For the second time this year, a sense of longing weakens me as I watch the people running along the streets. I can’t do that. Another calf muscle tear has set me back a step or two; no longer able to run … right now. Give it time. Recover. Go for a walk instead. My…… Continue Reading
Catch the Digmanns in the news
Author Archives: Dan
MS and the realities of literary theory
It seems like forever since we’ve written for our blog, but it’s not like we haven’t been writing! We just completed a super-intense six-week summer class for our graduate degree from Central Michigan University. Guess we didn’t anticipate ENG 535 History of Literary Theory would take so much out of us. But thanks to our…… Continue Reading
'Every day, I embrace'
My days are numbered. Medical experts essentially tell me this all the time. I heard it most recently when I attended an MS conference last weekend hosted by the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor. In not so many words, they said that most people with Multiple Sclerosis live with the relapsing-remitting form of…… Continue Reading
Awesome advocacy experiences
Jennifer and I, along with her care coordinator Rochel Genge, R.N. and others from Region VII Area Agency on Aging, interacted with many elected state officials at the third annual Older Michiganians Day in Lansing on June 10. We even have photographic proof that we advocated for the MI Choice Medicaid Waiver Program through impromptu…… Continue Reading
What I have today
I hope the neighbors didn’t see me punch our mailbox. On this day the solid black box, accented with its red arm and gold letters identifying it as belonging to Jennifer and me, served as a tangible representation of my Multiple Sclerosis. And he had it coming. OK, so I didn’t really punch it. I…… Continue Reading
Our story in pictures
We wanted to share with everyone the link to an incredible multimedia package about us that is in the April 25 Morning Sun’s print and online editions. The project started when Morning Sun photographer Ryan Evon approached us about following us around to develop a photo essay for the area daily newspaper. This package represents…… Continue Reading
And we were really dancing
Moving to the music on the dance floor is nothing new for Jennifer and me. At weddings and parties we always go and claim an unoccupied corner of the dance floor – out of everyone’s way – and “dance.” This dancing involves Jennifer elevating her powerchair seat so we’re closer to the same height and…… Continue Reading
Jennifer was right
Between a wall showcasing every major brand of running shoe in stock and a wall displaying the industry’s best wicking running apparel, the helpful salesman at Runners in Mount Pleasant squats and watches my feet as I walk back and forth on the uncarpeted section of the floor. His analysis of my gait determines that…… Continue Reading
What helps us through MS
I think my mom and dad will be surprised to hear that a gift they gave me more than two decades ago is something Jennifer and I turn to often in dealing with the daily realities of multiple sclerosis. I’m surprised myself. After all, when you get confirmed in the Lutheran church, it’s expected that…… Continue Reading
Our anniversary … Me and my mistress in Chicago
As I’m closing in on 10 years since I first learned that I most likely had MS, here’s a previous reflection about a rendezvous I had with my “mistress” on our anniversary … As we stroll down Chicago’s Christmas-decked Michigan Avenue, you squeeze my hand and remind me that this day is our second anniversary.…… Continue Reading