ALS Sucks

I went the the funeral of a friends father today.  It was a beautiful service followed by dinner at one of his favorite restaurants. His daughter-in law, my friend, spoke, some of his family spoke. Some of the things that were read are pinned on my “Pops” pinterest board. It was sad.  But it was nice to see so many family and friends fondly remembering their loved one. Made everything that will happen soon very real. Very palpable. ALS sucks by the way.  Thought? Comment? Question? Comment on the blog.

We are getting closer to the end.  His breathing has definitely changed, he’s got his first bed sore.  We’re estimating about 4 more weeks.  Is that not the most insane thing to type.  It’s probable my dad will pass by Easter.  I have been trying to wrap my head around that and figure out what we need to do when it happens. I’ve “assisted” with two other funerals, my aunts and step grandfather, but wasn’t as involved, obviously, as I am now. You hear all the horror stories from crematories and funeral homes. I watched some videos from Ask A Mortician on YouTube.  VERY helpful. If your family member wants a direct cremation, this video is extremely helpful in understanding what to expect when speaking with funeral homes and what to look out for. ALS sucks by the way.  Thought? Comment? Question? Comment on the blog.

Stephen Hawking, the longest surviving ALS patient from diagnosis date, died today.  I’ve been reading articles about his diagnosis and life with ALS recently. Past his obvious intelligence and gift to the science world, the man was amazing. ALS sucks by the way.  Thought? Comment? Question? Comment on the blog.

Last post slightly angst-y so I wanted to do a follow up with the good. When I think about the fakes I typed about before and get angry enough to want to call them and scream or kick them in the shins, I try think of the flip side.  My parents have been friends with this couple for decades. There are lots of entertaining drunken stories I would stay with them when my mom traveled and my dad worked third shift. They have three boys. We were with them all the time until they moved out of state and across the country but we did go for one visit. They were visiting and we were out at Disney Springs when Dad had his first real severe downhill incident on April 28th.  They kept in CONSTANT contact after that and came for another visit in mid-December. And the visits were amazing. Laughing and storytelling; a visit that my dad so looked forward to and made him smile so much. After, they send cards and call. Hilarious cards just to let him know he’s being thought of. They have bee...