READ THE STORIES THAT INSPIRE HOPE ...

MY DAD'S STORY...

" Google it,"  was the doctors words when he gave the final diagnoses of Lou Gehrig's Disease. My dad sat up on his bed and took the news casually, decisively, with a bite of sarcasm.  Anger began to consume me as I recall being confused, unconversant, and full of uncertainties.

Everything happened so fast. Imagine one day you wake up and its business as usual and then the next day you find it demanding to simply breathe. A few months later, you begin to tolerate extreme exhaustion to the point you can barely pour a glass of water. A year later, you are fully dependent on an oxygen machine to breathe. Soon fully reliant on family and friends for practically all needs and wants. Confined to a wheelchair, you lose your ability to cough, eat, drink, bathe, and finally speak. Yet, still mentally independent you are conscious of the deterioration of your body. This is my Dad's story.

My dad was a strong man and a tough fighter to the end. He joked around when he had the energy, and even took a few shots of patron for a cheers! He sat and ate Spicy Thai Food with me, when his breathing was at it's worst! He even learned how to use his smart phone and send pictures! He was full of life and a real charmer to be around. Even would get snazzy to go to his doctors appointments. A real gentleman, he was.:)

My dad lived with ALS for 4 years, until his body was freed from this crippling disease.  My dad lived a fulfilling life and passed the baton to his children. 

Remember, to spend more time with the ones you truly love.  Life doesn't revolve around working, pay bills, and worrying about the "what if's". It's such a cliche, but its absolutely true.

Do as much as you can today, because tomorrow is not guaranteed . I know first hand how sudden life can change.

Don't live with regrets of what you should've done because you were busy trying to prep the "what if's" for tomorrow. 

Live Today.