I think that the earliest I remember Linda taking a nasty fall which could have been caused by early symptoms of ALS was when we were doing gas line surveys in South Carolina. We were kind of "leap-frogging" to cover an area. One would walk while the other waited at the next road. She took a nasty fall at the bottom of a hill where there was a small stream. She had a terrible time and when I met up with her she was all full of mud and crying.
The next one was on our return from a visit to our son and his family in Michigan. We got home, parked, and began bringing our belongings into our apartment. Linda had a jar of coconut oil, tried to step over the beams in the parking lot, and fell. Off went the coconut oil and broke. I was so sorry this happened to her. But was somewhat perturbed that she had been so clumsy. Little did I know.
The months and years progressed and things seemed to be ok with her. Until 2010. She took a lot of spills. I can't remember them all, but they all hurt her badly. By the time of our trip to Oregon in September, she had difficulty in climbing steps, was using a cane at times. Still the falls continued. I would tell her, "Look down when you are walking." After a great number of falls and difficulty walking on that trip, I thought that Linda may have Multiple Sclerosis. I asked her to go to a doctor to see what was happening to her.
"And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
ALS struck a dear, and now departed, friend of ours. Though a close friend, it still seemed distant .... Until it struck home, or dare I say, SLASHED home. Yet we have a certain hope. Jesus came to save sinners. We are sinners, and we are saved by His grace, through faith. Praise God that he works that faith in us. Sola Deo Gloria!
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