My ALS Challenge

My favourite car is a Porsche 911. I don’t have one, nor did I ever hope to be able to afford to own one, especially since I no longer drive. Just before I was diagnosed, my wife got me a few laps at a nearby raceway in a Porsche 911. They had other cars – Ferraris, Lamborghinis, McLarens – but I was very happy with the Porsche.

When we arrived, we found out someone had crashed and totaled the Lamborghini Aventador. There was quite a commotion, and a lot of waiting. That was a popular vehicle and those who were booked after were now trying to get switched over to one of the other super cars. They didn’t want the Porsche though, which was fine by me. I was able to get my ride at my scheduled timeslot. We went over the safety protocols, did a test lap in a van to get an idea of the track, then I was led to ‘my’ Porsche, complete with instructor. We got in and I made sure I drove the Porsche like it deserved, though making sure it would not end up like the Lamborghini earlier in the day. I respected the car, but I also respected the fact that not only was there was another person in the car with me, the vehicle was also not mine. There was a bigger picture here even if I was enjoying the thrill of the moment.

I know I won’t be driving a Porsche again, but it was a great memory to have. I haven’t given up my license yet, but with the weakness in my right leg, and both legs in general, along with the challenges I have with my hands, I wouldn’t feel comfortable I could adequately react quickly enough if needed.

So, why am I mentioning my favourite car, especially it being a Porsche? Well, that’s because my wife and I have taken some time off from work to go to our vacation property in Mont Tremblant, Quebec, which we rent out when we are not there to help cover the costs. There is a race track here and it is hosting a private event, and there are dozens of Porsche 911’s. Our place is near the race track so we see them driving by on the way to the track, and it makes me happy just to check them out. My wife doesn’t understand, but that’s okay.

What is also so nice being up here is it is peaceful, the air is clean, and all we need do do is relax. We bought our place, and took possession of it, in June 2022. We thought it would be a great opportunity with both kids done with sports – our daughter played ringette and our son played competitive baseball – and our youngest now finished high school we could focus on family vacations skiing in the winter. In the summer, there would be golfing and other activities. We were setting ourselves up for the next stage of our life.

Obviously, a few months later, our world was turned on its head. The planned ski trips were no more. The golfing, not so much. My wife asked me if I regretted making the decision to purchase our property. At first, I would say yes. But we adapted, as we have had to do each and every step along the way. We always planned to rent it out when we were not here. Now we just rent it out a little more. The property is situated beside a family-owned inn on a non-motorized lake. We have water access and the owners of the inn handle all the property management.

When we come up, we are welcomed by deer and birds. It is very peaceful. This week, we were visited by a blue jay along with a doe and her fawn.

We experience the local cuisine, enjoy the relaxing lifestyle and catch up on much needed rest. It is re-energizing. Do I still have regrets? No, not anymore. I enjoy the peace and tranquility and the opportunity to spend quality time with family. We get visited by wildlife and enjoy pastries from the multiple bakeries. Oh, and I get to see all those Porsches driving around!! Maybe next time we go up and the Porsches are up there as well, I can talk to one of the owners to see if I can get a ride in one around the racetrack. Now, that would be fun!