Unless you have experienced it, the effects of ALS is something only imagined at best. To see my dear wife continually weaken tears me apart. Certain "milestones" if you can call them that, bring home the nasty effects of this disease.
As Linda became weaker, it was necessary to help her into bed for the night. She could get up in the morning and use the walker, and even perform some normal functions in the morning, even starting breakfast and making lunches. But one day, coming back home from a quick trip to the store, I found her lying on the floor. I couldn't get her up by myself, and no one was around, so I ended up calling 911 for help. Two sheriff's deputies came and helped me get her up.
I contacted the ALS Association of Minnesota to let them know that we needed more than just a walker for her, and within a few days, they had a power wheelchair for her, a loaner until her own could be finished. I'll continue with more of these devastating "milestones" in the future, but believe me, each and every one of them tear me apart.
Our first visit to the ALS clinic in Minneapolis took place soon after Linda's initial diagnosis. It was than that we found that the diagnosis was confirmed. We met some very loving folks there, all focused on how they could help. The most helpful of all, though, was the nurse from the ALS Association of Minnesota, who let us know that they had a lot of help available in the form of such things as wheel chairs, bed rails, toilet aids, etc. They have been wonderful.
We also made the decision to visit a Naturopatic Clinic for a two week stay to see if naturopatic/homeopathic treatments would help. This we did in late February/early March of 2011. Unfortunately, the net result was not good, and Linda continued to become weaker in her legs. We do not regret this effort. We had two wonderful weeks together while Linda was still able to move around with a walker. The love and concern of the folks at the clinic encouraged us also. But the net result was that Linda continued to decline.
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. Romans 5:1-11 (NKJV)
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!
