May is the ALS Awareness Month

May 2006

Al is having more difficulty with all his upper body. speech and swallowing .  He has stopped driving because his arms are so weak and he hardly has any grip.  This is very sad because driving is such an independent thing to loose.  His neck and shoulders are a lot weaker so he sits often in a comfy chair with a high back so he can rest everything.  He needs to sit in chairs with arms even at the dining room table to rest his arms.  He chokes all the time on everything including his saliva.  We have gone to the doctor to find out about him having a feeding tube put in, etc but he still isn't sure that's what he wants to do. He is still feeding himself but his arms are very shaky, weak and he chews really slow. He is very self-conscious so he no longer wants to eat out in restaurants. His speech is very difficult to understand but most people can catch a word or two of what he is saying. He needs more help with his shower, shaving and getting dressed.  He gets spasms in different parts of his body especially his stomach and legs but he can still walk well.  He talks about getting on his boat the "HAZ" this summer so with help from family and friends we are going to get it ready to do a little lobstering.  He is the happiest when he is on the boat or at hunting camp so we try to keep him going. 

We did get away again this winter into a warmer climate.  Al does better in the warm weather.   We visited with our neice, Debbie, in Jupiter, FL for a few weeks then with Al's sister Janie and Jim(Tommy) in Hosston, LA .   We did a road trip visiting friends and family along the way.  It was difficult for Al at times but he felt worth the trip.  Thank you Lord for watching over us and bringing us home safe.  It was wonderful visiting with everyone.

 I am the optimistic one who wants him to do everything he can to stay alive.  The choice is his so I need to respect this. I feel there is a lot of research being done for ALS/Motor Neuron Diseases so finding a cure is near.  When Al was diagnosed they said they thought there would be a cure in 8 to 10 years.  He has been diagnosed 7 years this December.

Thank you, from the bottom of our heart, to all our family and friends for all you continued love, support and prayers to help us get throught this devastating illness. We send all our love, Al & Gloria