The day did not start off so well. Mike was feeling rather ill and did not make it to PT or to an information class that he was scheduled to attend. Because he took Gravol with his other nausea medication, he ended up sleeping most of the morning. By lunch time he was feeling better and was able to attend his hand strengthening class and worked again on transferring from his wheelchair to his bed in OT. He is going to work on transferring to a car tomorrow.
Neil and I did some house hunting this evening. There are so many things to consider:
• The entryway – how will Mike be able to get in into the house. Can we build a ramp? Put a lift in the garage (if it is an attached garage)? Is the entry way big enough to maneuver a wheelchair?
• Flooring – is there carpet that will make it difficult for a wheelchair? We may not notice the transitions between carpet, tile, hardwood, etc. but a wheelchair might!
• Stairs – is everything on one level or will we need a lift? Are the landings big enough to accommodate a lift? Do the stairs go straight up and down or do they curve or take a turn? Are they wide enough to use a lift?
• Doorways and hallways – are they wide enough for a wheelchair? Do the hallways take a turn which might make it hard for a wheelchair?
• Bathrooms – a wheel in shower is ideal but not always possible to modify. If not, can you make other modifications? Is the bathroom wide enough? Is there enough room by the toilet? Can you change the vanity so that a wheelchair could go under the sink?
• Deck or patio – will you have to build a ramp to go out the back door?
These only cover the basic items and don’t even touch things that would matter to Mike if he lived alone i.e. modifying a kitchen to put things at his level and at his reach. There are many challenges and it is extremely difficult in this “seller’s” market. But we’ve assured Mike that if all else fails, the garage here is heated and he can set up camp there. If he’s lucky, I may even bring him food!
Mom
25 comments:
Hey Mike, stay strong, keep at it! Still praying for you and your family! Nothing is too big for God, and nothing is too small for God.
Faye
House hunting sounds like trying to find a needle in a haystack but don't lose hope! Something will come your way.
And M Dawg, you are going to 'stumble', just make sure you get back up.
Wishing you a better 'today'....
Leanne
Hi everyone! Thanks for the great updates and comments. One question: Could somebody please explain what a green Mike sticker is? I think I missed something. Thanks and keep the faith.
Glad to hear that you guys are being so positive inspite of the situation. No need to worry, God will provide for your housing needs (though probably in a way no one expects). Just be ready and willing for Him to work.
God Bless,
-Julie-Anne
Neil & Brenda,
Good luck with the house hunting - I know the housing market in Edmonton is tight enough without having to consider whether or not an existing house can be made barrier-free. I'm sure you've checked checked out all these resources, but in case there's one here you've missed, I'll send them your way just the same:
YOU MIGHT FIND THE FOLLOWING WEBSITES USEFUL WHEN PLANNING TO RENOVATE OR DESIGN A BARRIER–FREE RESIDENCE.
www.design.ncsu - can purchase accessible house plans at this site
www.cmhc.ca
www.adaptv.org
www.ap.buffalo.edu/idea
www.nahbrc.org - directory of accessible building products
www.ada.gov
www.un.org/esa/socdev/enable/
www.disabilityweblinks.ca - if government assistance is a possibility see this site
www.canparaplegic.org
Architect, Ron Wickman
Specializes in barrier-free design.
Office: (780) 430-9935
email: rwickman@shaw.ca
Mike
I hope you ae feeling better today. Neil and Brenda, you have so much to do, I pray that God will continue to hold you close and give you the grace and energy to complete the tasks in front of you.
Many prayers go up for you all.. every hour of every day.
In God's strength you will grow through this and be able to help so many other people. Already your whole family is an inspiration. You stick together and have so much love!
Thanks for the updates.
Susan
Hey guys, just wanted to let you know that when you do find a house, the company I work for sells grab bars and other barrier free washroom accessories that are yours free when you need them. Please let me know when the time comes.
God bless Joel Cadieux & family
Hey Mike,
Hoping every day gets a little better. Everybody has ups and downs; it all works out right in the end. Just another day to rely on God, right? He’s watching over you and the family. Keep going strong!
In Christ,
Britney
John 16:33
Matthew 11:28-29
Romans 8:26-28
1 Peter 5:6-7
Philippians 4:8-9
Barker Family,
google once again proves to be helpful when it comes to barrier free housing (Prayers everyday):
http://www.homefamily.net/index.php?/
categories/housing/equipping_a_home_for_
people_with_disabilities/
Barrier-Free Design Centre
Canadian Housing Information Centre
Accessible Space, Inc.
http://canparaplegic.org/ab/level2.tpl?var1=services
http://www.designable.net/index.php
hey barkers
we have house hunted many times and although ours were much easier hunts than yours is, i know where you are coming from. good luck! something will turn up, in His time.
Mike, keep up the hard work, its paying off according to the updates.
Continuing to Pray!
Christy
Hi Mike and Family... . Max says he'll be happy with anything as long as the yard has a tree or is close to a fire hydrant. Our thoughts and prayers are with you each step of the way...Cindy P.
Hi Barker Family,
It' been a while since I was able to check the blog (due to Grad, farming, house painting etc.)I was glad to hear that Mike is at the Glenrose and has started therapy. Sorry to hear about the nausea problem.
Remember Mike, there will be many ups and downs, stay strong and keep positive. Your allowed to have a bad. We all are!
Neil and Brenda, I know that you may feel overwhelmed with the house hunting situation. However, I have a friend who was in a similar situation. When they least expected it a house with barrier-free capabilities, perfect for their situation, became available. Keep up the hunt!
Mike you and your family continue to be in my thoughts and prayers!
Debbie T.
P.S. Brenda, she passed her exam!
Hi Mike!
Those green Mike stickers are starting to pop up everywhere. It's kind of freaking me out. It's like I'm living in a goosebumps novel where the whole town is slowly converted to the cult of Mike. With that creepy green writing just appearing everywhere? And then my mom brings a sticker home for me? Should I start screaming now?
Ha ha I'm just kidding. They're really cool. They will end up being some big huge international cult classic fad. Seriously, you could start your own line of clothes with the name mike on them and people would buy them even if they didn't know you just because it sounds mysterious and trendy in a hip, urban sort of way. I'd buy a T-shirt.
Good luck with the rehab! And the house-hunting! I finally found a place, so I'm sure you will too.
TTFN,
Devin Siebold
Hi Mike!
Those green Mike stickers are starting to pop up everywhere. It's kind of freaking me out. It's like I'm living in a goosebumps novel where the whole town is slowly converted to the cult of Mike. With that creepy green writing just appearing everywhere? And then my mom brings a sticker home for me? Should I start screaming now?
Ha ha I'm just kidding. They're really cool. They will end up being some big huge international cult classic fad. Seriously, you could start your own line of clothes with the name mike on them and people would buy them even if they didn't know you just because it sounds mysterious and trendy in a hip, urban sort of way. I'd buy a T-shirt.
Good luck with the house-hunting! I finally found a place, so I'm sure you will too!
TTFN,
Devin Siebold
Hello Barkers
Glad you were able to be with Steve - good for all of you.
I hope you find the right house - I dreamed that you had a ground level entry with a car port and Neil had a pile of beautiful lumber ready to work!
Brenda, thanks for your commitment to this blog so we know how you are all doing.
To LLB Friends of Mike - Please tell us about the green stickers and how we get 'em! If Mike chooses to go into design I hope he uses many colours not just green. It's not easy being green...
Keep up the fight - you continue to earn our admiration and respect.
Life is precious.
Hi mike and family, i am glad to hear that you are feeling better and dont worry Barker family everthing will fall into place.
sherraz
Wow, that sure is a lot of things to think about in getting a house! We know what some of it is like, because Grandpa had to re-do their house so Grandma's wheelchair could go everywhere.
Hoping Michael's nausea has been better the last few days, and I'm praying God will lead you to the right house.
~Lois
THE
MIKE BARKER FUNDRAISER
SUNDAY AUGUST 13th 2006
Golf tournament at the Lac La Biche Golf and Country Club
followed by a
Prime Rib Dinner and Silent Auction at the Lac La Biche Inn
Texas Scramble shotgun start 1:00pm
Dinner and Silent Auction 7:30pm
Golf and dinner tickets are on sale at the
Lac La Biche Golf and Country Club
Kut’ n Kurl Hair Salon
Lac La Biche Inn.
Prices are as follows:
Golf and dinner package-- $90 (To reserve power carts phone LLB Golf Course)
Prime Rib Dinner-- $40 per person
If you wish to donate a newly purchased item for the silent auction you may call
Nancy Fish at 404-5016.
If you would like to help volunteer please email Chelsey Peters at miss_chelsey@hotmail.com
Hi Guys,
How overwhelming to house hunt. You have given us more things to pray for and trust with you, that God will provide. Thanx for the updates and good info.
Still Praying,
Lawrence, Wanda,and Dezi
P.S About the Green Mike Stickers:
They were created by Chris Bunter and Scott Steel and can be purchased at The Print Shop in Lac La Biche.
Mike, Brenda and Neil
I know that time is a factor, but have you thought about building? My cousin who was disabled in a work related accident built his house in St. Albert 3 years ago and he was able to access some funds for special modifications, one being an elevator (since city lots are smaller - no choice but to build up). I know he would be more than happy to show you his house and share his experiences with you if you so desire (just call us and we can connect you).
Take care and know that you are thought of often!
Toutants
hey mike and family,
(cousin thomas here)
i only wrote once quite awhile back, and i have wanted to write after that but wasn't sure what to say...didn't want to write something that you have heard so many times.... But i should definitely mention that You are still in my prayers and i love all of you. i will be praying that God delivers the right house to you. (after all this experience mathew is getting with uncle cal building houses perhaps you might just find some land and mathew could build a wonderful wheelchair dreams house!?!? ha :)
it is so wonderful being able to hear about how this process is happening through reading this blog. and being able to read the comments of friends and family is great too.
here around my desk i have some little notes taped up on various things...they are little reminders of things i want to remember or remember to do, here's a couple of them:
I can do all things through him who gives me strength.
Be patient in affliction.
Mourn with those who mourn.
Rejoice with those who rejoice.
Be Joyful in Hope.
Love always perseveres.
Love never fails.
Practice Hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you.
these are good reminders.
doing and remembering these things brings true joy.
except for when you don't want to remember them... like early today:
(here is a quick story)
mike, i have had this consistent and ongoing injury in my left ankle that sidelined me for some of last soccer season, and after multiple injuries and then a long time of no strain on it i thought i was better and stopped wearing my "super duper" (and crazy expensive) ankle brace....then today at a little game of church soccer i rolled it and it has been hurting all day......
you know it just annoyed me so much and even made me angry....angry that i couldn't move around much...angry that i didn't wear the angkle brace when playing, angry that my ankle won't get stronger and just continually gets hurt...
i kinda wonder if you are ever angry like i was today...?
that's what i wondered and then i remembered how your mom keeps talking about how hard you are working and i remember what it means to be joyful in hope and paitent in affliction and persevere.
man you know i really want to come out and see everybody in Alberta sometime soon....
we almost went to go see steve in detroit a little while ago when we were in Ontario....but steve was out visiting you. (but i am glad he was)
(would have been nice to see lori though.....and mitchy wanted to see their big dog...i forgot it's name though)
keep up the good work and attitude as you work those many different arm and hand muscles....i am actually kinda excited to see you manouver all over the place.....(that is really cool that you will be able to get in and out of cars and stuff like that!)eventually you will have bigger arms than mathew, even though he has been swinging a hammer a lot lately...(truthfully i think that is how uncle cal gets those big guns himself....because my understanding is that when he goes downstairs to work out he is concentrating mostly on singing along to his music...ha, just kidding) (most wheel chairs guys have big arms don't they?!?)
(my parents watched this movie called murder ball...apparently it was incredible all the stuff these guys could do even though they were in wheelchairs....and apparently you should watch it!)
blessings on all you barkers.
thanks again for sharing your sorrows, concerns, joys and hopes through this blog.
it has been a gift.
it is a blessing to read. (it very often opens up my thoughts to conversation with God)
mike i will pray for your stomach and it's ability to hold down food.....i have to admit it looks like you lost some weight in some of those pictures. But obviously that weight didn't contribute to what makes mike, michael barker.
praying for you cousin.
thomas
Hey Mike
This is Emily, your cousin Thomas' girlfriend. Like tom, I realize that I have only written here once, but I wanted to remind you that you are in my prayers every single day- When I do my morning devos your name is constantly on my lips.
I pray that God continues to reveal himeself to you and through you.
I pray that God will deliver the perfect house into the hands of your family, and that, in the mean time, you will all have patience and perseverance, knowing that your lives are held by a kind and compassionate God.
peace
blessings
shalom,
Emily
Mike i am sure glad you are getting better besides the odd bad day you have been having.. Good to hear your looking for your own house to live in. I hope you can find one that fits your needs. well i hope that you continue being you and that everyday you look at not what can go wrong but what are all the good things that could happen today!!
Greets to the webmaster of this wonderful site. Keep working. Thank you.
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