ALS- Living Life Fast

The Path of Life with Friends

During a recent trip, I had long, honest conversations with a friend. We spoke of life, dealing with adversity and enjoying the “here and now”. He shared his thought that, in living with ALS, I am actually living life “faster”. That is, my body is going through much of the same deterioration that everyone will experience: weakness, fatigue, changes in how the body reacts to heat and cold, etc. In essence, watching me and how I am living is giving him a preview of his life to come. He also shared that it is giving him an appreciation for what his parents are experiencing.

Then, another friend, sent me an email about a dream he had : We both had ALS, only mine was “ahead” of his. In thinking through this, he realized, in similar fashion, that I was leading the way for a path similar to that we will all have to travel, and teaching others how to navigate it.

The Path of Life with Friends

Two things strike me from their thoughts. First, in living life “faster”, I have to live everything more fully. I really do not have the luxury of waiting. However long I have left, I am finding myself wanting to do things NOW – experiences, telling people I love them, eating ice cream, whatever. That is why you see me accepting invitations to visit friends wherever they will have me. (Travelling has become more difficult financially and physically, but that is for another day.)

My second thought on this is how I am having an impact on others. Through my speeches, writing and conversations, my words and the way Ben Trust and I are leading our lives are making a difference for others in facing their own adversities and finding opportunities to get the most of their days. It is humbling. I don’t always get it right, but I will continue to do my best to live a life well-lived.

As always, I thank you for your love and support. I am so lucky to have such dear friends. Onward!