Jen and I came home 6½ years ago after spending six months in the hospital in a taxicab. Who knew that they had handicap accessible taxis? Not me. A few days later my dad and uncle brought us our van Barney which was awesome because I seriously doubt that we, or anyone else, could afford or want to take cabs everywhere. We use it at least three times a week.
One of the first things I saw when we got home was this gigantic ramp that my brother built going into our house. He did a great job with it! It’s very solid and structurally sound like everything he builds. You could park a truck on it. It looks as good today as it did the day he built it. He also built one at his house, my sister’s house and my parents’ house. Not sure when he found the time with his and his family’s busy schedules. Seeing it for the first time was a little shocking and bittersweet because – well, somebody in that house needs a wheelchair ramp and that ain’t good. And that somebody is me. Bummer.
After we got in and got as settled as much we could, we took a breath and looked around and I asked Jen,’ Now what?’. We didn’t really know what to do exactly because for so long we had doctors, nurses and therapists looking after and taking care of us and suddenly we were on our own. We were pretty unsure about the future, all that we were certain of was that there was a cool ramp out in the garage, a hospital bed in the living room and that we were gonna face it together.
I’ve found myself in a similar place when it comes to writing this Blog: Now what? When I started this four months ago the idea was to talk about and explain certain stuff we deal with living with Locked-In Syndrome. I’ve pretty much touched on everything that’s happened that’s somewhat noteworthy in our lives during the past seven years. The only thing left to talk about are the things that go on in our daily lives. And believe me – that ain’t much! In other words, it’s about to get REAL up in here. Real boring, that is.
I want to keep this blog ‘active’ because I sure do enjoy writing stuff. As long as some of you read it, I’d be happy to create an entry from time to time. Who knows? Maybe I’ll talk about one of the occasional good books or movies I run across or discuss one of the three or four observations and ‘deep thoughts ‘ I have about life in general!
lockedinjim 
Dear Jim, I cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed your blog. Being your cousin, I always felt bad because I was awkward around you after the incident, I’m just awkward around folks with disabilities period. Your blog has helped break that barrier and give understanding. Not only that, but since I am an older girl cousin, my relationship has been mostly with your sisters and it has been fun getting to know you! My opinion is that you are a very talented writer and I love your sense of humor! Keep writing and I will keep reading.
Donna,
I’m glad you can be more comfortable around me in the future. Speaking of feeling and being awkward around handicapped people, your comment reminded of this story: My mom was what you’d call ‘brutally honest’ at times, especially in her later years. She virtually had no filter at all on what she said. One time a few years ago she says to Jen and me, ‘Jimmy doesn’t smell bad at all. Sometimes people in wheelchairs don’t bathe that often so they kinda have an odor, but not Jimmy.’ Cracked me up!
Also, I think it’s funny when people are around me and talk to me for the first time they speak REAL LOUD. I guess they think that if you’re in a wheelchair, you’re probably hard of hearing!
Jim
Your reply just Cracked Me UP! I LOVED my aunt Margie, and that story was so typical of her. 😀 And the next time I see you, I’ll try not to talk really loud!
P.S. Just read your latest blog, once again, very good.
Keep them coming as I do really enjoy reading your blogs and knowing what it is like in somebody else’s shoes who has suffered what you have. Your spirit and attitude are amazing. Thank you for sharing as I always look forward to your posts. Thank you!
Please keep writing this! I read all of them and think they’re great. And yeah, Dave is pretty awesome.
Don’t quit! We love reading your stuff!!
The Ponders
I thoroughly enjoy your blog entries, Jim, – you are an inspiration. Please let us hear from you ever now and again.
Hi Jim, my name is Sandy. I’m the sister of your neighbor, Kathy, from across the street. I knew a little bit about your situation from her, but didn’t have a clear understanding of it until your blog. I’ve ready every entry since she told me about it in September. I have it bookmarked and I check several times a week for a new one, and I was happy to find a new one here tonight!! I thoroughly enjoy them. You have a wonderful sense of humor and you are making the best of such a life altering situation. I enjoy learning about the details of your daily life and what it’s like to live with Locked-in Syndrome. Not to sound trite, but you and Jen are both an inspiration. The love you have for each other is heartwarming. I’m sure there are others reading that don’t comment so I wanted to come out from the shadows and let you know you have at least one fan out here that isn’t family. 🙂 Please keep writing. I’ll keep checking for new posts because you make me laugh, give me courage, and make me appreciate all the little things I take for granted. May God bless you and Jen. Sandy
Jim, I enjoy reading your blogs, very interesting compelling and humorous. I hope you continue to write these on a consistent basis. I never miss reading any of them.
Jim, I have rad every entry in your blog and look forward to the next.
Ditto for me, Jim! I thoroughly enjoy every one you write. Love your sense of humor. We’ve always had pretty much the same musical tastes, so how about writing about some music? You can do some CD and concert reviews. I know you and Jennifer go to concerts sometimes. In other words, please keep writing and I’ll keep reading.
Keep it going.
Jim and Jen, you are two of the most wonderful people I know. You both have a fantastic sense of humor as well as an amazing gift for writing. It has been so interesting reading about your lives and your everyday obstacles and triumphs. I just love your opinions and your out look on everything. If nothing else do your great commentary on the local news, world events, sports and entertainment world. I have read your blog and realized so many things about myself and others and how so much is taken for granted in our lives. I still think you two could write a best seller. Love you both!
You should really keep the blog going. I know I look forward to reading it as well as all the others who have commented.
I enjoy your blogs and glad you are going to keep doing it.. watch Bad Grandpa and give a review on it… I saw it the other day and 2 didnt like it and 4 did 🙂
I looove reading your blogs Jim! I soo look forward to a new one that I break out in a huge smile whenever I see it in my in-box! I never fail to ask Mark when I get home from work, if he’s read you’re latest blog. He always says “yep…wasn’t it great?!” Write about anything Jim and you will have avid, devout fans waiting with baited breath for your next “adventurous, revealing, poignant, incredible & awe inspiring story!
Jim
I’m sure you will be able to think of something to write about. They are certainly enjoyable to read.
You must have gotten this ability to write and entertain from Mom. Also, no one asked me if I thought you smelled!
Love
Dad
I thoroughly enjoy your blog as long as you’re willing to write it I’ll keep on reading
Jim,
We check our emails daily hoping for a new blog. Can’t imagine anything you write would be boring, so don’t let that stop you. Appreciate all you share with us!!!
Jim, I’ve enjoyed your blog so much, I hope you find inspiration to keep writing! I look forward to your views and insights; thoughtful and hilarious!
Jim, I really enjoy reading your blog! You definitely have a gift of writing. Please don’t stop!
Jim and Jin you both are two of the most interesting individuals that I have met. The love you have for one another is something special. Jim and I really enjoy reading your blogs. Keep it up and love to both of you.
Jim & Sharon
Jim and Jennifer, Nancye and I enjoy reading your blog and from reading all these comments you should have enough material for a few years. Keep it coming.
Jim,
If you don’t keep writing this blog, what will you then do with all that spare time?! I enjoy reading your blog as much as I enjoy hanging out with your family. I’ll never forget the day I heard about your stroke and the aftermath. I spent many days, weeks, years thinking about you, Jen and really your entire family. Your sense of humor and that of most of your family has I’m sure helped you all make it through any of the hard times! I’m sure you could spend a blog or two just recapping some of your family gatherings and we would all be rolling. Thanks for letting me follow along!
Stephanie Bauer (aka Janice’s favorite former co-worker/slacker trivia night volunteer!)
Please continue to write Jim ! I have enjoyed reading them — you could write a book. You and Jen are amazing people.