Blog 23!

Hi again, it's another beautiful summer day. Don't forget to enjoy at least one thing that is beautiful each day. Today is Tuesday already. How time flies. So let me see, lets start last weekend when I had another counseling session which was once again was great. From it I learned about passion and empathy and that one cannot give compassion or empathy without giving it to one's self first.

Then on Sunday we celebrated Jennifer Dodson's baby shower with the ALS Support Group. There was a lot of good food to go around and beautiful presents for Jennifer's baby girl whose name is Jade.

Monday was a beautiful day spent at home enjoying the sunshine on our back lanai. Nothing could have been a better way to spend the day. Glizza's cousin Joyce who is home for the summer from college brought us Chinese food for lunch and it was yummy! Joyce is spending her summer studying for the MCAT test to get into medical school. So we enjoyed her company as she took the day off from studying. Thank you Joyce!

Today we, once again, attended Aqua Therapy. Wren, my other physical therapist, worked with me as Matt is on vacation. As usual we walked the pool and did are arm and leg exercises. We also had an appointment with my internist. The conclusion is that I'm doing as good as I possibly can and will return to see him in 2 months.

This is the count down for our Fourth of July picnic. I think there will be over 100 BBQs across the U.S. for this special event. So be sure to come out and enjoy the fun and raise awareness of ALS and ALS research to find a cure. Be sure to bring a beach chair to the park. We're looking forward to having a great time with you. The next few days we will be gathering all of the goods for our picnic.

Don't forget we are swimming at Kaimana on Thursday at 9:30am.

Have a beautiful tonight and tomorrow!

Until then, goodnight Spike! Goodnight Bella! Nana loves you! and God bless you all.

Aloha, Vi

Fourth of July Reminder!

To my dear friends and family,

On July 4th, the ALS community throughout the U.S. will be honoring Lou Gehrig’s 70th anniversary from his retirement from major league baseball. Lou Gehrig’s diagnosis of ALS caused his retirement from the New York Yankees who he played for his entire baseball career. On July 4th, many barbeques through out the U.S. will be held to raise money for this awful disease that strikes approximately 5,000 people each year. Since Lou Gehrig’s diagnosis 70 years ago, there has been no found cure for this disease.

ALS is often called an orphan disease because no major drug company has committed to finding a cure because there are so few people stricken with this disease and therefore, it is not profitable for these companies. ALS TDI (Therapy Development Institute) is one of the nation’s largest research centers for ALS with the sole mission to find a cure for ALS. All contributions for research are donated by family and friends of patients with ALS. In the 70 years since Lou Gehrig’s diagnosis, there has been little break through of what causes ALS and no major break through for a cure.

Throughout the 5 years of my diagnosis, you have been very generous with your love and support. So once again, I ask for your support in this National push to both raise awareness and funds to find a cure. All money donated whether online or by purchasing a $5 ticket to our event will go 100% to ALS research. I will be calling upon you to come to our event on July 4th for fun, games, softball, food and remembrance of Lou Gehrig.

Aloha nui loa,

Vi

Long Lost Blog 22...

Well, it has a been a fast and furious week. The week was filled with being a little tired, excitement and anxiety. Tired from not being able to sleep well for a couple of nights, excited that Mikala and Isabella are here visiting us and anxiety for wanting everything to go well during the week with Isabella and Mikala. Just like a mother hen herding her chicks around.

We all had fun with Mikala and Bella the short time they were here. We swam like fishes, ate lots of ice cream, visited the bug and insect exhibit at the Bishop Museum, went to the Aquarium, and did a lot of fun shopping. Apparently, the surf in Indonesia will be epic for hardcore surfers and Mikala and Daniel will be chasing those waves starting tomorrow. We will miss them a lot! The little time we had was precious. Bella was on her best behavior, being polite and making many new friends everywhere. At four years old, she is a great story teller. Mikala and Bella spent most every night at my house in Tantalus. The weather up in Tantalus was cold to both Bella and Mikala who are used to Bali's warm, humid weather.

Tuesday as usual, I worked hard at aqua therapy. Using a water belt and balancing on a water buoye, I walked laps on the short course of the pool. The short course is approximately 15 feet which I walked approximately 6 laps (1 lap = down and back). Just imagine, I was pooped out walking a total of 180 feet. That was hard work! Then we did bicycles in the water and arm exercises. My physical therapist Matt is on vacation to visit his family in Canada. Have fun Matt!

Thursday was swim day which was very special having both Bella ad Spike there. Poor Spike did not swim because he is experiencing his first cold. Instead he, Malia and Aunty Karen took a walk at Kapiolani Park. Thanks again to our regular swim crew; Kathy Q., Punkin, Bill, Heidi, Jeannie and Glizza. Miss you PJ, see you next week! Just wanted to let you know that Heidi Bornhorst, our swim day photographer, will be running for city council woman for the areas Palolo Valley to Makiki. We are so proud of her and know that she is a great candidate for this position. Don't forget that Marian is running the Western States 100 Mile Race in California. If you are reading this blog today, SaturdaY, be sure to send Marian good thoughts.

Goodnight Spike! Goodnight Bella! Nana had such a wonderful time with you and God bless to all of you!

Aloha for now, Vi

Blog 21!!

The weekend was filled with on the North Shore. Mikala & Bella arrived on Saturday morning. Mikala was a bit worn out however, Bella was like an energizer battery bunny, on the go, visiting her little friend and swimming at Rocky Point like a fish. Later that afternoon, Bella finally gave in to a deep sleep in place, 1/2 on, 1/2 off of the swinging bench with Natalie at her side. It is so wonderful to watch her energy and to think we were like once before.

Sunday, Father's Day, was spent celebrating all the fathers in our family (Jan, John and Mikala). Great Grandma Jones from California was also visiting the kids and grand kids, especially Bella & Spike. Happy Fathers Day to all of you!

The afternoon was spent in the lush, green yard watching the waves build as the day went on. Watching the ocean brings a soothing comfort to any one's soul.

Monday was also spent on the North Shore with Malia, Mikala, Daniel, Bella, Spike and Grandma Jones. It's so nice having the whole family together. Wish Emma could have made the trip, however, we understand that this is the busiest time of the year for her swimwear business. Emma, we're taking good care of Bella and we miss you too!

This week again has started off with a bang! Hopefully Natalie and I will be able to blog more this week. We're nearing the 4th of July BBQ! You can purchase your tickets through Divina (262-5797) or through us. My cell is (256-9607). We're looking forward to seeing you on the 4th!

Goodnight Spike, Goodnight Bella! Nana loves you!

Aloha, Vi

Blog 20....

(Nana and Spike)

Whew! It's already Friday. Since our last blog, life has gone on and on and on with many things happening. Our days have been so filled that by the time it was time to blog at night, I was too tired and pooped out. Glizza's first week home and we're glad she's back. Three weeks away from home and so many things to learn such as the AVAP, the new bed and Big Red. Welcome back Glizza! Speaking of Glizza and Big Red in one sentence, today we had a little encounter with a wall while negotiating a turn in the parking garage at Jan's office. The hit was on the side passenger sliding door where the ramp is stored. Luckily, the door can still be opened and the ramp is working fine. The main thing is that we are safe and did not involve another car. So Glizza, don't worry, it is just a car! Big Red has now been broken in officially!

Today, I have legally put my life in order. It has taken Jan and I five years to complete this task of doing our wills, trusts and medical directives. Now I feel that anything can happen and I am comfortable knowing that my wishes will be carried out. This is a tedious process, but once done, it gives one peace of mind.

On Tuesday evening, it was nice visiting with my friend Nancy who I went to college with and have not seen in about 5 years. Nancy also loves flowers and brought me the most beautiful bouquet of mixed florals. So thank you Nancy and hope to see you soon in the near future.

(Jeannie, Me, Elaine and Heidi)

(Heidi, me and Elaine)

Yesterday was Swim Day at Kaimana. As usual we all had fun. It was a real work out for me. During the whole hour, I was constantly moving my legs or arms and someone was massaging my bottom, massaging my hands, and massaging my legs while we all talked. Thanks Peggy for the red rash guard! As you can see, it fit perfectly. So thanks again for swimming with me Punkin, Bill, Jeannie, Heidi, PJ, Elaine, Glizza and Aunty Karen who opted out of swimming and watched for sharks from the beach. Hope to see you all next Thursday! And, if any of you are free and want to come to join us, feel free to come. We're there at 9:30am, every Thursday!

(Glizza and Jeannie)

(Aunty Karen on the look out!)

We have been working hard on the Fourth of July BBQ fundraiser for ALS research. There have been many generous supporters that have contributed prizes for our raffle and food. So thank you to the Hawaii ALS Support Group, with Divina leading the charge. Thank you also to Tanya for taking the time to send out many donation letters. Tickets will be sold by members of the Hawaii ALS Support Group. The tickets will be $5 and good for a hotdog or hamburger, beverage and a raffle ticket. You are also welcome to bring a potluck to share as this grass root event is like a family picnic. We are looking forward to seeing all of you come out and join the fun of Fourth of July playing softball in remembrance of Lou Gehrig and many other Fourth of July games. You may be happy to learn the location of the picnic has been changed to Keehi Lagoon Beach Park instead of Kualoa Beach Park.


As I dictate this to Natalie, I have to smile as Bella and Mikala are on their way to Hawaii. So I can't wait!

Goodnight Bella! Goodnight Spike! Nana loves you!

Aloha, Vi


P.S. Thank you Aunty Nene for the deliscious shoyu chicken and to Karen for the soup.

Blog 19: It's Manic Monday!

Just another Manic Monday (you're supposed to sing this)! We're busy working on our Fourth of July BBQ fundraiser. I know it's kind of late but we're putting in a good effort so I hope if you're reading this, you'll come and have fun at the barbecue. The final location will be determined by this afternoon. So Natalie and I have been busy on the phone and on our computers sending out letters for support and donations. We can't believe it is already 1:30 and half the day has already gone by.

This morning, Rennie and Daniel were busy trying to figure out if my new micro air mattress could fit on mine and Jan's therapeutic frame. After a long time of looking and moving things around, they were successful in putting the beds together into our present koa bed frame. I am happy about that as the hospital bed and our present king size bed cluttered our bedroom which Jan was not too happy with. So we solved the bed problem and everyone is happy.

Natalie is solo today as Daniel is catching the big summer south swell. How fun! This weekend was restful and pleasant. We were visited by our friends Jeff and Jamie who spent the afternoon with us catching up on our everyday life. Have a great trip Jeff and Jamie! They are off to the mainland having fun with their kids. Ryan, his mom and family also came over on Saturday night to visit us. And then on Sunday morning, Marian and Neal visited before their training run of repeats on Hog's Back. Marian is ready to run the Western State's 100 Endurance Run which starts in Squaw Valley California and ends Auburn. This is one of the most grueling and famous 100 mile endurance runs. The run starts June 27th. You can go onto http://webcast.ws100.com/ Go Marian!

Getting back to Friday when I saw my two physicians. My breathing test or pulmonary function test (PFT) is at a slow decline. He said my breathing is declining on a slow steady pace, however because the muscles around my mouth are weakening, there may be air escaping on this test so next time we will use a snorkel mouth piece to more accurately measure my breathing. Good news is he does not think it is urgent to put in the G-Tube now. He also said that I look better than what my medical status says. The last time I was tested, my breathing was at 27%. I also weighed myself for the first time in two years at which time I weighed in at 111 lbs and now am 104 lbs. Alot of you ladies might be thinking this is good, but not so. As you may remember from an earlier blog, ALS patients live longer with more weight. The week before last, I ate 7 Hagendaz ice cream bars over a ten day period. So where did all those calories go?? My physiatrist, after going over the strength of all of my limbs, indicated that my hands were now weaker than the last time I saw him two months ago. So overall, I'm hanging in there and I will focus on swimming and eating.

So thank you to all my friends and family who has helped me make my life incredibly beautiful by your presence, generosity and support. Thank you again Violetta, I really love my bed!

Goodnight Bella, see you soon! Goodnight Spike, see you sooner!

Welcome back Glizza! Who is taking this Monday off to recuperate after three weeks of traveling. We are looking forward to seeing you tomorrow!

Aloha, Vi

Blog 18: It's Thursday!

(My beautiful orchid that my dear friend Henrik gave me)

Hi all! We are now playing catch-up to the blog. Since our last entry on Tuesday, I have attended physical therapy, interviewed another potential caregiver, looked at Kualoa Beach Park, got a new bed and took a lab test to find out my CO2 level. All of these activities, have centered around Jan, Natalie and Daniel's schedule of activity. 

For the last few days, I have been running as hard as I can away from catching a cold. So, on Tuesday, I decided to do land therapy instead of Aqua Therapy so not to exacerbate my cold. Daniel and Natalie have been taking good care of me, filling me up with vitamin C, green tea, nano greens and Zicam. 

My physician called me last weekend advising that I may have to have the Gastro Tube (I call it the gastronomic tube or the feeding tube) placed in the next month or near future. I knew this was coming about but was hoping it to be later, as once the tube is in place, I may not be able to go swimming anymore.   So I was very disappointed that I couldn't go swimming today because of this cold. I want to be able to swim in the ocean with Isabella who will be coming to visit me in a couple of weeks. 

Instead of swimming, Kathy, Punkin, Stote and Peggy came to our house and spent the afternoon. Picture this, Peggy is brushing my hair, Punkin is massaging one of my feet and Stote is massaging the other foot while Kathy is massaging Stote's back. How fun! Sorry we don't have a picture to prove it! Peggy and Stote even passed toileting 101 by taking me to the potty. Good going Stote and Peggy for the first time! They also relieved Natalie so she could go to work at Jan's office and gave Daniel a few hours to catch the south swell. So, we all thank you for coming up and making my day. Share the Care is here!

Last week, Daniel and I were at ACE Medical Supplies in Wahiawa to look for a sheep skin to put on the back of my power chair. While there, we talked to a sales lady who turned out to be the owner and a nurse acquaintance of mine. When we both recognized we knew each other, Violetta asked if I had a good bed. I told her we had a bed but I have been sleeping in my power chair for the last couple of weeks because of comfort. Violetta said she wanted to give me an air flow mattress that would prevent pressure sores and give me a good night's rest. So today, we received an Invacare MicroAir system bed. I don't know how to thank you enough, Violetta, as I don't think medical insurance would cover this bed. So thank you Violetta with all my heart. My bum thanks you too!

After the bed arrived, Daniel and Natalie had review class on the Hoyer Lift. It was fun to watch Daniel and Natalie learn how to use the Hoyer Lift, transferring each other from the bed to the wheelchair.  Natalie was pretending she couldn't move and Daniel put her into the power chair with the lift and she slithered down the front of the wheelchair to the floor. Practice, practice, practice!

Also this week, I was scheduled for an arterial blood gas lab test that measures acid/base balance, PH and the CO2 level in your blood. It is not official, but the lab tech said my test results were fine. Tomorrow I see my pulmonogist for the results and take another pulmonary function test (breathing test). Wish me good karma for blowing into the tube. 

We are still working on the Fourth of July BBQ and may change the location depending on what we can find available.  So we will keep you posted as time is of the essence. We are still looking for anyone that may be able to donate food such as hot dogs, hamburgers, buns, condiments, beverages, etc.

Until tomorrow... 

Goodnight Bella, Goodnight Spike! Nana loves you!

Goodnight Glizza!

Aloha, Vi

Tuesday!!!!

Hi folks! Well, I guess we're getting ready for the Fourth of July BBQ that marks the 70th Anniversary of Lou Gehrig's retirement from baseball after his diagnoses of ALS. Natalie and I have been busy coordinating this event. After calling many parks to find a location to hold this event and play softball, we finally found a park not in the Honolulu area as we would of liked, because they were all taken up by baseball! However, we will be having our BBQ at Kualoa Beach Park which will be beautiful and we'll have plenty of room to play softball! We even talked our local ALS Support Group to help us in hosting this event and we're looking forward to having alot of fun! On another note, we are looking for donations for food and beverages. If you know of anyone who can help us, please let us know.

It is pretty late and Natalie who has been with me all day, has to go home now. We'll blog tomorrow and fill you in on all that is happening this week. Never a dull moment! Thank you for your love and support. Talk to you tomorrow!

Goodnight Spike, goodnight Bella! Nana loves you!

Goodnight Glizza!

Aloha, Vi

Fourth of July BBQ & Softball Game Invitation!

The link for http://www.violetsweb.alscommunity.org/ is to the right, which is labeled "DONATE NOW to ALS TDI to find a cure" . The link takes you to the main Family Sites page. From there, click on Hawaii on the map and you will be directed to the ALS TDI, Violet's Web site where donations cane be made! Thank you!

Blog 17...

Before we go onto the weekend, as I told you on Friday, we had the nursing agency come to our house. They were there at 7:30am to meet Natalie, Daniel, Jan and I and learn my morning routine. So there they were, at 7:30am in my bedroom to learn the routine. It's a good thing that I'm a happy morning person and not Oscar the Grouch in morning. The experience was amusing to have everyone following me into the bathroom and watching me do my morning bathroom activities. Overall, the experience was good as I enjoyed meeting our potential caregivers. We will be having more of the agency's caregivers come to meet and observe my daily routine. We also have others on the list to interview. Our caregiver search has been steady and we have had friends give us other potential recommendations. 

After the working morning with the caregivers, Daniel, Natalie, Karen and I had fun by going to the movies to watch "Land of the Lost" starring Will Ferrel. Will Ferrel is so funny and crazy! Remember, laughter is good medicine. 

So far the weekend is going smooth and mellow. Nancy and Al from Maui, are spending the weekend with us and we are enjoying their company. Al and Nancy have been fantastic and gracious and they always come and visit and take good care of Jan and I. We, Jan and I, always look forward to spending time with them. Thank you again Nancy and Al!!! 

Today, I had my third counseling session. It is important for me to tell you this because as a person with a chronic illness, there are many issues to resolve and to learn how to work through them. Today, I learned about the different ways people communicate and how communication is understood by others. I also learned about acceptance and letting go. Counseling has opened up my understanding and acceptance of this devastating situation and has given me freedom to accept myself and others as they open their hearts. 

Natalie and I have been busy looking for a baseball park to host our Fourth of July BBQ. We will be having a website on ALS TDI (the link is to the right). We will continue to keep you informed on our BBQ. 

Hope you are all having a great weekend. While Janice, who is the coordinator for Share the Care is on vacation, Marian has volunteered to fill her shoes during the time she is away. Hope you are having a great time Janice and thank you Marian!

Goodnight Bella! Goodnight Spike! Nana loves you!

Goodnight Glizza!

Goodnight Malia!

Goodnight Mikala and Emma!

Aloha, Vi

P.S. A Note from Natalie: Hi Web! I know that a lot of people have been asking how to post comments. So here again are some quick instructions how:

1) You'll first have to go to www.google.com
2) at the top right side of the page click "sign in." If you don't have a google account, you'll have to create one. You can use whatever email address you regularly use as your username.
3) After youve created an account, go to violetsweb.blogspot.com and select "follow this blog" on the bottom right side.
4) Now you should be able to post comments.

Vi loves reading all of your comments, so keep them coming! Also, please be sure to make Violets Web your home page so you can you can always stay up to date on what's happening. Thank you!

"Big Red" the new van!

Hello everyone, Here is the long awaited picture of "Big Red", our new van that is able to transport the powerchair around town. We're still getting the hang of it and learning what everything does, so don't park too close if you see us out because we may accidentally take you out with the ramp!

Blog 16: Aloha Thursday!

Glizza has been gone for 2 whole weeks today! Daniel and Natalie have been exceptional caregivers. So exceptional in fact that I have forgotten that it has been 2 weeks since Glizza left and Daniel reminded me today that he and Natalie have been with me for 2 weeks, not 1 like I thought. So, I guess we're having fun!

Today was swim day at Kaimana Beach. Punkin, Bill, Heidi, Natalie, Daniel and I enjoyed the beautiful ocean. We were having fun floating, exercising, and gibbering away. We came up with several reasons why swimming is therapy:

Reason 1: Breathing the fresh air

Reason 2: Being in the ocean

Reason 3: Being outdoors

Reason 4: Being with good company

Reason 5: Exercising to promote range of motion and to increase circulation

Reason 6: This is the only time I am not sitting on my bum

Speaking of buns, booties and bums, Punkin got the privilege of massaging my booty as I am constantly sitting on them and my booty, at times, causing more pain than you could imagine! Heidi is learning how to stand up paddle on Jeannie's old cloud board. Go Heidi! Also, I want to mention that I think the AVAP is really working because I was able to be in the water longer, talk more while in the water and have an easier time breathing.

Tomorrow, the agency's caregiver will be coming up to our house for part of the day to observe Natalie on my morning routine care.

We have volunteered to host a 4th of July BBQ/baseball game to raise money for ALS TDI (Therapy Development Institute - the link is to the right of this blog) and honor Lou Gehrig who has put a name and a face to this disease. ALS TDI has a goal to host a 4th of July BBQ in every state. This 4th of July marks the 70th anniversary of Lou Gehrig's retirement from baseball after being diagnosed with ALS. So, mark your calendars and watch for more info on our blog about this event. It will be a lot of fun and Hawaii will be represented. You can also go to the ALS TDI website for more information as well.

Malia and Spike have gone to California for a couple of weeks and we will miss Spike's cooing. So, we're thinking of you Malia and especially Spike!

My brother Al and sister-in-law Nancy will be coming to visit us this weekend. Al & Nancy have been very close to Jan and I and we have all gone to Bali together the last 4 years, shopping, surfing and eating! We're looking forward to seeing Al & Nancy. Oh, another important thing about Nancy is that she and her brother were diagnosed with breast cancer two summers ago. Nancy just completed and participated in a 39 mile walk in Massachusetts to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer. We love you Nancy (and Al too of course).

Goodnight Spike, Goodnight Bella! Nana loves you!

Good night Glizza!

Goodnight Y'all! I love you!

Aloha, Vi

Blog 15: It's Tuesday!

I can't believe it's already Tuesday and once again we're going to aqua therapy. Just standing in the pool (this is an exercise for me) with Matt, was difficult to do today. I could feel my legs buckling under me. As usual, we included exercises for the arms, legs and hips. Practice, practice, practice....until next week!

I also used my AVAP for 25 minutes today which was easier to use today than yesterday. When looking at the picture of me on my AVAP, don't be frightened as it does not look as bad as you may think. Believe it or not, the mask is soft and comfortable (oh no!!! Natalie just showed me the picture and it does look bad!). Note that I am sitting in my power chair that I use more and more each day. I have even been sleeping in it at night as I find it more comfortable than my bed. The only thing I need is a protective cover or something for my seat to absorb the moisture and keep me cool. It's been weird having Jan sleep on a huge bed and me in my power chair.

Staying on the North Shore has been fun and nice to have a different perspective of living. This is my fourth night here and Jan thinks it is about time I come home. I haven't forgotten about him, in fact we brought him a nice lunch to share with him today. I'll be home on Thursday, and ready to meet the new caregiver from the agency on Friday morning. The new caregiver, will assist and follow along with Natalie on my morning routine of getting up, toileting, grooming and breakfast. Wish us luck! If any of you know of anyone interested in being my caregiver to replace Glizza, let us know or call us.

Congratulations to Stote, who completed the Honu Half Ironman Triathlon under an unusual circumstance. Check this photo out. Stote split his wetsuit and was forced to use duct tape. See, duct tape really works wonders!

Another thing I want to mention is that Lorren Walker set up a Share the Care with her friend on Maui whose daughter is ill. Way to go Lorren to spread Share the Care with others!!!

Thank you Daniel and Natalie for putting up with me all day and all night! And thank you Malia for baking some delicious scones and making us a few dinners.

Goodnight Spike. Goodnight Bella! Nana loves you!

Goodnight Glizza who is having fun in France!

Aloha, Vi

Blog 14: This Weekend!

Summer is here! The weather has been hot, hot, hot and sticky. Just imagine what it is going to be like in a month.

We spent a quiet weekend at the North Shore with various friends and family. It was nice not to have to go anywhere or be on a time schedule, so nice! I watched the Mokuleia Sunset with my friend's mother who was visiting from California, while Jan and Don paddled out for exercise. We then had a delicious dinner together. The following night, we had dinner with our neighbors.

We brought my power wheelchair for Jan to practice driving as I am not able to drive it myself. I put my life in Jan's hands as he swerves and speeds down the pathway. He treats it like his toy remote control car! I think he needs more practice. However, Daniel, Natalie and Glizza are pretty good driving my power chair. Daniel says it is because they were brought up playing video games.

The kids came over to eat and take me swimming in the salt water swimming pool. Natalie, Daniel, Malia, Spike and Jan all had a fun time swimming together. I hope we do this more often as it brings family bonding and more exercise for me. Mikala, Emma and Bella will be coming to visit us in a few weeks and they too will join us swimming! Yay!!!

I started using my BIPAP AVAP today for 15 minutes and will gradually increase the time. Using the AVAP is like having someone automatically fill your lungs with air. For me, it was filling my lung spaces that have not been used due to the loss of the use of my chest muscles. After 15 minutes of being on the AVAP, removing the mask created a feeling of difficulty breathing because I was not able to take in as much air on my own as the AVAP put in. However, after my breathing returned to normal, I felt better.

We are in the planning stages to have a second annual Vi's Adventure Trek and Run to be held September 20th at Kualoa Ranch. We will raise money for ALS research and raise awareness of this disease. So, stay tuned for more information. This race will be as much fun or more than last year.

Daniel, Natalie and I ended the day by watching a beautiful sunset at a secret surf spot in Mokuleia. The evening surf was glassy, as Daniel ripped and shredded for an hour and finally had to come in, not on his own accord but because he was not wearing a leash and his board washed in without him. Natalie and I watched 2 big honus diving in the shore break. It was the perfect end to a perfect day!

Speaking of honu, congratulations to my friends who participated in the Honu Half Ironman Triathlon on the Big Island....Stote, Mati, Ruth, Wendy, John and others.

Goodnight Bella. Goodnight Spike, Nana loves you!

Goodnight Glizza!

Aloha, Vi