A bunch of the family got together today and cut enough firewood to last the winter. It was a hard day on all of us but such a joy to see and be around them.
I found out I can't run a chainsaw anymore so they let me stand and opperate the log splitter. That didn't take a lot of effort but I'm wore out this evening.
It's so wonderful to have family that cares and isn't afraid to show their love for one another.
Such a beautiful day. I spent the day with my son and watched drag races. No, we didn't go to a regular dragstrip. A bunch of people got together and went to an abandoned airport. There were over a hundred people there and we all had a good time. Saw some great races to.
I guess everything is catching up with me. I have always tried to be there for others when they needed help or comfort. When I see the pain that this disease is causing the ones that I love it breaks my heart. I hurt for my family and friends but I want everyone to know that God is with me now and I will be with him when this is over.
Once again a day of blessings.
I recieved a phone call for an interview today and it turned out to be one of the most uplifting things that could have happened.
The woman who called didn't know that the interview was supposed to have been cancelled..
While we were talking, she found out that I have ALS and asked me how I could have such a positive attitude about such a devastating illness. That helped to open the doors to our discussion of God. By the end of the conversation she told me that she felt that God had interviened and made sure she was able to call. She had been needing to talk about the burdens that she had been facing and my advice to turn the burdens over to God made her realize she didn't have to fight the battle by herself.
I almost forgot. John's Hopkins called today and gave me an appointment. November 27 I will head to Maryland.
Note: When I found out I had ALS I think Satan figured I would curse God and die.
Satan didn't make me weaker, he made me mad. I know who to blame for my illness. If Satan wants me to stop he better put on his running shoes and try to catch up. Glory be to my God and praises to his name!
I know how my nephew John felt when his football team made the perfect play. The whole team did their job so the quarterback could do his. I asked God to give me the ball this time and I'm not going to stop until I'm with him.
The running score so far:
Satan successes at stopping me- 0
People that I have been able to speak to about God's blessings in the last few days.
15 neighbors
At least 20 teachers
3 doctors
2 physical therapists
Several Strangers and a host of family and friends
My team is every Christian person in this world. Keep those prayers going so Satan is blocked out of the way and let God use me as he sees fit. If I get to the point of not being able to speak, I will use my fingers and a keyboard. When, and if my fingers fail I have already found a computer with an optical scanner so I can type by moving my eyes.
Glory be to God!
I don't know if it's cold where you are but it feels like an early winter here in Kentucky.
The trees are changing fast and the woods are beautiful. This has always been my favorite time of the year.
I look at the guestbook and am rejoicing. More and more people are coming here. I would love to hear some of the blessings that are happening in other peoples lives!
I was able to talk to a couple more people today and that brought a blessing of it's own in two ways. Number one is I got to share the glories of God and number two, I can still talk. For both of those things I am thankful.
This disease works in strange ways. One day my left arm doesn't work well and the next day I can use it to some extent again. They tell me that is because one set of nerves dies and another set of nerves take over and does double duty.
As long as I can pick up my cup of coffee I think I'll be fine. I've been working on the two handed method and think I'll be alright for a while. :) After that I'll just have to get a big long straw and stick it right in the coffee pot. I guess that proves I know how to plan for the future. You have to take care of these big problems first. :)
I told my wife Joan that she was going to have to take a break pretty soon. She's been used to me working and I'm not used to being at home. Talk about an adjustment for both of us. Its a good thing she's patient and also probably a blessing that I don't talk much. The good lord works in mysterious ways. :)
I heard from several friends the last couple of days. Jack, Ron and Judy, Paula, and one of my students from several years ago. I want you all to know that the smile I got from hearing from you is still on my face.
Say a prayer for my Mother In Law and Joan's Aunts. All of them have been in the hospital.
Matt, if you read this, know that my heart is broken for you. Your mother was a wonderful woman and will be missed but rest assured that she is in God's hands
Today was a long day but a good one. I felt better today than I have in a week.
We sold one of the horses today. I'm not able to ride like I used to and have trouble grooming the horse.
Joan gets to put the tack on but once in the saddle I can still ride. We used to go out for seven or eight hours at a time. If I can ride for an hour right now I figure it's a good day.
Heard from another friend today. She and her husband are in town and want to get together on Sunday. I am looking forward to seeing them.
Went to my first ALS clinic today. The clinic usually takes 2-3 hours but this one took around 5. I like to talk a lot if you haven't noticed.)
I asked about the fact that my strength was returning and there were all kinds of explanations given. One thing was pretty consitant. People with ALS usually have one or two good days then several bad ones. I asked them why I had been getting stronger for the past four days and they admitted that was a "little unusual." I told them it didn't surprise me at bit. They asked what I was doing to make it better. I told them that I wasn't doing anything except leaving it in God's hands.
The doctor told me that this form of ALS was usually the worse, due to it starting in the throat. He also said that this time the ALS seemed to be moving slower.
Satan is falling further behind. I was able to talk to several people today about how God has blessed my life.
Hi all,
Was able to share God's blessings with several people today.
Have you ever heard the saying, "your never in so bad of shape that somebody out there is worse." While I was at Cardinal Hill Hospital yesterday I met a young man who was paralyzed from the chest down. He had been hit by a truck. His wife was at his side as we talked and I could see the love that she had for him.
Was this young man depressed or mad? No. He was talking about how he would face the life ahead of him. His wife was listening to him and smiling.
Here was a young man who would have years and years of life in a wheelchair and he was smiling. If he can smile about living life the way he was, surely we can find the blessings that God has granted in our lives.
God didn't say we had to go through life depressed and sad. He wants us to rejoice, hold our head up high and show the world that we have something special. Let those who don't know God walk around while looking at the ground and complaining. They have a legitamate reason to do it!
Note: I told you in an earlier message that I would keep up my praise to God on this site even if I couldn't use my fingers to type. I ordered a computer today that will help me speak. If it is meant for me to continue with this disease I will use my eyes to tell the computer what I want to say and it will either speak the words or type them. Glory to God. This disease is supposed to affect just about everything except eye movement.
Note: Thank goodness I have insurance to help buy the equipment I need.
If you know someone who has ALS, MS or any of these devastating diseases please consider donating money to an organization like the MDA or the ALS centers in your area.
The MDA offers monetary support ($2000.00) to people who have these diseases regardless of race, religion, ethnic background, or monetary standing so they can buy the equipment that is needed to live as normal of a life as possible. While my insurance covers 80% of the cost of the equipment, MDA will pick up the extra 20% up to the $2000.00 amount. A lot of other people don't have insurance so the ALS and MDA centers are their only source of help.
The ALS and MDA chapters in your area also have a "loaner closet" from which people can "borrow" equipment until they no longer have a need for it. This equipment is very expensive and funding is needed to keep the "loaner closets" open.
Sometimes the days go by so fast. Today was one of those. Doctors appointments took up the morning and business the afternoon.
I would like to share with you a how God will take care of his people.
This afternoon I was tired and my spirits were low. This is when Satan works on me the hardest and believe me I was starting to struggle.
I had just taken a short nap to help with the fatique when I got a phone call from my brother. He had forwarded me an email and wanted to make sure I got it.
The email said, among other things:
Please let Bryan know that Chillicothe Ohio is praying for him.
Signed by Dan
I want to say this to Dan and the people in Chillicothe Ohio. The email that my brother forwarded , helped to lift my spirits in a time of need. I don't think I could have felt the presence of God any more if I would have been in a service with you. Thank you and God Bless.
Special Note:
If you don't know about God please read some of the benefits he has to offer. The following is a wonderful real life example of God's plan.
I don't know Dan and am not sure if I know anyone in Chillicothe, Ohio. That is the wonder of God. He has made us all part of his family. If I never get the opportunity to meet Dan or the people in his church I can still call on God to bless them for the prayers that they put before God in my behalf. The Christians in Chillicothe are part of God's family and that makes them my brothers and sisters. Their prayers can help to strenthen me and visa versa.
Our God hears all, sees all and knows all. He is the God of love and kindness. He is the author of love.
Had a long day today and it was a good one.
I was able to pick up a bail of hay and put it in the wheelbarrow to feed the horses! It wore me out but I feel like that is progress.
I have been looking for a full size van and met two gentlemen at a dealership that were a pleasure to talk to. Wasn't able to get the van but I wanted to thank Alan and Martin at Sutherlands Chevy in Nicholasville for the effort. I also wanted to thank you for the spiritual discussion. That is what is keeping me going.
Note: It is not my intention to provide business advertising on this site but when I am treated with respect and courtesy by people who act and talk like Chistians I am going to let others know about it.
Met a bunch of friends this evening at Fasig Tipton's. Those of you who know me know that I have worked the thoroughbred horse sales for years as a way to make extra money.
This year I went along for the ride as Joan took food to the nightwatch crew. It was good to see everybody and was pleased to find several of them were now attending the same church that I went to last weekend. Debbie, Tony, and Roger- Joan and I will see you in the morning at 10 in the church coffee shop!
I was sitting here trying to put together what to say this evening. The last few days have been trying. The cold weather works on the muscles in ways that I would have never imagined. Still, I am able to do most everything for myself and I am blessed in that regard.
On the positive side, the days have been mostly sunny and the trees are beautiful. I had a good visit with Caleb yesterday. I watched as he worked on his car. I usually try to help but the cold had my muscles pretty stiff. We had a pizza and enjoyed the time together. He picked me up a GPS monitor so now I'm going to have to get out of the house and go geo caching. Scott and Matt sent me an extra x-box that they had, along with several games! Guess what I've been doing!
Joan's mother and one aunt are home from the hospital! Prayers are being answered folks!
Carolyn called to tell me she got her flu shot this year so she won't be bringing the flu with her when she comes. Mom, both of my sisters and my brother call on a regular basis.
Please pray for Jody and her family. She contacted me yesterday and told me her brother had died of Cancer. Jody, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
If you look at the guestbook you'll see so many people who are responding to the site. I don't think you'll ever know how uplifting it is to come here and see messages from people all over. West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, Maryland and Seattle Washington! God bless you all!
Finally. Due to the cold weather I haven't been out as much as I usually am. That doesn't keep me from talking to others about God. It's the time of the year when everybody is calling to find out if you are going to vote for their political candidate! I tell them that I'll answer their questions if they'll answer mine! Turn about it fair play isn't it?
Have you ever been sitting up late at night and suddenly have a craving for something that you don't have in the house? I could eat a whole chocolate cake by myself right about now!
Three of the grandchildren are staying the night. That is enough of a blessing to make me forget about the cake. (almost)
I try to have something special to do with each of the grandkids. One likes riding horses, one likes fishing, one likes just "hanging out," and the youngest one doesn't know if she even likes me or not because I make her mind her manners. LOL
For those of you who are Grandparents I think you know fortunate we are. Grandkids are the kids you can spoil and then send back home. :)
I took the Grandkids to Pizza Hut one night this summer. Joan was busy with the horses so it was just me and the kids. While we were in the restraunt, another group of children were running wild while their parents sat and ate dinner. Customers were being run into, food was being taken from the food bar and thrown and the atmosphere was one of general disorder. The manager finally asked the group to leave due to the childrens behavior. Of course the parents got upset and wondered why anyone would have the gaul to say something about their children. They left the restraunt with much complaining and foul language.
When I went up to pay for our meal, the manager came over and took the bill. He said it was such a joy to see children who could behave themselves that the dinner was on him. I don't know if that man will ever realize how that one gesture stuck with my grandchildren. You could almost see the pride glowing as we left. Of course they were able to tell everybody how good they had been and how bad the other group had acted. .
We have all complained when we see somebody doing something wrong. How often do we tell when they are doing something that is right?
It's been a busy weekend. We had the grandchildren over and they have a tendency to keep you busy! They also have a way of making you forget the problems. The energy of youth is infectious but exhausting. Thank the good lord that I am still able to play with them a little.
Will and I hunted for geo caches both Saturday and Sunday. For a nine year old he picked up reading the GPS pretty quick.
Caleb and I got together on Sunday afternoon to go to the races but it seems the track was closed at the last minute.
Will is really proud. He finally got to ride Joan's horse. He knew that was something special because nobody rides Mamaw's horse unless they know how to handle him. The twins got to ride my horse and that was enough to make their day.
Joan and I had talked and decided to hold off telling the grandkids anything about my illness until they asked. Will asked Joan what was wrong with me this weekend. He couldn't miss the change in my voice or the fact that I am having trouble with my arms and hands. He also noticed that I get tired a lot faster than I used to. He now knows that I am sick and will loose my voice although he doesn't realize what this disease can do in the long run.
Note: Lou Gehrigs destroys the nerves of the body so they can't tell the muscles what to do. People with this disease have various problems associated with eating and drinking.
Tamara and Randy finished their CPR classes. Since I have a tendency to get choked on liquids, everybody in the family is, or has learned how to do the heimlick manuever. When I get choked I hit something, a wall, a desk, anything close, to get attention that I need help.
Joan has already used the manuever on me once.
This is a good thing for everyone to learn whether you have illness in your family or not.