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This week I encountered a common problem for many homeowners. The toilet was continuing to run. I quickly determined the problem was with the “flapper.” An example is pictured off to the left. As you can see, it is all rubber, so it’s easy to remove the old one and install a new one. It generally takes longer to get the flapper out of the packaging than it does to actually install it. In the past, I would have just gone to the hardware store and picked one up and installed it myself, but that’s not possible for me anymore because of my limited physical abilities. I had to call a plumber.

Having become disabled after being active all my life has left me feeling many things. It starts with frustration. You know you can do something because it’s so simple, but you can’t because of your disability. It can make you very mad at yourself. You can feel useless and sorry for yourself all because of some minor thing. There is no easy way to resolve these feelings, but I have been somewhat successful by reminding myself about all the things I can still do. However, that’s not easy because the failed spinal fusion means that I am slowly losing more and more function in my legs. I was reminded of that this week also. I have been told that I will need a wheelchair in the future, but for now a walker works for me. It amazes me how a common minor problem can invoke such a complex array of emotions. Figuratively, I have to get back up again. Perhaps, next week I will be back up.