Enjoying the Ride: The Blog

MITCH  STURGEON
Author and Blogger Living With MS

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Forgive Me My Absence

I have no excuse.

Here is something of an update. It’s the least I can do.

My health has deteriorated at about the same pace as it has been deteriorating for the past 22 years. The problem is, I don’t have much runway left. But I have some.

Above the neck, I’m still okay. I can speak, chew, wiggle my ears, and tell white lies. Below the neck, I have only a tiny amount of movement left in my right hand. use it for frail attempts to operate joysticks to manipulate my Jaco robotic arm and my iBot.

I’ve gained too much weight, and my capacity to breathe has deteriorated. A bout of pneumonia put me in the hospital over Memorial weekend 2023. I emerged none the worse physically, but it was a scare.

Lots of other systems are worsening, but I won’t bore you with the details. 

If you’ve known me for a long, you know what’s coming … here it is.

Despite my physical deterioration I remain acutely aware of how fortunate I am, and what a full life I lead.

No change there.

On the technology front, I no longer drive my Invacare wheelchair with my hand on a joystick. I use a device called Munevo Drive. Much more on that to come.

On the recreational front, Kim and I have taken cruising frequency to a whole new level. It’s part of our “front loading the fun” campaign. More to come.

Out of necessity, Kim has taken early retirement. She is my full-time caregiver now. The pay is awful, but you can’t beat the commute.

I’m active on a couple of committees/panels. Not a huge time commitment, but it keeps me engaged.

   Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center Patient Advisory Council

   University of Pittsburgh Wireless RERC Consumer Advisory Group

There’s one project, however, that has filled my heart more than anything else, outside of family — 3i Housing of Maine. It may be the primary reason I have neglected blogging for the past year. I’ve written about 3i Home here, and I will write much more, I hope.

I intend to dust off this old blog and see if it’s got some more life in it. No promises though. I am easily distracted by shiny objects.

Photos by Levi Gershkowitz, Living in the Light

32 Replies to “Forgive Me My Absence”

  1. I’m so glad to hear from you. I have been thinking about you and Kim as I wind around the Knightville circle. Cruising and focusing on the important stuff is first priority. You never cease to amaze! Hugs to you both.

  2. Oh Mitch! Thanks for the update! I was wondering how you have been doing.
    I was in your old house on Edwards Street a month or so ago. It looks beautiful. It is owned by a Cox family now whose daughter is in education ( superintendent or principal….I can’t remember) in the Lewiston area and their son teaches JR. High PE here in Lincoln. I just imagined your mom rolling around that house and your dad settled into his recliner in that large living room. Brought back some nice memories for me.
    I’m glad you’re putting your wealth of knowledge to good use on these committees you’re part of! God knows your intelligence and awareness is badly needed .
    Bless you and Kim.

  3. Welcome back, Black Jack! 103 days until our next cruise with a school of Sturgeon. We can’t wait to cruise with you and Kim.

  5. Always good to hear from you Mitch. So glad to hear you and Kim are still cruising. So many fond memories from the house. Think about both you guys often. Take care my friend

  6. I think of you and Kim and I’m amazed at how you both stay being an awesome couple. You both are so brave. I’m amazed too that you have stayed so active. You and Kim are an inspiration for many others, I’m sure of it. Hugs to both of you.

  9. Welcome back, Mitch. You are an inspiration, though this can’t possibly compensate for all you are enduring. Kim is an angel.

  10. What can I say Mitch? You have been and continue to be my inspiration.

    Your fan living in Sydney, Australia (otherwise I might try to tell you this in person), Gail Travis

  11. Mitch,
    So glad to hear from you!
    Alway enjoy your many adventures and no matter how you feel, That positive attitude.
    You and Kim both are truly and inspiration
    For all of us.
    It’s definitely not and easy road🥰
    Love hearing about your new projects and information.
    Take care and looking forward to your next blog😍

  12. Thank you Mitch and Kim for all you do for 3i Housing of Maine. Thank you from the middle of my heart for (among other things) the 1958 emails (and counting — we must be up to 2435 by now). And thank you for not including any references to the Red Sox or Patriots in your recent update.

  13. Nice to hear from you. What a strong person you are and what a wonderful caregiver you have. Love and best wishes to you both. I am sure you heard that my Mom passed away in May. She thought and spoke of you often. Lisa

  14. Rock Star Mitch is back! Jim and I were hoping to see you, Kim and your entourage again on our Casco Bay Lines cruise this past July. You folks know how to have fun.

  15. I’m so glad to hear from you, Mitch. And I should add that you will never leave my memory, which is as active as ever.

    I’m working on Chapter 12 of my WW2 memoir now, and the doing is a lot of fun for me. Not so much for my dear wife, Mim, as when I’m writing I’m more than a bit zombie. About 12-15 more chapters to go, whoopee.

    My kind regards to you and your wonderful partner in crime, Kim.

    Roger

  16. Hey Mitch. Great to see you again. Hoping for nothing but the best for you and Kim.

    JE

  18. Yay, you’re back! Write more about cruising, will you? I’ve been wondering how manageable it would be.

  19. Brother Mitch. I’m at 22 years also of PPMS. I can still transfer a few times a day and I, too, feel fortunate for the function I have. CCSVI didn’t work for us but we tried! Hang in there and keep on enjoying the ride. Lew Chapman

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