Few more pics.....

Here are a few more pics of me, Big Mack (now that I am around full time, I may guest blog from time to time).

Dad says I have have been great, and I think I am going to take mom and dad home tomorrow. I got a few shots today so I am not speaking to the nurse right now, but with grandma and the rest of the Kansas clan out to hang out with me, I have plenty of people to hang out with.

Anyways, enough blogging, dad wants to hold me.

Finding Perspective

Everyone has a person in their life, that for some unknown reason, at some random time, is inexplicably faced with a challenge that forever changes them - and all those around that person who open themselves up. That person is my mother-in-law, who was stricken with ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease almost thirty (30) months ago. The doctors told her that she would have only 18 months, but we are still enjoying her today (she is in Reno visiting #13 and I).

Anyways, the following video was sent to me from Carol's son. It gives an insight into the inspiration that Carol has given to her me and everyone else who is privileged to know her.


http://video.stumbleupon.com/?p=ithct48cqw

ALS

Some of you may know that my mother-in-law (far right in picture to left, #13 and our brother also pictured) was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS in the fall of 2005. ALS is a disease that effects motor neurons, or nerve cells. It damages the ability of these cells to carry messages from the brain to the muscles. As the muscles are used less and less, they grow weaker and lose bulk. Eventually they become paralyzed. ALS does not effect sight, hearing or thinking. Most cases of ALS are sporadic, affecting anyone anywhere.

Anyways, as part of her participation in the ALS Association Keith Worthington Chapter, Carol created a list of the things she misses the most; the things ALS has taken away. Very sobering.

- ALS has left me longing for the day when I was able to:

Smile.
Laugh.
Kiss my husband.
Talk with my children over the phone.
Have conversations with my dogs.
Enjoy my morning coffee without choking.
Enjoy my evening wine without my throat being on fire.
Wear myself out planting flowers.
Make a phone call to schedule an appointment.
Make conversation at a social gathering.
Make people comfortable rather than uncomfortable.
Go through a drive up window.
Bite into a crunchy taco.
Go out for a romantic dinner.
Wear shoes with heels.
Look forward to the day I would become a grandmother.
Look forward to growing old with my husband.

- ALS begins with the inconsequential and progresses to the inconceivable.

Carol is the greatest mother, mother-in-law, and friend one could hope for.