May 2007

April------------Main-----------June

May 1, 2007    Wow. Its already May. This is a big month for me, this year especially.     For one, I turn fifty years old this year. Thank God for each and every day of those 50 years.     I am scheduled to go in the hospital on the 7th for a research trial being conducted by my doctor. No big deal as it is a repeat of the one I did earlier this year.    I am also going to the University of Kentucky on the 8th to meet with groups of people and try to generate interest in fund raising.    The ALS Association Advocacy Convention starts is about two weeks. I will be meeting with Kentucky's Senators and Congressmen to discuss funding for ALS projects and research. I will be just one of several hundred people representing the ALS patients in the United States.    Later in the month I hope to visit with some old friends who I haven't seen in a long time.    All of this plus tearing the house apart for remodeling will keep my mind on something else besides this aggravation called als.    ALS may take my body but God has my soul so all is well. Keep the prayers coming. Miracles are happening every day. Let me share one with you.    Our friend Jan started having chest pains and went for a stress test. The test did not go well so they had her go for a heart cathorization. She was told that there was a good chance that they would have to put splints in or maybe do open heart surgury.    The doctor did the heart cath and found nothing! He said whatever showed up on the stress test had nothing to do with her heart and that she had no blockage at all. Praise God.

5-10-07 Our friend Becky came out to the stables with us to meet Champ. She fell in love with him right off. Everybody falls in love with Champ.

May 14-16th Click here to go to the trip to the Washington D.C. ALS Advocacy Days

May 19th    Ron and Jody came down to visit. I haven't seen them in many years and it was such a blessing to have them visit.    Jody had a bad experience with horses in the past and we wanted to show her what it was like to ride a good horse.

After a little "get to know you" session between Jody and Champ, Joan saddled him up. From the very start we knew she would do well. She wasn't so sure. Ron is checking things out from a distance.

Here is Jody building a little confidence in the small lot behind the barn. Champ was his usual self and tried to pick grass. That gave Jody the opportunity to discover that she was the one in charge.

Any time you see a smile this big you know somebody is having a good time. I think Jody was enjoying herself to. LOL

Joan saddled up Brandy so her and Jody could go for a ride in the fields. Jody has conquored her fear and is ready to roll.

Back from the  ride and looking like she has been riding for a long time. I'm glad we were able to share our time together.

It took three of them to help me into the saddle but once there it felt good.

Last but not least, Ron climbed on board for a short ride. Ron rode a lot when he was younger so him and Champ hit it off well.

Visits like this remind me of the blessings of friendship. We would all be in a sad way if we didn't have people around us to love. Thanks for taking some of your vacation to come and visit.

I go to UK Hospital for a Research Project May 21-22, 29th and June 1st    Since I have ALS and there is no cure, I volunteer to be a human guini pig whenever possible. Who knows, maybe somebody will do something that will slow or stop ALS. I would really like to be there if they do.    To date I have taken part in numerous surveys and research projects. None of them has helped or hurt me so I don't mind doing them.    The staff at UK Hospital is tops. They go out of their way to make me comfortable and welcomed. They make sure I have everything I need.    The study I am presently in requires me to drink a lot of fluids and believe me, they keep the glasses coming.    I took some pictures of some of the staff. I apologize to the ones I did not get a picture of. I didn't have the camera when I stayed all night. Hopefully I'll remember it next trip.    I have omitted most of the names on purpose.

Measuring my muscle mass and body water. Always kind and thoughtful. That helps as I must lie down through this scanning process. Lying down with ALS is not always an easy thing to do.

Wonderful sense of humor and always ready to help. Thank you.

Always has a big smile. That is so nice to see in a world full of frowns. Keep the water cold and the coffee hot. LOL

Steve spearheads the project for Dr. K. We just met this last visit. Steve, hope Mitch and I didn't make it to rough. LOL We only joke with people we like.