The Dragon Slayer's Guide to Life

Scenes from A Friday with the Rolling Rishi and The Save the Starship Fund

You would think the life of a quadriplegic would be much more exotic and glamorous... For those of you who have wondered what Fridays with the Rolling Rishi are really like, this scenario is absolutely true:

Michael's van, affectionately known as "The Starship" has a few "issues" beyond what one would normally expect in a 103,000 mile mini-van. When I met him on Friday with plans to help him get to the Sprint store to replace his failing phone he pulled into the parking lot, rolled down the window and said,

"It took me a few seconds to realize the implications, but look..."

Scenes from Good Friday with The Rolling Rishi

RR: That was really good.  Kind of like "the lighter side."

Me: Of The Crucifixion?!?!

RR: Well, yeah, because it was kids.

Michael and I discussing the Good Friday reenactment of the Stations of The Cross done by junior high kids at St. Emily's Church which we braved a wicked snowstorm to attend yesterday afternoon.

He then handed me my own copy of The Hockey Stop which had a big article on him.

"You know how Jesus left his impression on the cloth Veronica used to wipe his face?  Well, this is kind of like that. It's what you get for helping me."

I didn't know what to say.

A Professional's Perspective: Being Coached by Michael Schwass

As I was reading Michael Schwass' most recent post I was again struck by what a phenomenal amount of courage he had to develop from such a young age.  I have shared with you many times what his friendship has meant to me and how much admiration I have for him but I want to go a step further and share with you what it has been like to sit in the "client's seat" on occasion, as indeed I have (albeit informally).  He is such a stellar individual and so gifted. I could not recommend him highly enough to you if you are looking for a coach, or a therapist, and I don't want my affection for him as a friend to overshadow my professionally informed encouragement that you take the opportunity to connect with him if you are in need of support and guidance.

Michael offers something that very, very few helping professionals can. He has had to test the theories of wellness and positive psychology and test them hard because his life has depended on them.  For the rest of us who have been blessed with good health, there has been a lot of "wiggle room".  If I can talk a good game, you honestly may not know if my life is a big ball of dysfunctional chaos behind the scenes.  I've known a few therapists and coaches in my day and the discrepancy between "walk" and "talk" is downright frightening at times. 

Happy 33-50 Rishi! Wait...33 Fiddy??? Dammit! He's no quadriplegic...

...he's the goll darn Loch Ness Monster!!!

Our beloved Rolling Rishi has turned 49 today and is now beginning his 50th year on the planet and the 33rd seen from his wheelchair.  In honor of this momentous occassion, allow me to share my all time favorite South Park scene...

If You Can...

As you know health care costs continue to rise and, unfortunately, so have Michael's health care needs. To find out how you can help please see Rolling Rishi Medical Fund Contributions.

Backstory for Perpendicular

Over the many years Michael and I have known each other I have had a number of moments that I realized in retrospect were traumatic. Like the first time I glanced down while we were talking and, because of my angle to him my eyes landed on the scar on his neck from his life saving surgery just a few years ago. It is a hell of a scar. It caught me up short. I'm used to it now but that first glance blindsided me. And then there was the weekend at Echo Lake when I saw him out of his chair and really got it, in a deeper way than I ever had before, what his life is like.

He is, at the same time, the strongest, most powerful and the weakest, most vulnerable man I know.

It is a mind boggling paradox to try to comprehend.

It's Up! Please Give Michael a Shout Out at The Rolling Rishi!

Be vewy, vewy quite. We have a blogging rishi in our midst.  Do head over please and tell me what you think.  Next step will be some pics and audio, but give me/us feedback  on what you think so far and welcome our boy to cyberspace!

Hey, Teenagers Are Nice!

Thank you for all the prayers. Our boy made it just fine and did a fabulous job as was expected. My role was mostly that of Vanna White, wheeling him out and back between video clips.  The time just FLEW so we didn't get much Q & A time before the next class bell. I did get to ask a kid to stand up and say his question nice and loud since he was at the back of their GORGEOUS auditorium and we are old.  It wasn't a big role for me but I think I completely rocked it.  And I'm prettier than Michael so that counts for something. 

So, a good time was had by all and it went way too quickly which is a shame because they had great energy and there was SO much more to talk about.

If you want the Michael and Laura show to come to a venue near you, give us a shout out.

BTW, Mercury is in retrograde through Nov 1st.. The last one almost killed me with everything in the house breaking and draining all our savings.  Between having five Comcast trucks outside my home, not being been able to access my blog all day and dropping a ring in the toilet, something tells me I need to lay low for a while.  Stay safe out there!

Pray For Us, Babies

In T minus 2 hours Michael and I are walking (and rolling) into Lake Zurich High School to talk to the Senior class. That would be 600 teenagers. 

Gonna be a stretch for this girl but the truth is I've gone from shaking my head and muttering wicked things about my dear boy and the fine mess he's gotten us into to being totally pumped because I think he is the coolest thing since electricity (until he attacked me with his electric wheelchair, now that I think of it) and I get to introduce him and get everyone pumped.  If I'm known for anything it is enthusiasm for what I love so this is actually going to rock.

The boy had to get up at 2 a.m. to get ready for this gig so if that doesn't deserve some lovin' from those young'uns I don't know what does. Maybe I'll even call them young'uns. Kids love that.  Totally.

Scene From A Friday With Michael or How Hockey Players Show Remorse

I could not believe my ears.

Don Miguel Ruiz tells us in The Four Agreements not to take anything personally and I knew this was the pain talking.

It was Thursday and I was taking a quick bike ride to rest my eyes after spending the entire morning working on Michael's blog (to launch in two weeks so help me God).  I was planning on going to the store when I got back. Two stores as a matter of fact. One to get him his favorite guacamole, tamales, some lovely cannoli and assorted treats, and another to pick up his Ezekiel bread before going back to put a couple more hours into computer work for him.

Then, I received a phone message telling me that he just had his prolotherapy shots, was in crazy pain and may not be able to meet on Friday after all.