was clear some of them seem ever so slightly bent, where they intersect with other spokes. And there is no denying that when Craig just pushes on a loose spoke, they clicking does stop - temporarily. As days pass, the clicking now sounds just like the original clicking sound! Just not as constant. 

I am putting this question out there to Quickie/Sunrise or anyone who may know from experience. Is it possible that there is something wrong with this particular newer model of Xtender wheels to cause clicking in 3 pairs of wheels? His tester pair that he used last year, worked perfectly. Apparently the latest model changed when the bracket mountings for the actual wheelchair, was modified/updated to have a universal bracket, to accommodate all brands of wheelchairs. His is a Quickie....please someone at Quickie, phone or write us to help us to know what is happening, so it can be rectified for good.

Bicycle Shop?
 It didn't make sense to me, when the dealer told Craig to go to the bike shop because the dealer doesn't do spoke stuff anymore. Since his brand new wheels are under

warranty, he shouldn't have to pay anything toward brand new wheels that are having spoke issues. And we are always told by the company who provides the chair to the vendor/dealer, that only they can handle warranty issues. Now, if they brought his to chair to a cycle shop, under their warranty care, then that would be up to them and whatever the manufacture says is acceptable. But it makes no sense to me anyway, for him to do it on his own at his own expense.

The manager at our vendor told Craig it was okay if he wanted to tighten the spokes himself. But Craig can't, he tried and noticed there actually is a specific spoke that is wobbly and he doesn't want to mess up any warranties. We let the Quickie folks know and as always will share this blog post incase the information can help Quickie Techs figure it out to fix it . 

Weight?
Something else that has caused me to wonder, not so much my husband because he believes he is under the maximum weight level. In recent months, we were reading the Xtender manual and discovered that there is a weight limit for the client of 250 pounds. This was not something my husband was told at his seating clinic for these wheels. The vendor/seller and physic/o.t., the folks that preside over the seating clinic, never weighed him nor did they ask about his weight. Not to mention, he has no idea how much he weighs, and they never asked. Sure hope this all gets figured out. And if it is the weight issue causing clicking? Well, since he had no idea about the restriction, then the seating clinic officials are responsible for selling him a product that wasn't suitable for him and much either reimburse him or find a suitable replacement. Oh, I sure hope it is the spoke thing...none of this makes sense to me. 

Frustrating and Disappointing
It is so frustrating having to keep bugging these guys and the vendor so many times, you worry that they will think you  are out of your mind, or in need of attention, have nothing better to do than have clicking wheel problems. Of course, we want nothing more than to just move forward and not have to worry about clicking sounds and if his wheels are going to stop working all together. 
And yes, now, the clicking is back to the same type of sound!! So hopefully, we have it figured out, that it is spoke related and someone can do something about it soon. We know the vendor is frustrated too and are tired of having to deal with this, with us. Trust us, we don't like having to deal with this but know it is under warranty and expect it to be working well for at least a few years, we'll settle for six months :o)

Mary Jane Ponten - In God's Perfect Time! | Joni and Friends

Meet this inspiring 80 year old woman. Born with Cerebral Palsy, has lived an incredible and inspiring life. She was married, has children and has a heart of ministry. Click the caption below to the video link about her or click here.

Be inspired.

Mary Jane Ponten - In God's Perfect Time! | Joni and Friends

http://www.joniandfriends.org/television/mary-jane-ponten-gods-perfect-time/

Wheelchair Maintenance: Spoke Tightening

Not sure how I figured this out back in the late 1970s but I did. Spoke tightening. Yes, wheelchair wheels/tires require maintenance. Just like bicycle tires need spoke tightening and even replacing at times. Maybe that is where I got the idea to check out my spokes and tighten them. It was long before the internet. I just plunked my fanny on the front steps and somewhere learned to check and tighten my spokes.

On that note, recently, my husband was believing his new wheels have some loose spokes. Out of concern, when I saw what he was about to do with a pair of humongous vice grips, I stopped him and said let's look up the subject. After all, his wheels are brand new. The clicking hasn't returned and we want to leave it that way. Much to my disappointment though, he did say that there is a different sound coming from his new wheels and when he fiddles with some of the spokes, it goes away. Frankly, I don't hear it, nor does it make sense. Between you and me, I think the months of clicking are imprinted on his brain!

Glad he put down the jurassic park like, dino teeth tool and watched this helpful, well done video with me. We learned that tightening spokes properly, is akin to tuning a guitar. Something I remember my Dad doing often with his. We never knew about strumming the spokes to listen for specific pinging tones, and tightening until they are "true." Here, I just use to torque my little whatever tool, until they seemed taught.  

This video was useful and a good resource to have and share.
Needless to say, Craig put his ginormous vice grip pliers away and stopped what he was about to do...attack his spokes until we have a proper tool.

Watch The Helpful Video Here

I'VE GOT QUESTIONS... UPDATE ON NICK VUJCIC

Congratulations Vujcic Family!

Ever meet Nick Vujcic? Well, we haven't either but, in this virtual age, it feels like we get to meet people we normally wouldn't. So here, meet Nick...

Here are three of previous posts I did a while ago so you can learn more about why millions find him so darn inspiring:  Just click on the titles to go there: "Life Without Limits," "I've Got Questions?" and "No Limbs, No Limits"

One amazing fellow. A lot has happened since my last post about him. He got married and since, they have been blessed with two sons! Wanted to share these links and pics...

Be encouraged. 

As I lay about afraid of some current health issues, watching Nick helps me to remember, not give in to fears of the "what ifs?" But to trust God completely and always know, I am not alone. 

Neither are you!!'

nick-vujicic-and-his-wife-are-expecting-their-second-child

Here Is Baby Number Two!'

http-//expressng.com/2015/08/australian-envangelist-nick-vujicic-the-man-with-no-limbs-welcomes-second-child-photos/

Final Update On Craig's Quickie Xtender Wheels...

Update: April 23, 2016
A lot has happened since this blog was posted. One of them being, the camber issue, it appears to have not been the cause of the clicking at all. In wheel set #3, all was installed well and right and clicking began the same day. Craig discovered a broken spoke. It was repaired. But then since, 3 spokes broke  and upon closer inspection, the spokes clearly have been installed improperly. In fact then the dealer tried to replace the new spokes Sunrise sent, they just kept breaking as well. We have consulted with others who know about spokes and clearly, they should not have been set the way they are. He was given a temporary replacement on April 15, 2016 if a new demo pair of Xtender wheels and it is obvious, improvements to the spoke installation and the spokes themselves have been made. I will be posting a detailed article with comparison photos, on all of that by April 24, 2016. 
And for the first time in 3 pairs, the demo has had no clicking for a whole week, clearly, because of the improvements. stay posted for the details on all that. Click here to see the beginning of the reason for the clicking, discovery. 

If you have been following WWO, you know that Craig received his wonder Quickie Xtender power assist wheels about 8 months ago and even though they work great, they have had a constant clicking sound. Sunrise/Quickie did replace them, but sadly, within the same day...click, click, click... again. Desperate to solve the problem, we did make videos and blog entries about it recording the sound, hoping it might help the powers that be, to see and hear and then maybe find a resolution. It might have worked, because about three weeks ago or so, Sunrise asked the dealer, Shoppers to take Craig's chair and remove the "camber" from his wheels. (See the previous article about Coolness and Camber),
Lesson Learned
They did, the wheels were straightened to the upright position. Excited for a whole twenty minutes or so, the clicking was gone. Then came the familiar sound again. That was when, we realized that his wheels shouldn't have been installed with a camber (a tilt to the wheels), it was most likely too late, the damage may have already been done. So the new wheels wouldn't suffice.
It was an honest installation mistake, and a lesson learned by all of us. Now we know, and can help anyone else who may have the same clicking issue. Or how to avoid it.
Craig's original wheels had a slight camber to them and it only made sense that the technician installed the Xtender wheels to be the same way. Mind you, it meant an adjustment during bracket installation, big enough that meant Craig lost one inch of height to his seat to floor height and therefore had his front wheels switched from eight inch pneumatics to six inch rubberized casters. From what we now understand, turned out Quickie changed the mounting bracket design to accommodate all wheelchair models and brands. This was the difference from the original demo model that Craig tried a year earlier. Originally, he didn't lose any height and based on video I took, the demo was put on camber free. It all makes sense now!
Thank You For Great Customer Service Sunrise Medical/Quickie
The long and the short of it is, Sunrise/Quickie, in no time at all, sent the second, then lastly, the third replacement set of Xtender wheels in no time. Shoppers installed the third pair on Friday, December 4th, keeping the camber out, and voila! Perfect. We wanted to wait at least the whole weekend before sharing how the wheels did. Well, they are doing great! No clicking, nothing,  just the usual sounds of the device - just as it should be!
We know it has been a big mystery for us, the dealer and manufacturer, trying to resolve the clicking and want to say that based on all that has happened and how it was handled, we still fully recommend Sunrise Medical/ Quickie Xtender. It took a bit, but once the ball got rolling, everyone was very kind and helpful. I was able to contact Quickie through their Twitter link (I assume a non-technician person) and they always did their best to make me feel "taken care of." The never ignored our please for help and did what they could to answer questions promptly. It made the whole experience a positive one. As you can imagine when thousands of dollars are spent on an important device and something goes wrong, it really matters to deal with a company that does their best to make sure their product works or if something isn't right, to find a solution. We don't know why the dealer didn't know to remove the camber when installing, perhaps there was a miscommunication. It doesn't matter to us, we know we all learned a lesson about Xtender wheels and my husband has new, working - non-clicking wheels! All is fixed and quiet!!!
Like I said before my husband and I have always been Quickie fans and will continue to be.
Craig Should Become the Xtender Ambassador
In fact, my husband (regardless of the clicking thing) has recommended the Xtender power assist wheels to more than a few fellow wheelchair users and two guys so far have bought a pair because they loved what my husband showed them. Personally, I think he should be the Quickie Xtender Ambassador! If only he could get a commission :o)  

Coolness and Camber...

I Learned A New Word! 
Well, the mystery of the clicking wheels may be resolved. Check

past articles, Update #3, Update #2 if you don't know what I am yapping about. The powers that be, Sunrise Medical/Quickie Xtender, have concluded that it is best to replace the last pair of  wheels. It was decided after last week, when Shoppers, under 
Sunrise's direction, removed the camber from Craig's Xtender

Grade 4, My first lilac
'not so cool" wheelchair!

wheels. "Camber?" I said, "What is that? Needless to say, I learned a new word, considering I had my first wheelchair over 40 years ago, I should have known it all along.

Taken from Sunrise Medical

A Word About Coolness
It's about time, I learned that there is a name for what I once thought was the cool guy's wheelchair.  Cool guys wheelchair? Yes, the cool guys and girls, had wheelchairs that had low rise backs and super slanty wheels like the picture I am using from Sunrise Medical, below. If you have  followed WWO, you'll know that I have been using a wheelchair since I was young. See above, my very first one was made from the heaviest clunky metal, coated in shiny silver chrome, with a pretty lilac colour vinyl upholstery.  To a wee girl, that was super pretty. Coolness was an unknown word then. I only used it when I went to school and when distance was too much.
Time For Cool
As my body grew, it was time for a new wheelchair. I was about thirteen years old and no longer was I all about prettiness, but, it was all about being cool. After watching these really muscular guys play wheelchair basketball, what did I covet most? Why a sports wheelchair of course! We had one of those "cool" athletic guys, work at the residence where I lived at the time,  as one of our child care workers. I wanted to be just like him. Well the female version, that is.  
His name was Guy Paquette. He was paralyzed from the waist down, had super frizzy curly hair, long eye lashes, wore fasionable french cut t-shirts (that showed off his biceps!). He only worked at the "home," the year I was in grade seven. 
Guy would do wheelies (The coolest thing a person can do when you use a wheelchair!) without holding his wheels! Really, he did! He'd balance his rear wheels, raising his front wheels off of the ground and just comfortably, cross his arms across his chest. No problem, no tipping over, just sheer coolness. And of course, that was when, I learned how to do wheelies too! Coolness was all I cared about when I was in grade seven. Mind you, my ego was taken down a huge notch, after another one of my favourite,  child care workers, Della, warned me about  how I could hurt myself doing them. Shrugging her off, not wanting her to deflate my coolness, I ignored her heartfelt warning. Suddenly, I heard a thud! There I lay, face up, staring at the ceiling. (Okay, not so cool. Della, was right.) At least no blood!
Murder Ball...
In or out of his chair, Guy, would never stop being cool to me. In fact one time we had the honour of having him play wheelchair rugby with our team. Again, all of my "Guy" memories were during my grade seven year. We actually called it"murder ball," and I played sort of competitively. It was a sport for those, like me, who couldn't throw the ball up into a basket ball net. So here he was, the coolest man I knew at the time. His wheels all slanty, or flared out at the bottom. Which I recently learned is called "CAMBER." Contributing to that cool look, was a really low back to their chair. 
For example, my "nerdy" or standard wheelchair, and my husband's, have a

See almost no back and lots of Camber!!
http://bandageer.info/wheelchair-basketball-league/

back that comes up to about the mid shoulder blade area. Dudes like Guy, had backs as low as maybe with to ten inches high. See the athletes to the left? It makes it possible for them to do fancy twists and turns and provide more manuevarbility for throwing the basket balls up into the basket.

Anyhoo, there he was, Guy playing with us! He was showing us why it was called murder ball. He was going so fast, he actually grabbed someone's chair, flinging himself to the floor (I assumed by accident or showing off :o) and then effortlessly, he just flung himself back into his chair. No injuries, no wincing, nothing...just so darn cool.

I always wanted my wheels to be all slanty, or now I know, "cambered" (hope I am using the word correctly), and to have that really low back. Not practical for someone like me. Oh yah, and the other way to have a cool

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Australia_men_wheelchair_basketball_v_Great_Britain_6178.JPG

wheelchair was to not have your anti-tipping wheels on the back of your chair. They prevent your chair from flipping backwards. You know, like I did the day I first tried  my first wheelies and went thunk! Nope, they didn't have anti-tipping casters then. Now they do, and if they are on, you can never do wheelies. Mind you my genius, handsome nephew, did when he would come over and practice the art form in my old manual wheelchair. He was able to keep the front wheels up off the ground and move around, with the anti-tipping wheels on. That I had never seen before. My husband has always been teased by me, because as long as I have known him, he has those safety wheels on. I call them "sissy" wheels just to tease him. 
The Clicking Solution! Craig has never been concerned about being cool. I am glad for that, because safety is a good thing. The one "cool" thing he had up until a few weeks ago, was a slight slant to his wheels. Now I know the word for it. And now we know, slanted wheels don't work with Quickie Xtender wheels. In fact, so far, we believe it is most likely the cause of all the clicking issues. Especially, since it happened as soon as the second replacement pair went on.  Turns out Quickie Xtender wheels are to be installed WITHOUT camber. What matters most is we know, and Sunrise is going to replace his wheels a third time. No point in being upset that we could have avoided all the stress worrying about what was/is wrong with his new wheels. We know now, the new pair will be installed upright, with NO camber.

No camber means, the only cool part to Craig's wheelchair is now gone! Awe, heck, he'll always be cool to me, no matter what. I just like bugging  him. Actually, removing the camber means he can fit through door ways better. It really widens your bottom end! Let's hope and pray, that the camber/tilt thingy is the answer. We'll let you know.

A Step Closer to Cool?
Well,  back to my last day of grade seven. It was a bittersweet one. I cried in my class room, as my most favourite teacher ever, Mr. Lorne Taylor, asked me what was wrong. I didn't know. He suggested I had the out of school blues. Not being taught by him anymore, was the bitterest part. The sweet part? Guy promised if I passed grade seven he would buy me the same kind of cool t-shirt that he wore, a v-neck and capped sleeves. Because I always went home to my family every second weekend and holidays, that last day Della, remember her? Whisked me off to the local mall, with the money Guy gave me to buy a shirt just like his. There I was thirteen, entering summer break to spend it with my parents and sister, looking as cool as possible.
Heart Break
That summer as I waited in our van at my parent's home. I heard on the radio that Guy Paquette was found dead in his motel room. I burst out sobbing until I had no tears left. 
That was when I was 13, a whole 36 years ago and the impression he made on me still remains. 

Research Articles About Camber and Wheelchair Use

The Effect of Wheelchair Camber

Camber, What It Is and Why We use It?

From My HeArtfully Creating Blog/Vlog: A Balmy Adventure

When I am not trying to work on wheelchair repairs and all the communication that can go with that, I am creating, blogging and making videos for those articles. Just wanted to share my newest

Me, when I painted after I thought I couldn't anymore!

article on my creativity blog called HeArtfully Creating. As an artist, it is what I have always known. To not create, leaves me feel out of sorts. I know I talked about this before, but even when you live with a muscle wasting disorder/disability like I have or any other type that suddenly or slowly result in you physical abilities changing. It doesn't mean you can not do what you love to do. I know for me, there are definitely things I would love to do that I just have to accept that I can't. Doesn't mean, I have to lay around staring at a screen all day, there is always some how, some way to do something you love. So I focus on what I can

Cruising on my own legs, sort of.

do. If you aren't familiar with the disability I was born with, it is called Spinal Muscular Atrophy type 3.

I won't go into detail here, but I am now almost 50 years old, yay! It is an exciting

Grade 4, I used a wheelchair as needed.

milestone that I look forward to. These days, my hands are  the only part of my body, aside from my mind, and mouth (darn, say my family members, ha ha) are the remaining abilities I have. Which means, with my husband's assistance, I am able to work on creating, such as in this instance, my own Lip Balm and solid perfume. 

Yes,  I know a DIY doesn't necessarily fit into the purpose of the

Emily being my "arms" to assist me.

Walking. Way Overrated blog intent, I wanted to explain why sharing this part of me does fit in here. I want to encourage others who may believe that because their arms, legs, hands, body in general, don't function or cooperate, it doesn't mean you can't do what you love. If you love creating in any way shape or form, there always is a way you can. Daily, I depend on others to be my "arms

Without others, going to and get out of bed would not be possible.

and legs," without them, I wouldn't be sitting up in my chair writing this blog, creating what I create. 
You would be amazed at the many times, I believe God has provided me either direct into my mind, or through the advice of others, ways to problem solve how I would be able to do something I thought I couldn't do anymore. So pray, ask for help, always. Life for me, wouldn't exist as glorious as it is, a part from Christ. I did it without Him, and never would have survived if I continued living that way. You got nothing to lose!
Be encouraged with this creative, fun diversion.
I did it, I tried...reusing EOS containers but for me...well, take look...

HeArtfully Creating: A Balmy Adventure: Alright, I did it. I did make the DIY lip balm and since the base is the same, as a bonus, I also made some solid perfumes. It all starte...

Shared Experiences

Experiences Many Persons Who Use Wheelchairs Have.  
Click the title to check out this interesting list of commonly shared experiences amongst those of us who happen to use wheels for legs. My husband and I both have had similar experiences and more. 

The one regarding parking in accessible spots, well for us, twice, we were yelled at with extreme prejudice and ignorance. And both drivers were the ones parked beside our lift vehicle, not actually in a wheelchair accessible parking spot. In fact, we were parked in one. Instead of not being able to park, we were blocked from being able to get back into our van! It was crazy and unbelievable to experience such behaviour! 

Do you have any interesting experiences, good or bad due to the fact that you use wheels? We'd love to hear from you. Just write it below. 

Anita :o)

A Bergie Creation: Creative Inspiration Contest / Give Away

Check out My First Contest Giveaway!!
Hi. Just wanted to share what I am doing in other parts of my life

besides this blog. I also make handmade jewelry, run an online shop on Etsy, 3 other blogs and a You Tube Channel. So thought it would be good to share the link to my first ever jewelry give away contest event!
Details here: A Bergie Creation: Creative Inspiration Contest / Give Away: Ever Contest Give Away!!!