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Showing posts from May, 2023

From Laughter to Tears: My Wife's Unwavering Love Through the Challenges of ALS

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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

Wanderlust with ALS: Top Destinations I've Been To and Want to Go To

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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

Growing Up Too Soon: The Burden of Caregiving on Children

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This story is about my sons, Liam and Bayler; their remarkable story showcases the love and compassion of a child toward their father living with ALS. Even at the age of 20 months, Liam would wake up in the morning, check on his father, and ask what he needed. He would cover him with a blanket, put his glasses on, suction out his mouth, and hug and kiss him. As he grew older, Liam learned how to help with suction and cough assistance, feed his father, reposition his hands and feet, turn lights on and off, open and close doors, and even drive his wheelchair. Liam's love and dedication toward his father are undeniable. Bayler is a special boy, but he is not as gentle-handed, so he used to read to his father. He would sing, tell stories, and reassure his dad when needed most. Bayler inherited his father's hot and cold personality, similar to a sour patch candy, sour but sweet. Unfortunately, Liam and Baylers stories are not unique. In the United States, approximately 1.3 million