A New Path

On my original blog, http://blog.donnavancleve.com/ , I'm currently journaling my recent trip to London. We took our time while we were there, but it was still hard to soak it all in. I remember feeling like I wanted to re-invent myself while I was there. And circumstances at home have contributed to that. My position as school librarian was done away with, but it wasn't a stressful loss because I wanted and needed to be home helping take care of my mom who is in her 41st month of ALS/Lou Gehrig's disease. She lost her ability to speak over a year ago, but she can still communicate through writing & hand signals. She walks with a walker now, and only for short distances. We use a portable push wheelchair when we need to. We applied for a power wheelchair, but were denied because she is still walking some. The disease is progressive, though, and unless God chooses to miraculously heal her, she will eventually be in a wheelchair when out of her bed during the day. 

Gangy holding her most recent great-grandson August

Her throat and lungs are our biggest concern because this type of ALS paralyzes the tongue and the ability to swallow as well as weakens the function of her lungs to breath and to clear them. She gets the majority of her nourishment from liquid supplements fed through a stomach tube, but she still eats some soft foods, which increases her chances of choking. She's faithful to do what the doctors tell her; she wears a vest that vibrates her chest to loosen anything that might be collecting in her lungs; she wears a mask at night that helps force air into her lungs; and she received a new machine this week that will help her cough and clear her lungs. 

My parents and I on the porch of our new house, November 2009, five months before Mom's symptoms began

Mom is a trooper, though. She never complains or feels sorrow for herself. If she's able to do something herself, she'll do it. Her sense of humor is intact. She is the most selfless and courageous person I know, constantly thinking of others. She has the best memory in the house, and keeps my dad and me straight. My heart breaks for her and what lies ahead, but we try to focus on the good and not the bad. We're thankful that she's not in any pain. We're thankful that she can still communicate with us. We're thankful this disease didn't strike years ago. We're thankful that the dog she bought me for my birthday loves her the most and stays beside her throughout the day. He's brought her such joy and laughter, although he isn't without his own issues.

Snickers in his centerfold pose

Snickers was a part of the 140+ dogs living in a hoarding situation in Bastrop last year that has been in the news off and on. He's deaf and has poor eyesight. He has severe separation anxiety issues and tends to tear things up when he's by himself. He was adopted twice and returned twice. But he has the most loving heart and sweetest personality, and it didn't take him long to steal our hearts. 

Hot wheels grandmas in San Antonio with Mom, Nelda Watson, & Mary Blood

Looking back we see so clearly that God's hand has been guiding us and providing for us, especially in moving my parents to Central Texas closer to doctors and hospitals. And I have no doubt He led us to the house we're living in, which is such a good fit for us in so many ways. We're so thankful for His love and care, and it's such a comfort knowing that He will guide us through the days to come and give us the strength and grace to travel this path.