Friends,   

Last week’s bike ride was a bittersweet bike ride for me.  I’m not talking bitter because it was only 35 degrees.  Well, I guess that was a bit nippy.  It was bittersweet because it was my last bike ride for the season.  Unless of course I switch over to a handcycle which is a good possibility. 

It was my last ride before my foot surgery; which was yesterday.  All went well and I’m looking forward to walking pain free soon.  I’m thankful for the surgeon, the staff and medical technology to make this possible.  You’ll see me on a knee scooter for the next 12 weeks as I recover.  It’ll be fun!

Even though it was only 35 degrees last Friday morning at 7:00am, we still had an awesome ride. 

Thank you to all who rode with us all year this year.  There have been some amazing improvements in quite a few people again this year.  Let’s keep moving!

Speaking of improvements, Rick was really excited to share with us and then show us that he’s walking a few steps without his walker or poles. 

This is really exciting because he’s had MS for over 40 years.  Rick’s MS has progressed to secondary progressive MS 2-1/2 years ago and he started losing his mobility rapidly.  He really engaged in exercise and bike riding this year and is making amazing progress the other way.  Bike riding is transferring over to walking better for Rick.  It’s also helping him with being able to keep his head up as that’s been a challenge for Rick.  MS is challenging! 

Way to go Rick and thanks for sharing your journey.  You’re giving many people with MS hope.  Rick will be the first to tell us that he wouldn’t be able to do this without the help of many friends helping him.  That’s true and that’s what we’re here for.  Rick did his part by accepting the help and being very grateful to everyone that’s helped.  He also did his part by “DOING the HARD WORK” necessary.  It’s not easy but it’s certainly worth it.  I’m thankful Rick’s body is adapting to it and making progress as so many others have.

We’ll be getting together again Wednesday @ 11:30 for our prayer group.  We’ll be giving thanks to God for our blessings and praying however God leads us.  Feel free to join us.

I’m not sure if Linda will be doing another alcohol art class Friday or not.  I guess you’ll have to show up and see.

We all need to “Just Keep Moving”!  It doesn’t matter where we start.  We can start with laughing which is great exercise in itself.  Other than that, we start with the body parts that will move and keep moving them as much as we can.  Let them rest and then move them again.

I know there are still many of us going through other life challenges in addition to our challenges with MS.  Let’s stick together, keep our chins up and keep sharing our journey.  Better days are ahead.  For those of you who haven’t been able to make it by us on Wednesdays and Fridays lately, please know you are missed and in my thoughts and prayers.  I hope you’re able to make it back soon!

I hope you’ll join us both Wednesday and Friday again this week.   Remember…consistency is key.  With MS, it takes a lot of consistent effort every day to make small improvements.  Yes, it’s frustrating so be patient and consistent and you’ll be amazed how your quality of life will continue to improve.  It’s been about 17 years of exercising just about every day for me and I’m still making improvements (encouragement, love, support, nutritionand proper rest help immensely too).  It takes time so please be patient.  It sure is better than MS getting worse.  I really don’t know what my life would be like if I didn’t do this (nor do I want to find out).  I’m so thankful you are all joining me on this journey of making progress with our MS and quality of life…THANK YOU!  We’ll continue to learn together…there’s so much power in the love and support we all share with each other.

In the past, I’ve been telling you to bring a friend.  Unfortunately, we’re going to need to start a waiting list for new people.  Please feel free to continue to share your experience and what we’re doing together.  Let me know of anyone who would like to join us.  I’ll communicate with these people through e-mail or phone and help them any way I can.  When we have room for them to join us, I’ll encourage them to do that.  If you’ve joined us in the past, please continue to join us.

We are here to help you and anyone with MS…no strings attached (well maybe an occasional story about the progress you’re making, smile, high five or a hug).  I remember how challenging life used to be when my MS was bad.  I get great joy sharing what I’ve learned and feel blessed with the progress I’ve made.  I hope you make progress in some way too!

Place:  W228N791 Westmound Dr.
Waukesha, WI

When:  Wednesday morning from 9:30am – 12:30pm (open gym concept, come for all or part of it)
Friday morning from 9:30 – 12:30pm  (open gym concept, come for all or part of it)

Dan Erschen

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