Six Months Abroad, Six Months Stateside—and Mom’s In

With all the personal adversity lately, spending six months in Southeast Asia and six months back in the States looks more appealing every day. A change of scenery won’t solve everything, but an ocean view certainly wouldn’t hurt.

A big thank you to David Foreman for sharing information about a friend who already lives this way. He’s spent time in various parts of Southeast Asia and enjoys his life there. David is also arranging an introduction to an expat with a business that helps people navigate the entire process. The idea is starting to feel a little more real.

Then I told my mother what I was thinking—and casually added, “Let’s move you there, too. We’ll survive the 30-hour flight, get a condo overlooking the ocean, and arrange a 24-hour caretaker.”

She’s for it.

Apparently, Mom didn’t need a PowerPoint presentation. Just an ocean view and a plan.

There’s still plenty to work out, especially healthcare and dialysis, but now I have another reason to keep exploring—and possibly a travel partner.

Keep it moving forward! 🌴

Back on Two Feet—Well, Sort Of

On Monday, I went to Floyd Brace to have my prosthetic repaired—and I’m happy to report that it is officially fixed!

No more loose parts, strange movements, or wondering whether my leg was about to develop a mind of its own. Everything is secure, comfortable, and working the way it should.

Living with a prosthetic means occasional repairs and adjustments are simply part of the adventure. Thankfully, the team at Floyd Brace got me put back together and walking out the door.

One less thing to worry about—and one more reason to keep moving forward.

Houston, We Have a Problem

I got up at 4:00 this morning to clean up, pack, and head to Charleston International Airport (CHS) for my 7:09 flight. Boarding began at 6:44, so there wasn’t much time to spare.

Everything was going according to plan. I showered, got my head nice and bald, got dressed, finished packing, and was ready to head out.

There was just one last thing to do: crank the prosthetic socket to make it snug.

Then I heard it.

“SNAP!”

Uhhh…what was that?

I looked down and discovered that the string connected to the piece that tightens my prosthetic socket had broken off somewhere.

Was this going to stop me?

For a moment, I thought, “Yup, it is.”

Then I reconsidered. The prosthesis wouldn’t be as secure, and I would have to limit my walking—but I could still go.

So, off I went.

On the way to the airport, I called Floyd Brace. They have an emergency hotline, and if I had been staying in the MTP area, I would have used it. But I was heading for the Big Apple, and this wasn’t an emergency.

I left a message asking for an appointment after dialysis on Monday.

When I arrived at the airport, I handed my keys to the valet and used wheelchair assistance at both CHS and LaGuardia Airport (LGA). So far, I’ve been okay.

Because the socket doesn’t fit as snugly as it should, I have to work a little harder. Still, I made it to New York.

This is life as an amputee. Sometimes something snaps at the worst possible moment, and you have to stop, assess the situation, adjust the plan, and keep moving.

This problem will be solved eventually.

Until then, I’ll keep adapting.