One ALS Journey

One ALS Journey describes the thoughts and feelings a family experiences over a period of three years as caregivers. It chronicles the emotional, spiritual, and physical challenges encountered as they learn to care for a husband and father. It emphasizes the necessity of many caregivers in a progressive, terminal, neurological disease. ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease, as it is sometimes called, causes a progressive loss of muscle function due to neurological interruptions. The day by day declining physical abilities of the patient is a difficult task with which everyone has to cope. This often produces emotional ups and downs. Thus, fear, anger, sadness, and resignation, are often expressed as well as gratitude, laughter, hope, and even joy. Shortened text and photos provide the reader with a straightforward understanding of the complex emotional and spiritual content. It enables one to take time to contemplate and feel the resignation, grief, belief, and even the joy of the caregivers. Readers will find assurance and consolation in knowing the faith that makes it possible to go through difficult tests and come out whole on the other side. Christian faith made this pilgrimage a spiritual excursion of particular significance, one of growth, challenge, and peace. ALS requires the assistance of numerous professional caregivers including neurologists, general physicians, nurses, speech therapists, physical therapists, nutritionists, urologists, ALS Clinics, Hospice, and hired help. It must include the generous empathy and assistance of family, neighbors, and church friends. No one can cope with the demands of ALS alone, but with the consistent help of a community of caregivers it can strengthen and even bless the lives of all involved.