The word thankful just cannot express how I feel about my wife. Through her fears, sadness and uncertainties, she has stepped up and revealed to be the most sweet and loving caregiver anyone could hope for. We both have our times of tears and fretting, but I’ve not seen a person put on an armor of compassion like Cindy. Dealing with ALS is like climbing a mountain of jello, you just can’t get a foothold. Issues with me come up all hours of the day. For example, I woke about midnight one night this week screaming in pain from the worse leg cramp I have experienced to date and she came bolting out of her makeshift bedroom to help resolve the issue. The entire time she is consoling me while calling upon Jesus to take this pain away. I literally am in awe of her ability to adjust to level of care I need. She would tell you she is scared out of her mind, but I have seen God give her grace, mercy and patience to handle what I’m certain would cause others to buckle. As a matter of fact, couples have divorced because the level of commitment is so demanding for ALS patients. So, to simply say thank you isn’t enough. I cherish this woman God has given me for a bride.

I cannot neglect to mention my children and their families. They have been so good to help when and where they are able. I enjoy the pop in visits from each of them throughout the week. I go to church on Sunday and a Bible study on Tuesday when I am feeling able. These are the extent of my travels outside a doctor visit occasionally (my doctor makes house calls), so when the kids pop in it is a treat. I don’t have much to offer by way of conversation due to being tethered to my BiPAP machine, but I do enjoy listening to their conversations and the laughter. Although it has only been nine months since my diagnosis the progress of this disease has move rather rapidly. Taking each day one at a time and looking for the best in each is the only way for me to face this.

Cindy thank you for the 31 years so far and showing the love of Christ to me and your children. After all those years, I still do.

This Thanksgiving I would encourage you to take advantage of the time with family and friends and let them know how much you love them. Maybe even give an example of why you are thankful for them. It seems simple and cheesy to some, but I can promise you it’ll mean the world to the receiver.