Working the Problem

Hello from Chilliwack in this crazy time. We are self isolating at home, and I hope you are doing the same. I know it seems strange to hide from family and friends, but it is the only safe way to stop the pandemic. Even social distancing may not be enough. It is time we all settle in for the duration and get through this. Isabelle and I are going to start using delivery service for my prescriptions and probably do pick up at the grocery store through the online app. We really must minimize contact. Especially for someone like me who’s breathing is already compromised.

All my public speaking engagements and lectures have been cancelled for obvious reasons. It was a very fulfilling experience for me to tell my story and have such a positive reaction from everyone who listened. It truly is an effort from the heart as the rare payments I receive only cover the expenses for that event and others.

I think the biggest piece of my lectures and talks is how I have dealt with adversity. People always ask how I keep going. In essence for me it boils down to this; I have no choice but to keep moving forward and keep “working the problem”, to try to find solutions to make my life, and Isabelle’s life, and the lives of everybody around me better.

We are all going through a very difficult time. It is frustrating, boring and truth be told, a little lonely. We all want to get out and get some human contact, whether it is walking around the mall or having coffee or dinner with friends or family. This is a terrible time for everyone.

As terrible as it is, all we can do is “work the problem”. We must find productive ways to fill our time. As my good friend and classmate, the astronaut Chris Hadfield says in his video about self isolation, we are fortunate to be isolated in this standing. With the Internet and the phone, we can keep in contact with everyone and anyone. We now have the opportunity to Skype, FaceTime, messenger or whatever with friends and family. Our family has started playing video games together online! We can all login at the same time and have a family talk and fun. Not quite like the old days where we all played Monopoly around the table, but we are doing our best. I have begun to spend my mornings doing emails, Skype etc. and phone calls to people near and far. It helps keep my sanity and keep my social connections alive.

As Chris says this is a perfect time to do something new and different. He talks about things like the guitar – something I don’t have the ability to do anymore (I have tried for years and years to be musical, but I am a total failure. At least I tried). So now I have bought my 1st video game console ever and I am learning to play video games! I must say it is quite a different time in my life. It’s not been what I am used to. However, I am getting used to killing strange monsters and storm troopers while playing Star Wars, Jedi Fallen Order! What has taken me a week to get as far as I am has taken my son Daniel less than 2 days :-(. I still have a way to go.

So please find a way to “work the problem”, and on top of everything please stay safe. It is difficult for all of us but extremely necessary to stop this pandemic and get us back into some sort of normal life. The government is trying to spread money around. I know for many this is a trying time. Isabelle and I are working to find solutions to problems with assistance for my care. These are never-ending battles. To top it all of we are still fighting paperwork almost 4 years after my accident (my 4th anniversary is March 30. It is hard to believe I’ve been in the chair this long).

As Chris says please try to stay away from too much alcohol, too much cannabis and try to reduce your smoking. You may need more lung capacity than you think in very short order.

Finally, this too shall pass and we will return to our normal lives with all their pleasures and struggles. Unlike me you will return to the lives you knew, and I will continue to deal with adversity and keep “working the problem”.

Stay safe,

Jim