My Family Caregivers

Barbara, my wife, is Number One! She does so much for me, and she’s taught me so much about caring for myself. Some days are a nightmare of doc appointments and shuttling here and there. Others are quieter, more getting along. We’re like a retired couple. I’m the husband suddenly at home 24/7, only I can’t go golfing. It can be hard to escape me just to catch a breather. Thank you, my love!

My three sons have also helped out. Michael, my step-son (on the far right), has been a PT Coach, my chauffeur, and our gardening helper while looking for new employment. What do I want for him? A new job? Continue as chauffeur? It’s really hard to say on some days. He's very important to our household.

With Cory (L) and Zak (R), it’s a bit different. Cory’s here in Chicago, but he’s towards the beginning of his sales career, so he keeps my mind actively engaged in sales methods.

Zak and Perri, my daughter-in-law, live just outside San Francisco. Both are on their way upward. More importantly, they presented me with my first grandchild last year. Knollsy Bear’s become the absolute delight of my life.  We try and Skype every Sunday, at least. For everything that transverse myelitis may have taken from me, he’s brought far more back.

Funny story about his birthday. I’d been in the hospital for a week in mid-May 2017.  While treating my infection, the docs discovered I was overdo for a Colonoscopy.  They were concerned also about possible internal bleeding, so they decided to do a combo Colonoscopy/ Endoscopy. The first was clear, the second not so much. They needed to biopsy what looked like cancer. Once finished, I waited for results, plus the new guy was do soon.

June 30th split my gut: I received an early call from Zak. They were heading to the hospital, but it could be a false alert. Texts kept coming in. At 5:15 that afternoon, Dr Ekland called – Esophageal Cancer was confirmed. An hour or so later, Zak texted me: “Dad, you’re a Grandfather. Knolls Clayton Garner was alive and well. We kept the cancer secret for a week to avoid spoiling the party.