Posted on 12/20/2004 9:19:56 PM PST by Brainhose
This would be consided a vanity post I suppose.
My Step-dad has just been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS) and this will probably be his last X-Mas. There are some web support groups out there, but I'm wondering if there are any Freepers out there who have had to deal with this, and could possibly share some personal insight and advice. It would also be a great help to my mom whom I'm teaching how to use e-mail, and someday I shall convert her into a Freeper :). We worked as poll checkers together for the Bush Campaign.
Many, many thanks in advance!
Please post your replies to Brainhose
Brainhose, My prayers go up for your Step-dad, and your family. God's healing hand over your Step-dad. Lord, please protect this loved one. Grant him precious time with those who love him. Provide his family with comfort and peace. Surround them with your love. In Jesus' precious name. Amen
Blessings,
trussell
If you want on/off my prayer ping list, please let me know. All requests happily honored.
Damn, sorry to hear that.
My Dad has Parkinsons, I know how you all feel.
This is for Mass. but depending on where you live in N.H this might help.
http://www.als-ma.org
I join with the others here in prayer for your step dad and all of the family!
aw, I am so sorry to hear that! Prayers for you all.
May God place His healing hand upon your step father and bring him Peace and good health. May God's will be done in this matter. And God, if you will, give added portions of Peace and Understanding to these loved ones of the step dad. Be with the doctors and caregivers as they do the work they are trained to do. Let them be a comfort to the step-dad as You comfort them. All these things we ask in the Christ, whose birth we celebrate this month. In Jesus Holy Name, Amen
Rough patch indeed! I'll put your stepfather, you and your family in our daily prayers for whatever is needed to be there at just the right time.
Don't give up. The prognosis varies with different individuals. One friend who had ALS is gone. That was 10 years ago. However, another friend who was diagnosed 3 years ago is still walking with a cane. In his case, the disease is not progressing.
I think the increase in ALS cases has more to do with increased recognition/reporting of the disease than any actual spike in the number of people living with it.
My mother had a relative with Parkinson's, this was years ago, before it was even cataloged, let alone, treated.
I hope you and your relations are able to pull through this.
It sounds like your step-dad is taking this news in stride.
Hopefully, he'll be able to enjoy his last days, spending them with the people he loves.
-good times, G.J.P.(Jr.)
Hey Brainhose,
did you ever read "Tuesdays with Morrie"? It's about a younger man reaching out to an old mentor who had ALS. It was a bestseller and was quite good.
Most likely, because of the superb acting of Hank Azaria.
However, I've read that the book itself is too maudlin.
Personally, I think that the only really decent book that Albom ever wrote was "Fab Five."
Which isn't too surprising, since sports journalism seems to be the only field where he is truly gifted.
Prayers for your family in this trying time.
Carolyn
Prayers on the way!
Prayers for your family.
The harsh truth is that you and everyone who deeply cares for your step-dad will be tested beyond what you think you can endure. But gird yourself knowing that the God of David will lift his own up and give you more than enough strength to equal what lies ahead.
Many in our family were lukewarm Christians (including mom herself) when this all happened and this kind of thing can either break you or make you. For us, we drew unto Christ like chicks to the hen and her battle and passing were so harsh & tragic, yet so beautiful so as to be admirable. Her last moments were with all family gathered and when I asked if she believed in Christ she gave her very clear yes-meaning eye-blink. That simple sign has become such an important life-defining affirmation and testimony to us and now you.
From the little I know of you, my advise is for you to be the one to reign in any thoughts by family that God caused this - He didn't, Satan did. Let your family be fulfillment that with God at your side, what Satan meant for evil, be turned into good. My prayers are with you and yours.
The sum of his knowledge and the certainty he can never fully share it.
My best friend's wife has had it for 5 years and is still around! Don't give up yet!
Prayers for you and your family FRiend. You are going to be dealing with a cruel and unrelenting disease. My uncle succumbed to ALS after fighting and enduring for nearly 5 years. My spouse was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis over 20 years ago. Though she's been totally disabled for 10 years, there are no known disease trajectories. Some victims of these diseases have acute progressions while others have less visible progressions. Don't be afraid to seek assistance from your local or national ALS or MS organizations. May God bring you comfort and understanding.
While he was able, his wife got him out of the house for lunches in restaurants with friends. She lovingly fed him and wiped his face. He could no longer speak but he seemed to enjoy being with a group of us.
I'll pray for the Lord to give her strength during this ordeal - for God's blessings on you all.
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