[trussell]

Prayer ping.

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.

[Redcoat LI]

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

[Alamo-Girl]

I join with the others here in prayer for your step dad and all of the family!

[Pegita]

Heavenly Father, we return with grateful hearts that You have given us a FReeper family who will encourage and support one another, and who will pray one for another. Lead Brainhose to the information he seeks, that he might better understand what is happening to his Step-Dad. Be of encouragement and comfort to the family, O God, for each will be struggling in their own way. Open up new pathways of treatment and hope that their hearts may be encouraged and his days lengthened. May it be thus, O Lord, in the Name of Jesus, Amen ...

[bitt]

aw, I am so sorry to hear that! Prayers for you all.

[uncleshag]

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

[Siempre Adelante]

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.

[PianoMan]

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.

[sweetiepiezer]

Prayers for your family in this trying time.

[CDHart]

I don't know anyone personally who has ALS, but I pray that God will give your dad peace and strength and healing, in Jesus' name.

Carolyn

[BlessedBeGod]

Prayers on the way!

[kassie]

Prayers for your family.

[TruthRespecter]

Brainhose,
I know all-too-well the raveges of ALS having lost my Mom to this cursed disease when she was 60. Dad retired early to be her caregiver for the 4-yrs she battled after being diagnosed. Of my sibs, I was the only one still in our hometown and was called upon frequently when Dad couldn't help completely by himself.

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.

[TexConfederate1861]

My best friend's wife has had it for 5 years and is still around! Don't give up yet!

[A knight without armor]

I shall be praying for you and your family. Maybe you can glean some advise from people at church or you could call some hospitals, nursing homes, or even a hospice to see if they have support groups. But I say keep asking because there are a lot of good people who would love to help you and listen to you. You are in my prayers.

[Alaska Wolf]

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.

[lakey]

We have only known one person with Lou Gehrig's. It was unbelievable how fast he deteriorated. But, maybe that's a blessing for all.

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.