IT TAKES A 'HEAP OF LIVIN' !

When things weren't going quite as we'd planned, My Gandpa McMullin used to say "well, it takes a heap of livin!'" This never made too much sense to me until recently.  Now it seems perfectly clear, as we move daily through our 'heap' in this process of living with ALS!   

Catch up!
At this point, we haven't seen any noticeable positive results from our stem cell therapy in Cancun.  Still, we are every grateful we were able to have the opportunity to go and 'try' something that we might have always wondered about.  We may yet see some leveling off; our great  hope!  Last week it was suggested we try some power-packed vitamin IV's and injections of Clutathione,; a strong antioxidant!

In the meantime Jim is daily using his 'sip and puff' machine when needed, which gives his diaphragm relief during the day.  He is still awaiting the re-do of the wheelchair we were gifted, but in the meantime uses a loaner, being able to operate it with his still somewhat usable right hand.  He is able to stand up and move several steps with the use of a walker, but spends the majority of his days on his shrinking derriere, which is pretty tough since he has now lost nearly 40 pounds.  My efforts to stuff him with calories is challenged by his insistence to stay off wheat and dairy products.  My guess is that Jim was, unlike me, mostly MUSCLE when this disease began, and this is where most of his weight loss has been. 

Jim says he couldn't do without me, which may be true these days.  But I figure I owe him pretty BIG for taking such good care of me for 36 years.  Taking care of ALL the finances, cars, fixing broken things, explaining directions on - well, pretty much everything except recipes, internet tutorials, carrying my suitcase so I wouldn't drag and ruin it, doing things with 'patience' so I didn't ruin them, math with the kids, explaining movie plots (much to his dismay) and a myriad of other little things my wee right brain didn't think possible.  I have truly been the beneficiary of much tender love and calm assurance through the years.  The best thing is that Jim has always shown his affection towards me outwardly, which has been a great example to our children.  This new task of mine is, yes, exhausting!  So I take naps when I can ('a good soldier sleeps when he can' - something my Dad always told me) and try to keep variety and a little 'spice' in our lives.  We were able to go to our family home in St. George this past weekend with our daughter Marianne and her family and it was a good break from the routine.  Truth be told, we have some really bad days and major breakdowns on a regular basis.  But happily and amazingly there always seems to be something to 'lighten the load and brighten the road'!  The kids (and their kids) drop in often to see 'Poppy' and bring treats and always bring plenty of hugs and kisses.  We have been 'Richly' blessed with our family! They all truly add light to our lives these days!  In addition, a friend drops by to visit or a loaf of zucchini bread lands on the porch or a sister (brother, friend, neighbor) lends a hand, giving us a much needed break!  We even have a family schedule for regular physical therapy sessions with Jim!  Again - not BIG miracles, but mini ones!  

Speaking of.....this morning we had a visit from cousin Doug Rich and his darling wife Linda.  They have always been favorite Rich cousins of ours. Recently, on a routine visit to the doctor in preparation for he and Linda to go on a mission, they got the bad news that Doug has terminal prostrate cancer.  Doug has been wanting to visit Jim for some time, but we were particularly blessed that he and Linda choose to visit us now.  As Doug told us of his experiences as a stake patriarch in Provo and feelings of closeness to the veil he has experienced giving blessings over the years, we were amazed and uplifted.  He told us that he is completely at peace with the prospects that lie ahead for him; that he knows that the Lord loves us so much and truly wants the best for each of us.  If something is better for us on the other side than here, He knows and we need to trust that He wants what is best for us!  Doug and Linda's faith was not only inspiring but an answer to our constant prayers, as 'fear' of the unknown road lies ahead for us!   This is uncharted territory and we SO need the faith and strength of each other to carry on.  Under Doug and Linda's circumstances, their visit today was both extraordinary and exemplary.  We send our gratitude, prayers, and special love to them and their family as they also face their heavy new and life changing challenges.  

Yup.....'It surely does take a HEAP of livin'!