I think it’s safe to say that most of us (here in NY at least) are currently suffering from a phenomenon known as cabin fever. That phrase first appeared in 1918. Historians suggest that it described the madness of early settlers in North America who were trapped for long winters inside their log cabins.

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Not surprisingly, Alaska holds the title for having the most areas of extreme isolation. Cities and towns are basically cut off from services, especially during the extreme winter months. For Mike right now, he might as well be living in Alaska. He is like a prisoner in his home.

This has been a tough winter for many reasons. Of course, the overwhelming one is the very cold arctic air that we’ve endured these last couple of months. Living in upstate New York, it’s somewhat par for the course to have snow and cold, and we actually have it pretty good compared to the western part of the state. (That lake effect snow is no joke.) But in upstate, we are having a record-setting winter as far as snowfall and extremely cold temperatures.

That bone-chilling cold air makes simply leaving the house unbearable.

I see why people with mobility challenges end up moving south, at least for the winter months. Keeping Mike safe means keeping him inside, period. Venturing out into the cold, often snowy and icy conditions is scrutinized heavily (by myself) as to its importance and necessity. Luckily, he respects my decision as to whether we go out or stay in.

But being trapped inside leaves him feeling restless and somewhat more depressed than usual. Especially given the fact that he loves skiing and snowshoeing and can’t do any of that right now. He longs to walk down to his shop but that remains prohibited because of the ice and dangerous conditions.

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Last Tuesday, Mike got his first dose of Botox. Dr. Doyle said it will take two weeks to see its full effect. We are in Week 2. We saw the emergence of slight functional movement last week and Mike, along with his therapist, Jaycee, have noticed improvement almost daily. Jaycee is working with Mike just about five days a week at this point.

I was able to set Mike’s gym up as his own personal rehab area. This gives him a safe space to work out and do his exercises. It keeps him from being completely bored as well.

I also found parallel bars that I put together myself for him to safely practice walking with no cane when he’s alone.

We also have a table with a mirror for him to do his arm and hand therapy. Jaycee put together a “bootcamp” plan that he follows every day. He loves being down in his gym. It gives him a purpose and he so desperately needs that right now.

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The Botox was administered in various locations in Mike’s left arm and left leg. Dr. Doyle will follow up at the 6-week mark to see how things are going and what may need to be tweaked for next time. The maximum effect should last about 3 to 4 months.

Luckily, the injections did not hurt but the needles were very intimidating! I was happy that Mike was able to tolerate them well. He was nervous, though, and it kind of made me chuckle. I mean, the man is covered in tattoos but was asking the doctor if there was any numbing spray so he wouldn’t feel the needle go in. :-p

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Mike and I went to his cabin in Lake Placid this past weekend. Well, he calls it a cabin. It’s more like a house.

Mike started the process of building it in 2016. It still needs some finish work inside but there is a full working kitchen and bathroom, as well as two bedrooms and a beautiful main room with a fireplace. It is so cozy and comfortable to stay in for a long weekend. It was nice to get away. We snuggled in front of the fireplace and watched the Olympics and some movies.

We hadn’t been to the cabin in 6 months. As we sat in the living room, Mike’s eyes teared up a bit as he commented how proud he is of the cabin. I told him he should be very proud. He did a phenomenal job. It’s just beautiful.

It’s amazing to me that someone can basically build a house and do their own inside finish work when they’ve had no formal training. It just comes naturally to him. My brain definitely isn’t wired that way. Of course, his sons helped as well. They are all very capable handymen.

While it was a very nice and relaxing weekend, I could see it was hard for Mike to be there and not be able to work on anything. There is still a lot to do and he is used to doing what needs to be done.

I tell him he will get back to where he was, but I honestly don’t know that that brings him much, if any, consolation anymore. We are 10-plus months post stroke and he’s progressing so well but it’s still not as fast as he would like.

Last year, Mike and I did a lot of snowshoeing. We both really enjoyed it and were looking forward to doing a lot more this winter and, also, add some downhill skiing.

I’ll be honest…it was tough not being able to do those things this winter. Mike worries about me and communicates that often by saying he knows I didn’t sign up for this and we can postpone the wedding if I want til he is better. I always remind him that the happiest place for me is by his side, whatever that looks like. I am fine to wait til he can do those activities and it will make it that much more special.

We did give snowshoeing a try outside the cabin and, while I may be a bit biased, I thought he did great!

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Last week, Mike received leg braces, one for each leg. He’s been waiting for a while to get these. They were specifically custom made for him. They bring stability to his stride which allows him to walk with a lot more confidence as well.

Now, he jokes that he’s basically Forrest Gump. He has such a great sense of humor about everything.

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We also had our final meeting with Pastor Paul last week in preparation for our wedding. We both are quite fond of him and feel very blessed that he will perform the ceremony. He’s gotten to know us pretty well over the last few months, our respective histories, and our “story”. He remarked how impressed he is with Mike with how he’s handled the after-effects of the stroke. It was a very touching acknowledgment of the remarkable person Mike is and how he has approached his new normal with such grace and humility.

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Yesterday, Mike was walking through the house and instinctively turned on the light with his left hand. He excitedly texted me about it. He said it wasn’t pretty but he was able to do it.

And I don’t know about you all, but I think he’s getting ready to conduct an orchestra next. He sure isn’t using his cane for walking :-p