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Sun Burns and Sugar Shacks – Medicaid Mike – March 2018

Nathan Colburn Medicaid Mike's Blog

If April showers bring May flowers then what benefit does March bring to the spring picture? 

Well, when you’re from Michigan, a state that embraces winter, like a toddler embraces its Blankie, March is a welcomed sight for sore eyes.  Warmer temperatures in March means Michigan Maple Syrup Producers are firing up their sugar shacks, heating up their stoves and gathering gallons of the coveted sugar water from sugar maple trees, that in the end produces delicious maple syrup.  Interesting fact, it takes about 40 gallons of sugar maple water to boil down to produce 1 gallon of maple syrup. So, for those of us who enjoy huge stacks of pancakes, Belgium waffles and French toast drizzled with maple syrup, you now know the rest of the story.

However, the biggest transition from winter to spring for Michiganders starts not long after the Super Bowl and Valentine’s day has passed.  It’s not uncommon to start dreaming of sunburns and the countless spring break adventures southward to the warm sunny beaches of Florida.IMG 5818 | Sometimes a hint of sunblock waft’s all the way to Detroit; then you realize you’re standing outside of a tanning salon in the middle of a snowstorm and almost on cue, you hear the Beach Boys playing in the back of your mind.

Aruba, Jamaica, oh I want to take you to
Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama
Key Largo, Montego, baby why don’t we go
oh I want to take you down to
Kokomo, we’ll get there fast and then we’ll take it slow
That’s where we want to go, way down in Kokomo…”

From Daytona Beach to Miami, from Ron Jon’s Surf Shops to shell necklaces.  It’s those endless walks along the beaches, wading the ocean tides, the building of sand castles and collecting seashells with family and friends, that recharges your battery.  Ultimately, the “Spring Break” seasonal transition draws a line in the sand that signals the welcoming of spring, fresh cut lawns, gardens, flowers, and summer BBQ’s around the corner.  

The clients we serve spend their days dreaming of leaving their homes without challenges. For many with mobility difficulties, freedom isn’t a trip to the coast. Freedom is a smooth transition from being cooped up in the house all winter long. Getting out and about to enjoy a sunny drive or a sit on the porch on a warm spring day. Even the smallest transition in a home can be a barrier to mobility and leave your clients feeling stuck in their homes. Find out more about our threshold ramps, automatic door openers, and EZ steps by giving Mike a call.

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)