A New Chapter For Matt
Tomorrow begins a new chapter for Matt, and it’s one that he and I are both very excited about. I’m not even sure where to begin with this story, so I’ll start at the beginning. A while back, one of my dear friends, Lisa, suffered from a spinal stroke (which I had never even heard of before) which left her unable to walk.
Through her physical therapy, she met a physical therapist who told her about a new gym that was opening in Waco called Waco Adapt. It’s a gym that is specifically for people with various disabilities that may preclude them from using a regular gym. It’s a gym where physical therapy, rehabilitation, and fitness all collide.
So Lisa and her husband Jon have been active at this gym since the doors opened earlier this year, and the stories they tell of the people, their triumphs, and their determination, have been so encouraging. And from the beginning, she has said, “Kristi, I really want Matt to come!”
I really wanted Matt to go, too. I just wasn’t sure how we could actually work that in. Over the last three years, Matt’s abilities have diminished (due to his M.S.) to the point that I literally have to do everything for him at this point. Until a couple of years ago, Matt had lost the use of his legs and his right arm, but he still had the use of his left arm (and he’s right-arm dominant). But he could still feed himself, pick up a glass of water and drink, etc. He didn’t have great fine motor skills with his left arm, but he could do the basics.
Then he got sick and had to go to the hospital. He went into that hospital stay able to use his left arm, and he came out of that hospital stay no longer able to use his left arm. I have no idea what happened. That wasn’t the regular progression of M.S. Matt was diagnosed with M.S. about 22 years ago, and his loss of motor skills has always been very slow. Progressive, but slow. But this was a complete loss of his whole arm and hand over a three-day hospital stay, which leads me to believe that it was caused by something else. I have no idea what that something else is, though.
Ever since that hospital stay a couple of years ago, Matt hasn’t been able to do anything on his own. His medical papers list him as a “functional quadriplegic”. He has never regained the use of his left arm or hand. That means that if he needs to eat, I have to feed him. If he just needs a drink of water, I have to give it to him. He can’t use a remote control to turn the T.V. off and on. Nothing. To say that life has gotten more challenging since that hospital stay would be an understatement. That also means that he requires much more of my time and attention, which means that I have less time to work. As the breadwinner of our household, that has naturally put more stress on me. (That’s not a complaint. I’m just describing our current situation. Matt isn’t a difficult person to take care of at all. Time-consuming, yes. Difficult, no.)
So when Lisa and Jon told me about this gym, I really wanted to find a way for Matt to go. I think it would be so good for him, not only for the workouts, but also for the community. But my main issue was time. I already have so little of it to put towards work, and I couldn’t even imagine when I could fit in taking Matt to the gym three (or more) times a week. So I told Lisa that I’d have to think about it and see if we could figure something out.
Well, this past Monday, Lisa and I and a few other friends went to lunch together. Since we have a wheelchair van, I picked her up, and on the way, we started talking about the gym again. I asked her if they had any kind of service where they pick people up from their home, take them to the gym, help them work out, and then bring them back. She said they didn’t because they don’t have a transport vehicle. Well, we were sitting in a transport vehicle at that very moment. We have a wheelchair van.
When I mentioned that, her eyes lit up. She said, “Kristi, we can take him!” I told her not to commit to anything just yet. I mean, it’s a big commitment, and she would need to talk to Jon about it. And even then, I figured it might need to start on a trial basis and see if this is even feasible.
But Lisa was so excited about it that she went home after lunch and called the owner of the gym (I’m assuming he’s the owner, but maybe not) to work out some arrangements. Then she texted me and said that even he was willing to come to our house and pick up Matt and take him in our van.
I was pretty amazed, to be honest. I mean, this is far more than a gym. I can’t think of any other gym where the people who run the place are so committed to seeing people get healthy that they’d come and pick the person up and take them.
So we haven’t worked out all the details yet, but I’m taking Matt to the gym tomorrow morning to meet the physical therapist and the other people there, to see everything they have available that may be of use to Matt, and to see if we can work out a plan of action.
I’m hoping and praying that this all works out. Matt is very excited about it. The most immediate goal for Matt is to regain the use of his left arm and hand. If he can do that, it will be a massive victory. Just that one thing would drastically improve his quality of life and free up so much of my time.
But they also have one of those machines that helps people with disabilities to stand. And two days before this whole gym conversation even came up, Matt told me, out of the blue, “Before the end of this year, I want to stand.” When he told me that, I had no clue how we could even make that happen. We obviously don’t have the equipment for that at home. Matt hasn’t stood in ten years, so getting him into a standing position, with his feet on the floor and his knees straight, didn’t even seem possible. But this gym happens to have the very thing that we would need in order for Matt to reach that goal by the end of this year. It would have to be a very slow process since he hasn’t put pressure on his joints in so long. But he seems determined.
Whether or not he reaches that goal, I’m excited to see him so excited. And even though we haven’t even been there yet, and we haven’t met any of the other people there yet, I’ve already gotten a small glimpse of the strong, supportive community they’re building there. So Matt’s new chapter begins tomorrow, and I can’t wait to see him become part of this supportive community. I think it will actually be so good for him to be around other people who have similar struggles that he faces and seeing them tackle those challenges head on.
By the way, if you live in the Waco area, Waco Adapt runs on donations from the community. Matt and I will have no problem paying for Matt’s membership, but I know there are a lot of people in the community who could benefit from this gym, but don’t have the money for a membership. If you’re interested in being involved in helping others with disabilities be able to work out, get the rehab they need, and be a part of this supportive community, there are opportunities to do so on the website: Waco Adapt.
Here’s a short video I found from a local news station about the gym:
Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
I read your blog daily but never comment. This post made me tear up. I have never wanted a goal to be met so badly. Go Matt!!
Same! Rarely comment… and teared up. Praying this is a huge blessing – GO MATT GO!!!!!!!!
I also rarely comment, but I will pray that Matt achieves his goals.
Oh WoW! That’s fantastic. Good Luck to both of you. Hope everything goes works out.
That is so amazing! I will be praying that he can meet his goal and that he can regain some autonomy. I am so excited for y’all!
God bless him, you, them.
That sounds exciting and I’m glad he’s happy.
OK, so I teared up a bit. Guilty. BUT, I also have a new daily prayer intention AND a great place to donate to. No, I’m not local. But my check is good and it is going in the mail today.
❤️
What a blessing this will be for Matt! I pray it all works out and he enjoys all the benefits of this gym can offer.
Wonderful!! God is at work.
Amen! Praying for you, Matt, and everyone else involved.
How exciting for ya’ll to get this opportunity! Prayers for a successful mission!
I hope this isn’t too nosy, but does Matt still use the exercise bike? I thought you had mentioned it recently. If so, how? I am so happy about this new phase and wish him the best!
He does! In fact, most days he uses it for three hours. It’s a Theracycle, which is made for people with neurological diseases, specifically Parkinson’s disease, but it helps with others also. There are two styles — one that you sit on so that it’s more similar to a regular bicycle, and one that is made for people in wheelchairs. We have the latter one. And it’s an automatic cycle, so it moves his legs for him. It’s great because it helps with circulation (especially when he does it for three hours!), and it forces him to sit up in his wheelchair while he’s using it. But he’s not actually pushing the pedals himself like you have to do on a regular workout bike.
That is super exciting! Most of all, I wish y’all a bunch of patience to embrace and witness what comes from this change of activity. If he wants to keep any changes for him quiet, that’s okay and his business. I’m most excited to just see a new opportunity. I hope this enhances his day-to-day, at least with some extra faces and optimism.
Praying for Matt, you and this ministry!!!!!!
God always has a plan! I’ll pray for progress towards yours and Matt’s desire!
This is amazing to hear! God’s plan is in motion! Hugs!
That’s wonderful news! I pray this really works out for Matt. Looking forward to hear any update you want to give us. (I know you don’t owe us any information. I just love to hear about good things happening to you both.)
I am praying that this will work out for Matt. I think the socializing will be so good for him. GO MATT
This is an amazing opportunity for both of you. As long as he is motivated, he will make progress! And ALL progress counts. Good luck and please keep us updated.
What a blessing! I hope you both find a wonderful, supportive community to be part of there, and I hope that Matt regains as much mobility and ability as he possibly can.
This is so thrilling to read! I’m excited for both of you and in awe of how God orchestrates these things.
Kristi,
That is amazing news! I’ll be praying for both of you, but particularly Matt to have the best results possible!
This sounds like a godsend for Matt! Please ask them to give you their opinions on what is going on with his body as they work with him. Too many times, once a diagnosis is given by docs, that becomes the catchall for any changes. The docs seem to get caught up in putting everything in the same box. No consideration that there might be something else happening, unrelated to MS or any other chronic diagnosis. Please give us updates on what he’s going through. Whatever is going on with him affects you. I believe that I can say that the majority of us are invested in your life and not just the decorating. We have spouses, cats, dogs and a daily life that is probably not as complicated as yours. We admire you Kristi and want the best for your whole family.
That is amazing!
Wonderful! My sister attends a “wellness gym” for people with disabilities, she goes twice a week and has for several years now. It’s such a help to her (she has dystonia).
I’m with everyone else in praying that all works out for you and Matt, that this will be a blessing for you both
I think it will be great for Matt to get out of the house and meet people with similar challenges. With a lot of motivation, determination and a hopefully, a miracle from God, Matt will reach his goal of standing on his own.
I am so happy that Matt is going to be able to get out among people. The physical therapy will be wonderful for his body and more importantly, his mind. And your mind too. I am so thankful you found this place. I pray only the best for you and Matt on your new chapter.
The work can wait. This is more important. God bless you both.
In case you dont understand……no work…..NO MONEY! She’s the breadwinner here.
This is so exciting! It seems like the LORD is working out all the logistics. Please keep up posted and looking forward to some positive updates on Matt!
That’s amazing!
Another eye leaker here. This is so exciting. I hope Matt is able to obtain his goal and more!!
This left me in tears. I have great hopes for what this could mean for Matt and for you. The emotional boost of getting to know others would be such a benefit for him and for you to see through his eyes.
I don’t think those of us who ‘know’ you by reading your blog had any idea how much care Matt needs. You love him and you are giving your all. May God bless your self-sacrificing spirit of generosity and the joyful loyalty you show.
Even though we may never meet in person, you are dear to me. I want you to know that. I admire you on so many levels.
I am anxious to hear how things turn out at the gym.
This is wonderful news. I pray that this helps Matt so much & praying for you too.
Best of luck to you both with this new program. Hope you can achieve all your dreams. Will keep you both in my prayers.
Thank you, Lord! Praying Matt loves the place and details work out for transport.
Oh this is so exciting, Kristi!! I hope that it’s a wonderful experience for you and Matt AND helps him regain mobility. 💜 Blessings!!!
Kristi, I got the best kind of chills as I read this. What an amazing opportunity. I pray that this is the start of a beautiful new chapter for both of you and that the potential benefits you’ve shared are just the cusp of new blessings for you both. ❤️
I’ve never written before, but with this wonderful news, I had to! I’ll be thinking of you & Matt. Please keep us posted as much you & Matt are comfortable with sharing. I know I’m not your only reader who will be here, cheering Matt on!!!
bobbie R.N. (ret.)
This made me smile and cry at the same time. I’m so full of hope for you and Matt. Anxiously awaiting your update on how it goes!
My daughter was an adaptive fitness trainer at a similar gym in the northeast. She and her coworkers made a huge difference in the lives of their clients. She helped train a client with MS to walk down the aisle at his wedding as a surprise for his bride!
If the machine you’re referring to is an Alter-G zero gravity treadmill, you should give a try too! You zip into neoprene shorts and then the top of the shorts zips into a bag that includes the treadmill belt. The bag fills with a specified air pressure to provide almost full bouyancy all the way to almost none. It’s like a moon walk –until you get out and your body seems to have doubled in weight.
A good trainer and motivated client can work miracles — I wish you the best!
https://alterg.com/find-an-alterg?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21394571460&gbraid=0AAAAA95Mn9dWj9cKGEN9CZVTSrr9tEXKk&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlZ-ZpYP4lAMVuSnUAR2vew9EEAAYASADEgK_gfD_BwE
I was diagnosed Jan 2025 but had symptoms one year prior. I have left side tremors, rigidity, some dystonia in my toes and bradykinesia (all mild so far) but I still feel great and am able to go about my day without being on any medication. I try to exercise every day as well. I personally want to steer clear of any medication for as long as I can due to the fact that long term use of carbidopa-levodopa is commonly associated with side effects. I could fall asleep but can’t stay asleep. I wake up between 3 and 4 am every night. I used different supplements like Macuna and high doze B12 that didn’t work, so last July, i tried the PD-5 protocol—the best decision ever! My tremors eased, my strength returned, and I sleep soundly for 8 hours. I feel like a new woman, and I can walk and exercise again. We got the PD-5 Protocol from this website ww w. limitless naturalwellness. co m
Kristi, this sounds so promising and I really hope it’s a positive experience for both of you.
Praise the Lord!