In this episode, I continue the story of my year-long research for a permanent placement in a skilled nursing facility. I also talk about recovering from the emotional trauma of a very bad experience over Thanksgiving weekend 2025. It includes the story of how I found it amazing online faith community that has been a great support to me during these difficult times. I recorded this episode in July 2026, right before I moved to a new nursing facility. It’s taken me two months to get around to editing it. I considered doing a basic edit and not adding any fancy features to the YouTube version. On the other hand, I want to prove I can still maintain the kind of quality episodes I used to make even though I’m in a new environment with an ever-worsening disability. So I encourage you to check out the YouTube version.Links of Interest“Ol’ Man River” on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ol%27_Man_River“Ol’ Man River” sung by Paul Robeson on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df4VdyGIqJ8“I Believe in Father Christmas” by Greg Lake on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfY4b1NszpYHome video of Christmas 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhyqLAN3CPsHome video of building a robot with my great-nephew Leighton: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVLUKIoYADQTumbller robot kit on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/ELEGOO-Tumbller-Self-Balancing-Engineering-Compatible/dp/B07QWJH77V/Radio-controlled car I bought for my great-nephew Beckett: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5HCX4J6?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1Heart rock band on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heart_(band)Billy Joel and Sting at Lucas Oil Stadium: https://www.lucasoilstadium.com/event/billy-joel-and-sting-one-night-one-stage/Foreigner “Jukebox Hero Tour”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRQ5spXrlugStyx “Jukebox Hero Tour”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OsNfUQyvts“Avatar: Fire and Ash” (2025): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1757678/“Project Hail Mary” (2026): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12042730/Dan McClellan on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@maklelan“Data Over Dogma” podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dataoverdogmaJeremy Steele on “Data Over Dogma”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXvgcXtcgQcJeremy Steele “Skeptic Pastor”: https://www.youtube.com/@skeptic.pastorMy 1st interview on “Unbelief” podcast 1/11/2026: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwFtQNNCpMIMy 2nd interview on “Unbelief” podcast 8/10/2026: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aATOBOMQcBs“The Tribulation Survival Guide” book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Tribulation-Survival-Guide-Alive-Everything-ebook/dp/B0GBZ4FZVM/Arlington Place: https://trilogyhs.com/senior-living/in/indianapolis/arlington-place-health-campus/Greenwood Healthcare Center: https://communicarehealth.com/location/greenwood-healthcare-center/For more episodes: https://contemplating-life.com/Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/contemplatinglifeWhere to listen to this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/contemplatinglifeYouTube playlist of this and all other episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFFRYfZfNjHL8bFCmGDOBvEiRbzUiiHpq

This is part two of the story of Thanksgiving week 2025, when I tried to give my sister Carol time off to visit family in Texas. Things did not go well.Links of InterestGreenwood Healthcare Center: https://communicarehealth.com/location/greenwood-healthcare-center/For more episodes: https://contemplating-life.com/Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/contemplatinglifeWhere to listen to this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/contemplatinglifeYouTube playlist of this and all other episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFFRYfZfNjHL8bFCmGDOBvEiRbzUiiHpq

In this latest installment of my ongoing series about my struggles to find a safe and comfortable place to live, I tell a harrowing tale of Thanksgiving week, 2025. I made arrangements so my sister Carol could go to Texas to visit family. I had a solid plan for who would take care of me while she was gone. Then everything for part. This is part one of a two-part story.Links of InterestGreenwood Healthcare Center: https://communicarehealth.com/location/greenwood-healthcare-center/My Ultimate Remote Control: https://learn.adafruit.com/building-the-assistive-technology-ultimate-remote“Life” cereal commercial featuring Mikey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLQ0LZSnJFETraditional Hoyer lift sling: https://www.hillrom.com/en/products/sph-seated-slings/Two-piece lift seat similar to mine: https://www.medicalexpo.com/prod/horcher-medical-systems/product-68764-450122.htmlFor more episodes: https://contemplating-life.com/Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/contemplatinglifeWhere to listen to this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/contemplatinglifeYouTube playlist of this and all other episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFFRYfZfNjHL8bFCmGDOBvEiRbzUiiHpq

In this episode, I chronicle a yearlong search for a suitable skilled nursing facility.This is part five of my continuing series recounting my efforts to maintain my benefits and live in a safe, comfortable environment. Links of InterestWellbrooke of Avon: https://trilogyhs.com/senior-living/in/indianapolis/wellbrooke-of-avon/Yes Symphonic live DVD: https://www.amazon.com/Symphonic-Live-Blu-ray-Yes/dp/B0052WBI0W/ref=tmm_blu_swatch_0ELP concert DVD: https://www.amazon.com/Emerson-Lake-Palmer-Anniversary-Reunion/dp/B0052Y0FJ0/ref=sr_1_6My episode 13 “The Ascending View”: https://contemplating-life.com/?p=74Arduino microcontrollers: https://www.arduino.cc/Adafruit Industries hobby electronics: https://www.adafruit.com/ATMakers: https://atmakers.org/Engineering Ella video from ATMakers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNFvhjCJYb4Old National Center: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_National_CentreComedian Josh Johnson on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoshJohnsonComedyFantastic Four: First Steps (2025): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10676052/FT Tiny Trainer RC airplane bundle: https://store.flitetest.com/ft-tiny-trainer-complete-starter-bundle/Clearvista Lake Health Campus: https://trilogyhs.com/senior-living/in/indianapolis/clearvista-lake-health-campus/Arlington Place: https://trilogyhs.com/senior-living/in/indianapolis/arlington-place-health-campus/Alpha Home: https://www.alphahomeawc.com/Episode 22 “The Reunion”: https://contemplating-life.com/?p=149Hurricane Helene: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_HeleneB Cubed Press: https://bcubedpress.wordpress.com/“Alternative Liberties” (2025 anthology): https://www.amazon.com/Alternative-Liberties-Alternatives-Bob-Brown-ebook/dp/B0DT176GYK/FEMA 50% rule: https://www.sc-pa.com/appraisal-info/damage-reporting/understanding-the-fema-50-rule/Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association: https://sfwa.org/For more episodes: https://contemplating-life.com/Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/contemplatinglifeWhere to listen to this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/contemplatinglifeYouTube playlist of this and all other episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFFRYfZfNjHL8bFCmGDOBvEiRbzUiiHpq

In this special episode, I present an essay about my feelings about leaving the home I’ve lived in since I was three years old. Normally, a podcast like this would include lots of nostalgic photos of my home and neighborhood. Unfortunately, I don’t have time or energy to create the kind of video masterpiece I would normally create for such an episode. This time, it’s just me talking. Here is my nostalgic essay “It’s Just a Building.”Links of InterestEagledale neighborhood, Indianapolis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eagledale,_IndianapolisFor more episodes: https://contemplating-life.com/Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/contemplatinglifeWhere to listen to this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/contemplatinglifeYouTube playlist of this and all other episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFFRYfZfNjHL8bFCmGDOBvEiRbzUiiHpq

In this episode, I fast-forward through events after my dad died in February 2019 up until July 2025, after I made the decision to actively pursue placement in a skilled nursing facility. It includes a video of a speech I gave at my 70th birthday.This is part four of my continuing series recounting my efforts to maintain my benefits and live in a safe, comfortable environment. Links of InterestEpisode 66 “I Was Nearly Murdered” https://contemplating-life.com/?p=331Wellbrooke of Avon: https://trilogyhs.com/senior-living/in/indianapolis/wellbrooke-of-avon/Father Paul Landwerlen obituary: https://www.archindy.org/criterion/local/2025/06-13/landwerlen.htmlEpisode 12 in which I discuss my fear of death: https://contemplating-life.com/?p=69Episode 14 in which I discuss how I got past my fears: https://contemplating-life.com/?p=76Street view of mile marker 20.1 on I-465 where we had a flat tire: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KdU9GtU4UMkSnGaQ8Hoosier Helpers from IDOT: https://www.in.gov/indot/current-programs/hoosier-helpers/Wellbrooke of Avon: https://trilogyhs.com/senior-living/in/indianapolis/wellbrooke-of-avon/Greenwood Healthcare Center: https://communicarehealth.com/location/greenwood-healthcare-center/Private Room at Wellbrooke: https://share.icloud.com/photos/010P48zzQC-vwzoSBLcuL-OuwVideo from my 60th birthday party: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhJT0-3KFcMVideo from my 70th birthday party: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2EIBq4vxr8Episode 78 about my friend Buz: https://contemplating-life.com/?p=424Episode 45 about my friend Mike Gregory: https://contemplating-life.com/?p=256World record donation for SMA treatment: https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/663805-largest-donation-for-a-patients-medical-treatmentMost expensive drugs: https://www.drugs.com/article/top-10-most-expensive-drugs.htmlEvrysdi (Risdiplam) the SMA drug I take. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RisdiplamZolgensma and Itvisma gene therapies for people with SMA: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onasemnogene_abeparvovecFor more episodes: https://contemplating-life.com/Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/contemplatinglifeWhere to listen to this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/contemplatinglifeYouTube playlist of this and all other episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFFRYfZfNjHL8bFCmGDOBvEiRbzUiiHpq

In this episode, I cover the events surrounding my dad’s funeral. The episode includes the audio of the eulogy I gave. I highly recommend you watch the YouTube version, as it includes a slideshow of photos of my dad to accompany the eulogy.This is part three of my continuing series recounting my efforts to maintain my benefits and live in a safe, comfortable environment. Links of InterestStevens MortuaryCalgary Catholic CemeteryObituary for my Dad. Includes the slideshow shown at the mortuaryStandalone audio with slideshow of my dad’s eulogy: Prayer of St. FrancisSheet Metal Workers Local 20Sheet Metal Workers Credit UnionTarpenning-Lafollette Co., where dad worked: Google Street view of cathedral doorsFleming and AssociatesMatthew 25:31-46 (NABRE)Matthew 7:20 (NABRE)Soldiers’ and Sailors’ MonumentUltimate Remote ControlFor more episodesSupport us on PatreonWhere to listen to this podcastYouTube playlist of this and all other episodes: 

In this next chapter in my ongoing series recounting my efforts to live in a safe, comfortable environment, it is finally time to talk about my dad’s death. To put it in context, we take a deep dive into his life and go down some side routes, talking about my family in general. These times were also complicated because my sister Carol was battling throat cancer. This is a very long episode, but there is no good place to split it in the middle. The YouTube version has many photos, videos, and illustrations. So, you might want to watch this one rather than just listen.Links of InterestIndiana School for the Deaf Delirium tremens a.k.a. “The DTs”Arsenal Technical High SchoolMission Impossible (1966 TV series) Peter LupusSydenham's chorea a.k.a. Saint Vitus' dance: Old Indianapolis City HallDefense Finance and Accounting Service: Emmett J. Bean Finance CenterFort Benjamin HarrisonGallaudet UniversitySheet Metal Workers Union: Indiana Bell TelephoneHPV-positive oropharyngeal cancerMy video about the NFL “Crucial Catch” ceremony 10/21/2018: Central Indiana Council on Aging (CICOAGreenwood Healthcare Center: For more episodesSupport us on PatreonWhere to listen to this podcastYouTube playlist of this and all other episodes: 

In this episode, I continue my series by recounting my efforts to maintain my Medicare and Medicaid benefits and live in a safe, comfortable environment.Links of InterestSpecial Needs Trust: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_needs_trustEmployer Identification Number (EIN): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Employer_Identification_NumberCentral Indiana Council on Aging (CICOA): https://cicoa.org/2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_FIFA_World_CupSurname “Adewale” 218th most common in Nigeria: https://forebears.io/surnames/adewaleLarue Carter Mental Hospital: https://indyencyclopedia.org/larue-carter-hospital/For more episodes: https://contemplating-life.com/Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/contemplatinglifeWhere to listen to this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/contemplatinglifeYouTube playlist of this and all other episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFFRYfZfNjHL8bFCmGDOBvEiRbzUiiHpq

In this episode, I am beginning a series that could possibly be the last of this podcast. It might not be. But it’s a series I need to get finished in case this is the last.Unless I pull off a minor logistical miracle sometime in the foreseeable future, I will be leaving the house that I have lived in since I was a few weeks shy of my fourth birthday. I will be moving into a skilled nursing facility where I hope to live out my days in comfort.This series will chronicle my battles to receive the benefits I need to live a safe and fulfilling life. It will lead up to my current situation, which has led me to conclude that it’s time to move on to a different setting. I have no idea how long this series will take. It’s a long story.Links of InterestSpinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spinal_muscular_atrophyDuchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duchenne_muscular_dystrophyIndiana Department of Vocational Rehabilitation: https://www.in.gov/fssa/ddars/brs/vocational-rehabilitation-employment/Indiana Aged and Disabled Waiver: https://www.in.gov/medicaid/members/home-and-community-based-services/aged-and-disabled-waiver/Indiana Development Disability Waivers: https://www.in.gov/medicaid/members/home-and-community-based-services/family-supports-waiver/Developmental Disability Defined: https://www.in.gov/gcpd/developmental-disability/An older document defining DD: https://www.in.gov/fssa/ddars/files/Eligibility_and_ICF_ID_DD_LOC_Determination_signed.pdfMensa International: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mensa_InternationalTypes of trusts: https://blogs.iu.edu/sharedsolutions/2023/08/21/planning-for-the-future-special-needs-and-miller-trusts-explained/Newspaper article about Special Needs Integrity agency: https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2015/11/16/nonprofit-accused-taking-millions/75886746/Interview with Greg Fehribach: https://www.ibj.com/videos/interview-issue-2015-greg-fehribachFor more episodes: https://contemplating-life.com/Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/contemplatinglifeWhere to listen to this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/contemplatinglifeYouTube playlist of this and all other episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFFRYfZfNjHL8bFCmGDOBvEiRbzUiiHpq