Our Journey with ALS

Before I continue with more history, I need to say that Linda has lost all use of her legs, and most use of her arms. Her hands weaken daily. Eating is difficult for her. Her speech is weakening too.

I suppose that it was in October of 2010 that she first saw a doctor to begin investigating what might be the issue. As I mentioned before we thought it might be MS. She had several examinations, and some of those alphabet procedures like CTS, MRI, or whatever. I can't remember exactly. By December, she had had all of these tests and had her next appointment for sometime in February. In early January, she received a call from her doctor and was summoned in for a much sooner visit. The diagnosis was in. She had ALS.

When I came home from work that day and inquired as to the doctor visit, the hammer came down. It was like I was kicked in the stomach with full force. My love, my First Lady, felt the same way. That day was the beginning of many tears, and, of course, determining what we were to do about it.

For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Romans 8:22-33 (NKJV)