Sunday, February 20, 2011

43 Years Of Kicking DMD's Arse!

Today I celebrated my 43rd birthday. It was by no means an extravaganza, but it was very nice nonetheless. The nurses on the 7-3 shift crept into my room as I was sleeping and decorated my room. I was completely unaware of this until I was being transferred from my bed to my wheelchair. They tied a happy birthday balloon to the back of my wheelchair as well as taped a happy birthday day banner to the back of my portable ventilator. On a bulletin board in my room and on my door were two more happy birthday banners.

After getting positioned in my wheelchair, one of the RNs came in and put a cardboard crown on my head. It was similar to the one you used to get at Burger King. I'm not sure if they still have them. Anyhow, the banner on my portable ventilator soon became my sash. I was king for a day minus the power one wields.

A little while later I was beckoned to my room for the traditional singing of "Happy Birthday". I was then presented with a nice little chocolate cake, which read "Happy Birthday Chris" in blue frosting, which turned my tongue dark blue! The cake was quickly devoured by myself and the 7-3 staff. They then pulled out my gift, which was a black t-shirt with images of Albert Einstein sticking his tongue out. It's very similar in design to Andy Warhol's famous painting of Marilyn Monroe done in funky colors with the image repeated nine of twelve times. I think this t-shirt is very cool.

I've spent a good amount of time today thanking people on Facebook that sent me birthday wishes. I was pleasantly surprised at how many people wished me a happy birthday. It's really a nice feeling to know how much some people care even if you don't know them very well at all.

Yesterday, my uncle David stopped by for a couple of hours, which he does every other weekend anyhow. It was as always, a nice visit. He gave me a birthday card with 50 bucks. Money is always a nice gift. On Friday night, one of the nurses on the 11-7 shift that has been taking care of me for years came into my room with a plastic bag, which contained 4 music DVDs from him and his family. It was an unexpected gift and one that will find much use.

In closing, I would like to dedicate my 43rd year of life as a memorial to my fellow DMD brothers and sisters that have fallen to this hideous unrelenting beast. And I want to be a source of strength to those younger than myself who are also battling this monster on a daily basis. I want their parents and loved ones to have a glimmer of hope.

Peace,

Chris