A Take on a Life Worth Knowing - Seth Poling

  As I sit here, reflecting on my nearly decade-long journey living with ALS, I am overwhelmed by the hardship and unimaginable heartbreak accompanying this devastating disease. My family and I were thrown into uncharted territory after being diagnosed, forced to learn everything about ALS alone. We pushed every milestone to the limit, hoping to maintain some sense of normalcy and independence for as long as possible. Looking back, I realize in my desperate attempt to hold onto my old life. I may have pushed myself and those around me too far. I tried to drive for too long, refusing to acknowledge the limitations ALS was placing upon me. I tried to walk for too long, hoping my legs would remain strong. I tried to work for too long, determined to continue contributing to my family's financial stability. I tried to stay home without proper supervision for too long, reluctant to admit that I needed constant care. I tried to eat by mouth for too long, throwing caution to the wind and t

Introduction: Today marks the sixth anniversary of my ALS diagnosis, a milestone that triggers a mixture of emotions within me. As I look back on these past years, it's hard to believe how much changed since that fateful day when my life took an unexpected turn. In this blog post, I want to share my journey- the challenges I faced and the lessons I've learned. A Cruising Start: It all began almost nine years ago during a cruise with my then-girlfriend, now wife of seven years, Erika. The symptoms of ALS manifested themselves, casting a shadow over what was supposed to be a carefree and joyful time. Little did I know then that this cruise would mark a life-altering battle that continues to the present. Living with ALS: Living with ALS has encompassed a significant portion of my existence. For a quarter of my life, I have faced the daily challenges and uncertainties brought about by this relentless disease. My wife, Erika, has been my unwavering caregiver, demonstrating love and

  Living with ALS can be challenging, especially when finding ways to entertain oneself. With limited mobility, it can be hard to engage in physical activities, and with the absence of football and basketball, what can one watch to pass the time?   Fortunately, with the power of technology and the internet, there are endless possibilities for entertainment. A strict daily routine has helped me manage my symptoms and maintain my health. However, with periods of downtime, I have become an expert in finding ways to keep myself entertained. With Comcast TV and a web-based application that allows me to control every TV in the house with my eyes, I have become the TV master of the Poling household. So, what do I like to watch? My list of recommendations is a compilation of various streaming services and YouTube channels. Here are some of his favorites: Top Movies The Glass Castle Windfall The Rental Blood & Gold Extraction 2 Super Mario Bros The Movie  Top Shows Florida Man Kaleidescape

In 1997, the West Virginia Young Writers competition saw a remarkable entry from a 3rd-grade student named Seth Poling. Seth's submission was a heartwarming piece about his beloved great-grandfather, Mox Anderegg, who he described as a kind, positive, and loving presence in his life; despite his great-grandfather's illness and the loss of his wife, Mary Anderegg, Seth's great-grandfather remained a source of strength and joy for the entire family. Let's look at Seth Poling's winning entry and celebrate the power of intergenerational love and support. "I would like to write about my grandpa. My grandpa is nice and lonly. He always has a positive adotud! I love him to. As a friend and someone that I can talk to about my problems. He loves it when I come to talk to him. He tries to help me study for tests at school. When I go to the store with my mom he says get me milk, beans, icecream, and icecream cones. When my mom and I come back. He say's to me that I

Dear Erika, Where should I begin? Words cannot justify the immense love and gratitude I feel for you. You have been my rock and pillar of strength, my unwavering support through the most challenging journey of my life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you have done for me over the past nine years of living with ALS. From the moment we heard the diagnosis, I knew that I had you by my side. Your tears and despair mirrored mine, but you never let that stop you from being there for me in every way possible. You took on the responsibility of caring for me with such love and devotion that it still leaves me in awe. You gave so much of yourself daily, never complaining or asking for anything. You have been an incredible mother to our boys, Liam and Bayler. Even though you had to take on the role of both parents, you never let them feel anything less than loved and cared for. You worked tirelessly to provide for the boys; while being there for me every step of the way. You

Traveling is an exciting way to explore the world and experience new things. As someone who has had the privilege to visit many destinations, I can attest to the enriching experiences of traveling. Unfortunately, my travels became more challenging after I received an ALS diagnosis in 2017. Nonetheless, I am grateful for the memories I have created through my travels, and I hope to squeeze in a few more trips with the time I have left. In this blog post, I will share the top travel destinations I've been to and destinations I would like to visit. Top Travel Destinations I've Been To : Oranjestad, Aruba - Visit Oranjestad to enjoy the beautiful beaches, colorful architecture, and delicious local cuisine. Playa Del Carmen, Cancun - Playa Del Carmen is a perfect destination for beach lovers who want to explore ancient Mayan ruins and enjoy the vibrant nightlife. I highly recommend an all-inclusive resort. Murrells Inlet, South Carolina - This peaceful destination offers excellent s