I know y’all have all seen the ALS Bucket Challenge. Many of you probably participated in it and I’m so grateful. I’m grateful that something so silly as dumping ice water on your head is what leads to the awareness of one of the most horrible diseases out there. I am thankful for so many people giving money. Can you believe as of yesterday $41.8 Million has been raised? That is something to be thankful for. I’m hopeful that this will get researchers closer to a cure.
My Dad, who passed over into God’s arms, just 40 days after his diagnosis. He had had ALS for years, but due to some medications he was on, the symptoms were masked. He described to me that he was having a hard time walking from the living room to the bathroom, opening bottles, and his breathing was quite labored from just a quick phone conversation.
I’ve never heard fear in my Dad’s voice like the day he called me to tell me. I’ve never heard my dad say that he was terrified. Then, to hear him say that he did not want tubes, medication, monitors, or to even go to the hospital. He knew his fate and he prayed that God would have mercy.
God has a plan for all of us and God’s timing is perfect. My Dad didn’t die alone in his house like we’d all feared. He died in his sleep in the comfort of brother’s house, where the day before they had celebrated Christmas together opening presents and sharing memories. Although, I was on my way to see my Dad flying from Atlanta to DFW when he died and didn’t out till after we’d landed. As badly as it hurt knowing that my plans to see my dad were not going to happen, I had to stop and thank God, because he had answered all of our prayers.
When I start to feel sorry for myself, all I have to do is think about those that are suffering and dying from ALS. I sit there and picture being trapped in my own body unable to talk, move, eat, or breath on my own. It’s quite sobering. Next time you’re thinking that you’ve got all the problems of the world sitting on your shoulders, just stop and imagine life like that…
I’ve listed below some other posts I’ve written about my Dad’s fight with ALS and the aftermath…
The saddest post I’ve ever had to write
Emergency Trip to Texas
The Day After Christmas
New Year’s Eve 2013
Remembering Dad
Memories in a Bottle
Sources for infograph:
http://www.alsa.org
http://mda.org
http://www.ihateals.com
I am very thankful that such a silly challenge has not only brought more public awareness of ALS, but has also raised lots of money.
You are so welcome. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Wow. I had no idea and I am so thankful for the information and knowledge. Thank you so much.
I am sorry for your loss. Thank you for the information on ALS!
Thank you so much for your kind words.
What a truly heartbreaking and terrifying disease. I hope with the ice bucket challenge there will be interest in trying to find a cure.
Thanks for the kind words and for taking the time to comment.
I’m so so sorry for you loss. Thank you for sharing your story.
I appreciate kind words. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Im sorry for your loss. Thank you for this posting – I think even sharing this graphic would be better than the challenge.
I appreciate the kind words. Thank you so much! I do hope people are learning something about ALS if nothing else knowing what a horrible disease it really is.