Lou Gerhig

[quitman1947]

Well fellows. Things are starting to head downhill a bit. Got this diagnosis in dec of 2010 and have been able to continue working pretty much the same. But now cannot walk with a walker and speech is slowing down. Bought my wife's grandfathers farm six years ago and looked forward to the day of retirement when I could fix stuff,build. Whatever needed to be built. Bought. A kubota lh245 Ann totally restored it but had to sell because it was to hard to get up on. Bought a kubota l342 and it is much easier t to get on. Spread 40 tons of sb2 gravel over Christmas but had to have the grandson help me on and off the tractor. ALS slowly kills the muscles. Breathing is weakling. But, listen. I thank God for what I have been able to do and for the wonderful family that I have. My wife is an angeland she has a terrible burden to carry. I use to it all, from laying tile to laying shingles. But no more. Never had a plumber in the house. So don't take life for granted. Repair those "broken" fences and tell your wifeand kids you love them.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

What a courageous, tough letter to write. I'm so glad you have your faith, but am sorry that you waited to get online to tell us of your plans. I can't even begin to imagine the ups and downs you are going through.

I will pray for you and your family. I will also tell my family how much I love them when I get home today.

Stay tough when you can be. Keep your faith, for heaven is a wonderful place says the bible. Keep us posted.

 

[TripleR]

Sorry to hear that quitman1947, there was a thread on here a few months ago where a wheel chair bound member had a neighbor who built a ramp to allow him access to his tractor. I am now using a small step to help me get on and off of my tractors and there are a lot of others with mobility issues though nothing compared to yours.

You have a very positive attitude and I am sure it will stand you in good stead in the future; wish there was more I could say or do. I couldn't agree more on mending fences. My dad renewed his connection with my brother and I after he developed prostate cancer and even moved back to our farm where he lived out his remaining days. Sadly my older brother lived 2300 miles away and really didn't have the opportunity to mend fences so to speak.

 

[Tororider]

My prayers are with you. I lost my grandfather a little over two years ago to ALS. He had late onset which tends to be quicker acting. A guy who walked four miles a day to not being able to shave in the matter of a couple months. Enjoy the time you have with your family, as much as you may feel like a burden, I was happy to be able to help take care of my grandfather even if for a short time. God bless you and your family.

 

[JDGREEN4ME]

My prayers are with you also. I agree about the mending fences, my dad and I never really fought but we were never close either. Sad but I still remember the last time I told my father I loved him, back in 1986!. Dad is still alive and in the late stages of Alzheimers and he hasn't known who I am for awhile now. Raised to be self-reliant and not to take any "stuff" from any body. Dad never showed much emotions over the years...I only wished I had.

 

[JDGreenGrass]

Best wishes friend. That's a tough row to hoe.

I lost my mother in an instant to cardiac arrest.

I lost my father 4 years after a severe stroke.

You have the time to make amends and to love. Be strong. Try to enjoy your precious time....

 

[rsewill]

Tough, tough disease. Glad you can take care of those chores and your advice to all of us is something we don't always remember.

And welcome to the forum.

 

[Bird]

I don't know of anything to say that hasn't been said, but I'll certainly say a prayer for you and wish the best for you and your family.

 

[kf4uda]

I am so sorry to hear about your situation my friend. I have said a prayer for you and your family. Stay faithful and give your burdens to God. He will comfort you and your family without fail.

 

[rdavisjr87]

I will put in a prayer for you and your family. Wish I could do more to help. Bless you for your strength and your faith. Keep your spirits up and know your not a burdon but but a blessing to your family. Thanks for the reminder about the importance of life and family. Keep the faith!

 

[Mounted Madness]

I've lost 2 friends to ALS.
Gone before their time.
We assume in this day and age that we get 3 score and 10 plus another 10...
...yet we get these corrections all the time.
I can only wish you and your family the best.
My thoughts are with you...:thumbsup:

 

[dex3361]

Well fellows. Things are starting to head downhill a bit. Got this diagnosis in dec of 2010 and have been able to continue working pretty much the same. But now cannot walk with a walker and speech is slowing down. Bought my wife's grandfathers farm six years ago and looked forward to the day of retirement when I could fix stuff,build. Whatever needed to be built. Bought. A kubota lh245 Ann totally restored it but had to sell because it was to hard to get up on. Bought a kubota l342 and it is much easier t to get on. Spread 40 tons of sb2 gravel over Christmas but had to have the grandson help me on and off the tractor. ALS slowly kills the muscles. Breathing is weakling. But, listen. I thank God for what I have been able to do and for the wonderful family that I have. My wife is an angeland she has a terrible burden to carry. I use to it all, from laying tile to laying shingles. But no more. Never had a plumber in the house. So don't take life for granted. Repair those "broken" fences and tell your wifeand kids you love them.

I will pray for you and thank you for sharing your heart with us. You have the right attitude. It is great advice you have shared in your time of distress.
"Cast all your cares on Him and He will care for you".

 

[sfloggie]

Dang Quitman!

I too pray for you and your family. Man...!! I pray the best for you and at a loss for words. Do not know you, but it hurts to hear your desires and now this.

Do take heart as I see you have Faith and you have Blessings around you. God is good...He really is.

Jim

 

[jinman]

Quitman, it's a blessing for us that you took the time to come here and give us your upbeat message while you are suffering so many losses. I suspect your family knows just how much you love them and how you consider yourself fortunate to have them at your side. We hear your message and we all will benefit from your life's lessons that you shared with TBN. Thank you, and may God bless you and those who love and care for you.

 

[dmccarty]

Quitman,

Welcome to TBN.

A friend of my was diagnosed with ALS five or so years ago.

We have a Walk A Thon in the first part of May. :thumbsup:

It is a horrible illness and it shocks me how many people get ALS. My friend has been on disability for a couple of years now. With computers I talk to him almost daily and we can set up video feeds when we want. Having a computer has helped him keep contact and not be home alone. :thumbsup:

Some of the reading my friend has sent me has been interesting. Apparently ALS is an illness that hits mostly men who are slender and athletic. Quite a few people in the military have gotten ALS. I know of two local police officers that have had ALS as well. The military connection was a concern because of the worry that there might be a ALS causation with vaccines or some other chemical exposure. Turns out the link seems to be being male and in shape.

Later,
Dan

 

[tcreeley]

Good luck.. One does what one can- that is all there is do- and that's enough! Good luck to you and your family. Know that all of your hard work, your experiences, you - live on through others, the things you have created, the people you have touched, the animals you have raised, the memories. Be grateful for having lived life, for having done all you have done, for having faced it. It is ok to rest, to take it easier- though inside you may be rarin to go.
My brother passed away from brain cancer two years ago, started as a numbness in his hand and a year and a 1/2 later he passed away. He raised varieties of hostas and gave us some. It is good to see them back every spring.
Good luck, take joy in the moment, and be proud of that. It is deserved.

 

[creekbend]

Best wishes. This comes from the "Very bottom of MY Heart and Soul". Please keep the faith.

 

[QRTRHRS]

Tough situation. My father died from ALS about two years into it. Hate to mention this but he was six foot four and 80lbs at the end. Tall but certainly not athletic unless bending the elbow counts, he had other complications associated with a lifetime of abuse.

 

[wolc123]

Thanks for your post quitman1947. As good as life here on earth can be at times, it aint nothing compared to what awaits in heaven.

 

[sadie72]

Keep your faith. You'll get back on that tractor again. Thank you for this contribution and sharing your story with the forum members. We all pray for you and your family.