Gangy Update

Gangy and August, her youngest great grandchild
 and a big six-month-old boy old now. 

About the only time she can hold him now is when he's sleeping. 

Mom uses her "Hot Wheels" power chair during almost all of her waking hours now. We were able to take it to our family Christmas get-together on MLK's birthday weekend recently, and it was nice for her to have the mobility there instead of having to wait for someone to move her around in her push chair. I think she put it off as long as possible, but it's been much less stressful not having to worry about her falling while using her walker.

Dad takes her to the beauty shop once a week, and hopefully, she'll be able to go back to church after the flu season. They watch the services on dvd for now. I'm hoping she'll eventually go with Dad when he walks to the library each week; it's only two short blocks from our house.

She can still use her hands to write or spell out words in the air to communicate, since she hasn't been able to speak for quite a while now. She's still able to eat some, although most bulbar ALS patients at the same stage have long since stopped due to the choking hazard. She spends her days watching her favorite TV shows, reading, corresponding with friends who've been so kind to write to her. She has about twenty Words with Friends games going at any given time, and she helps Dad with the bills. She had always been the accountant and bill payer in their marriage, but about a year ago she began "training" Dad to start doing it. Her most important job is helping Dad and me remember stuff-- we are both so forgetful, and she still has the best mind in the house.

My daughter Vanessa comes over with my three grandkids one afternoon a week, and we always enjoy  seeing them. Finn (6 years old) is Dad's helper; he bonded with Dad from the time he was a baby, and they are always tinkering on something together outside or in PaPaw's workshop. Last week they trimmed the crepe myrtles; yesterday they planted onions in the garden. 

Mom is currently in her 46th month of ALS, which began with her speech slurring and eventually paralyzing her tongue. It's gradually moved to her limbs with her muscles weakening and taking away her ability to walk. I can't imagine how frightening it must be for her knowing what's coming, but she is so brave, and continues to think of others' well-being. We know the road ahead is not going to be easy, but God has been with us every step of the way and will continue to give us the grace to endure. We appreciate your prayers, and we can definitely feel the effects of them. 

I've really enjoyed living with my parents the past four years. I hear nightmare stories about families who don't get along, but my parents are the exception. I've learned that Mom has spoiled Dad pretty good all these years, but now he's getting the opportunity to be her hero as he so sweetly takes care of her. I love watching their relationship.

We still laugh often, I still ask her advice about cooking, and I'm grateful to get to spend time with her. She is one of my best friends, and it's an honor for me to be able to help her at this time in her life.