Pulling my self up stairs with huge heave ho’s on the hand rail is just part of my life now - particularly when I’m lugging my briefcase and computer. Unlike Jim Forbes though, I haven’t had a stroke - but tripping and falling has also become part of my life.

If you see me approaching you on the street, you’ll notice right away that I can’t walk very well. It’s a condition that developed fairly rapidly over about the past four years. I’ve lost muscle strength in my legs. It’s something called neuropathy. From Wikipedia, it’s a condition where:

Peripheral nerves, either singly or in groups, are damaged through lack of circulation, chemical imbalance, trauma, or other factors.

It’s really weird. Besides the fact that I often walk down the street like a stumbling, hesitating drunk, my feet and legs feel like they are half-asleep all the time. It’s a weird feeling. But much better than not having my feet and legs. And it’s not painful. So really, I’m not complaining here - just explaining.

The “trauma” was probably from a massively complex surgery on my S1 vertabra that I had over twenty years ago when I had a malignant tumor removed and 30 days of follow-up radiation. I remember there was a time in the hospital then when I was looking out of the fourth story window onto a beautiful tree-lined section of Peachtree Street in Atlanta and thinking to myself that I’ll probably never be able to even venture outdoors again as a living person. That was a long-ass time ago!

That may also be why I cherish Bukidnon so much. I love being outside and enjoying the outdoors. My wife hates it, but understands, when I fling all the windows wide open and pull all the curtains back to let in the light - the sunlight, or moonlight, or starlight - and fresh air (and the attendant mosquitos).

As a consultant to electric utilities throughout the Philippines, electric cooperatives in particular, I like to get out to see their facilities, and offices, people, and service areas. Traveling by myself is getting to be a challenge. Last year I was boarding a ferry in Bohol, there was only a gang-plank between the pier and the ferry for boarding with no ropes or rails - I fell down and basically crawled across and was helped up at the other end. That’s OK.

Last week I was boarding a ferry at a large pier - but once on board, I was immediately faced with a long set of stairs. After a few very difficult steps up, a crew member came and got my bag and escorted me to my cabin. That works! But sometimes I just trip and fall while carrying nothing. I should probably get a cane. I may even need to get someone to travel with me.

Boarding the plane in Cagayan de Oro is always exciting (no seriously, it is) because you have to walk out on the tarmac. I like that. But then …. there’s all them stairs!

Even when I’m in Ortigas or Makati, if I’m faced with even two steps, it may be a challenge I can’t meet. Early last year I was meeting with Cholo Bernad at the Aboitiz offices in Makati. The receptionist said “take the elevator to the top floor … and then the stairs to the penthouse.” Stairs? I think Cholo was truly affected when I made a non-serious comment about handicap access.

I’m preparing for the day when I really can’t get out and about. So I’m working hard on building an internet-based practice. As of now, I’m not avoiding travel - I’m seeking it out. I want to do as much as I can, as long as I can.