Lou Gerhig

quitman1947 · Mar 26, 2012

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 · Mar 26, 2012

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 · Mar 26, 2012

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 · Mar 26, 2012

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 · Mar 26, 2012

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 · Mar 26, 2012

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 · Mar 26, 2012

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 · Mar 26, 2012

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 · Mar 26, 2012

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 · Mar 26, 2012

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!