08/16/09: No triking for a while. Been moving the trike and setting up a new locale for the trike. I am temporarily residing in NC doing a "work re-entry trial". Before departing MI I visited three first responder agencies which assisted at the scene of my accident. ALL 3 of them said they rarely get thanked for their job. Of course that isn't why they do their jobs, but they seemed humbled by my gesture of thanking them. I took ginormous sized bags of individually wrapped Lifesaver candies to express my gratitude for their efforts to save my life. All appts were scheduled so I didn't do a surprise visit. I specifically asked if I could meet the individuals who worked my case. The final stop was at the Sheriff's Dept of the county where the accident occurred. Veteran officers, who've worked at this particular dept for 19 - 30 yrs said they've never had anyone return to thank them. For thanking them they thanked me w/ this more than beautiful vase of roses.

They gave me 1 1/2 hrs of their time, answering all my questions, telling me about loved ones whose lives were significantly altered as a result of accidents, sharing a power point presentation of pictures from their investigative pictures. I was floored by their generosities. It was almost like we couldn't say good-bye. They escorted me to my Element and waved me out of their parking lot. It seemed too real to be true. Responders from all 3 depts said they were amazed I am alive. They thought I was dead when they arrived and felt certain I would die once they discovered I was alive. This is more than I can comprehend. However, a major piece of my broken puzzle has been connected. Whenever I encounter vehicle accidents I cry. Not due to the scene, but FOR the 1st Responders. It took a few accidents (believe me, there are many accidents in MI winter) for me to determine the agent of my tears, the trigger point. I was feeling burdened w/ compassion for the responders. These men and women never know what/who they will encounter when they leave on a call. They are trained to do their jobs well and that's all that matters to them in the moment.

People, thank your county's first responders. They are unsung heroes! Quite a few are volunteers. That is not said to minimize the efforts of the paid responders. I carried that vase of flowers everywhere w/ me around my house. The deputies had a box ready for me to transport the flowers home safely and on to NC. I placed them so that I could see them through my rear-view mirror on the drive down. They lasted well into my 1st week here. At this point, I plan to meet w/ some of the responders in Dec - we may make a training video from the "victim's" perspective re: reasons new recruits do their job. ...................THANK YOU! thank you!

Let me bring you through the front door of my NC apt. My good frd, who is a professor on campus, provided the furniture for my new digs.

Presently, my trike rests in my kitchen (through that door is my bedroom & bath - didn't think to take a pic of that space). Yes, those green plants are mine and survived the trip quite well. The plant on the floor right in front of my trike is an avocado tree. It grew from an avocado pit. Last summer, w/ nothing else to do, I sprouted avocado pits in plastic cups. This one is the only that produced a "trunk" that reached significant height to transfer into soil. Probably next week I plan to transfer it into a larger pot.

This is my living room. Doubting I'll have time or interest in watching TV. Along the right side of this photo is the door frame leading out into the residence hall. I leave my door open to meet new people (they all are new to me).

This seems to be my favorite perch. I use the ball for foot support/elevation. My coccyx cushion fits perfectly in the recliner. yes, this is an antique recliner. There is a bar behind the back of the seat, which pulls out and can be moved into different levels of pins to change the degree of recline.

I love this table! I've wanted a table/chairs for years. For many yrs when my kids were little we used a huge picnic table built for our dining room, but is now outside. Then we used the kitchen island/bar concept, which was perfect for family meeting meals. Now, I'm ready for the next phase. This little table is a start. The 4th chair is beside my recliner holding books that I never read today (there's always tomorrow).

Here's the best part - the sign above the table:

If you ever visit me, we will sit long and eat much. I have several wrinkles that need more filling.



When sitting in my recliner, to my right I can see the comings/goings of students. To my left, I see river activity. Very beautiful. Today was a gorgeous day.

Watercraft of many sizes enjoy this river.

I guess I forgot to post one of the nearby bridge. A little later in the evening, the bridge opened to permit a boat to pass through. Always surprises me how waterways need technology that I take for granted.

Before leaving MI, I wanted to determine to love my vehicle. I decided that if I could find letters to brand my Lemt (get it?) then I'd love it. Not only does this make my vehicle unique, it looks cool.

Also, found an online printer who makes decals. NO ONE ELSE IN THE WORLD has this sticker, I bet:

This is my Heb 12 motto: triking the race set before me w/ perseverance.

Figured out, for tonight, how to finally get the tireds pumped. May be able to postpone going to the bike shop for a lesson on how to pump your own tires. I have no problem asking. I just want to make sure if I load my trike in for a cart across town then I really need help. Maybe I finally learned the trick.



The sleeping Rx are kicking in. Overall, SO FAR, I've been sleeping better. I am encouraged.

Blessings Abound!

~A~