A friend of mine asked me,"What has ALS taught you?" That is an interesting question. So I asked her, "Why do you want to know?" And she answered, "ALS is a very difficult struggle and you are a very wise man. Anything that you have learned will benefit others."
I was humbled by her response. And it took me a few days to come up with an answer. Hopefully my answer will enlighten some of you and inspire the rest of you.
I was humbled by her response. And it took me a few days to come up with an answer. Hopefully my answer will enlighten some of you and inspire the rest of you.
The first thing that I learned is that ALS is a very cruel disease. It has progressively taken my abilities away. What I can do today I might not be able to do tomorrow. And I know the ending, I will be left with the ability to only move my eyes and nothing else. Soon afterwards my lungs will stop functioning and I will suffocate. It's quite a picture to look forward to.
The second thing that I have learned is that I am not the only one suffering. This disease has hit our whole family. My wife and I had plans that we will not be able to do now. My children used to look at me as their provider but not anymore. Devastating. I can see in my children's eyes the disillusionment and it will leave a mark for life.
The second thing that I have learned is that I am not the only one suffering. This disease has hit our whole family. My wife and I had plans that we will not be able to do now. My children used to look at me as their provider but not anymore. Devastating. I can see in my children's eyes the disillusionment and it will leave a mark for life.
Are you depressed yet? I know that I am.
As I explained this to my friend, she asked me, "If you have all this in your head, why are you always so happy?" Finally she asked the right question! What ALS has really taught me is to stay in the moment. And let me explain how. It is very dangerous to let my mind go into the past and think about all the things that I was able to do. And it is even worse, to project myself into the future and imagine what is going to happen to my body. So that leaves me in the only place that is left: the present. That is the secret to my happiness.
As I explained this to my friend, she asked me, "If you have all this in your head, why are you always so happy?" Finally she asked the right question! What ALS has really taught me is to stay in the moment. And let me explain how. It is very dangerous to let my mind go into the past and think about all the things that I was able to do. And it is even worse, to project myself into the future and imagine what is going to happen to my body. So that leaves me in the only place that is left: the present. That is the secret to my happiness.
I have also learned what is important and what is trivial. By the way, most of what I used to think about is trivial. The only things that matter now are relationships with my family, friends and God. (And not necessarily in that order).
The key to my happiness and your happiness is the ability to discipline the mind. I have a choice to make, I can choose to dwell on the negative or simply appreciate what I have right now. Let me elaborate. If three months from now I lose the ability to speak and even move my legs, I would give everything to have that ability back. I would be happy with that. And guess what, I have that ability right now so I am happy. And that is what it means to live in the moment.
The key to my happiness and your happiness is the ability to discipline the mind. I have a choice to make, I can choose to dwell on the negative or simply appreciate what I have right now. Let me elaborate. If three months from now I lose the ability to speak and even move my legs, I would give everything to have that ability back. I would be happy with that. And guess what, I have that ability right now so I am happy. And that is what it means to live in the moment.
The final thing that I have learned is that everyone is watching me, from my children to my neighbors. They are all rooting me on and seeing how I handle life. Almost saying, "If he can do it, I can do it." That was quite a realization for me. I am representing Christ in my struggle. Am I going to be faithful or am I going to lay down and give up. What about you? How many people are watching you? You might be surprised.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
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