For Cameron, accessible spaces can be elusive. Some places are easy to enter in a power wheelchair, while others are most definitely not.
One of Cam's favorite Christmas presents was definitely the handicap buttons for our door leading from the house to the garage. We knew that the set up of the new handicap buttons would be challenging, but we also knew that the lasting impact it would have for Cam was the goal.
Over the course of two days totaling close to 8 hours of work, Chris and neighbor Dave, along with Cam completed the installation.
The entire door needed to be removed and the frame adjusted at the top of the door. Power was added to the ceiling, which was a requirement. The mechanism itself was tricky to configure but the team made it happen. Perhaps the best part of the entire package was the ability to install the actual buttons anywhere since they are wirelessly connected. Going out into the garage, Cam's button is on the wall away from the door to make it easier to access. Coming in from the garage, it is right next to the door. The delay mechanism was configurable for automatic door closure after x seconds.
Jane has found it to be incredibly helpful while bringing in groceries. Cameron has gained a new sense of independence being able to easily exit and enter without any assistance!
Ringing in the New Year was uneventful for our family as we stayed in and barely made it to midnight. Cameron chose to follow his normal routine and asked us to record the countdown.
Since Cam was still enjoying his winter break, Ms. Amanda came over at the end of the week. She and Cam exchanged presents. Amanda gave her buddy a new Guess Who game with land and sea animals. We had no idea this version existed and it has been one of Cam's all-time favorite games!
Over the weekend, Chris and son made bread in one of Jane's Christmas gifts, a KitchenAid mixer. All of the different attachments certainly come in handy and it is so much easier to use versus the hand mixer. The outcome was two delicious loaves of homemade goodness.
While Chris attended volunteer duties for adaptive skiing, Jane and Cam went through their holiday cards and refreshed the magnet board with the 2024 card pictures that were received. It's fun to see all of our peeps on a daily basis and be reminded that the old-fashioned tradition (Cam's perception) of sending cards still exists.
Camology Quotes:
Cameron has been experiencing some leg tightness since early December and we've been trying to pinpoint the cause. At Cam's PT appointment, it was determined that the muscle change may be due to the absence of his pool therapy since late November due to the instructor being on medical leave. Cam's immediate comment was: "Who knew not being in the pool every week could be this detrimental?!"
