Originally published as ‘Fortunate’ in 1964 my favorite children’s book was renamed ‘What good luck! What bad luck!’ in 1969. I am the proud owner of a tattered and torn copy of this cherished story. Young Ned experiences all the ups and downs that life has to offer.
What good luck!
Ned got a letter that said,
“Please come to a surprise party.”
What bad luck!
The party was in Florida and he was in New York.
What good luck!
A friend lent him an airplane.
What bad luck!
The motor exploded.
Ned stumbles through his day, full of fear and hope, excitement and let down.
The current world is full of fear and hope, and we are doing our best to keep our feet under us. Living during a pandemic is terrifying for anyone, even more so for those living with chronic disease. Our family is frightened, hopeful, anxious but with a renewed sense of calm and focus on our priorities.
Our school system has decided to start the year online and we’re so grateful. Liam and Lydia will be staying home all year due to Liam’s extra vulnerability and we are comfortable with this decision. Are you ready for the zinger?
What good luck! We have a safe, warm home.
What bad luck! We can’t have loved ones come to our home.
What good luck! Mom and Dad both work from home.
What bad luck! We can’t play with friends or go to the pool and playground.
What good luck! Liam has a power wheelchair that can take him on close adventures.
What bad luck! Our wheelchair accessible van is no longer safe to drive and is now gone.
What good luck! We have time to save and plan for a new vehicle since we aren’t driving many places.
What bad luck! A new van will cost over $70,000.
What good luck! We are not alone and have supportive friends and family.
If you find yourself in a position to help us reach our goal we would be ever so grateful. We are prepared to pay for the cost of a new minivan but would appreciate help covering the cost of the $32,000 conversion to make the van accessible to a wheelchair.
We understand that right now is a terrible time to ask for donations. Even through a pandemic, muscular dystrophy doesn’t go away and Liam’s needs are as complex as ever.