I don't have ALS. (I think. I hope.) I have not spent the last two years struggling with the loss of one ability after another, first clear speech, then swallowing, breathing, the working of limbs.
I have my health, my voice (raspy as it is from a recent respiratory infection). I am ambulatory. I have not reached the caps on my health insurance.
Now the question is:
What will I do with these abilities, these blessings, as I cross Horizon 51?
Happy birthday. So many mixed emotions in your slice. Horizon 51 is full of possibilities for you. I wish you well.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lisa. Emphasis on the "well". :-)
DeleteWhat will you do with your abilities? I believe what you have done in the past, the best you can. When I worked my morning prayer included, "Lord, I did the best I could yesterday, please help me do my best today." As for ALS. I have prayed that it never again attacks our family.
ReplyDeleteThe picture brought back some beautiful memories.
Happy Birthday Chris.
Love Ya, Dad.
Thanks, Dad. Yep, doing my best, but hoping I can do better.
DeleteYour writing, reading, learning, teaching, cooking, drumming, marching, mothering, wife-ing, daughter-ing, friending are not only YOUR best, but better than the rest...of us who wanna grow up to be just like you. Birthday love. 51 hugs��
ReplyDeleteYou make me blush often, Mrs. Nash. I will take those hugs when I see you soon!
DeleteWow. So beautifully put. I'm thinking about you today, and will definitely be again when I pass a similar milestone.
ReplyDeleteIt's odd when we approach those milestones, isn't it? Gives one pause...hope yours finds you healthy and happy.
DeleteHappy Birthday! I love how you end with that question of what's next?
ReplyDeleteSo much ahead!
Thank you! I'd like to think I've only hit midlife!
DeleteYour comments on my posts every day have encouraged me to keep going. I think you will keep on using all of your abilities in the best ways you know and will continue to enjoy all of your blessings. Have a Happy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad my comments are spurring you on, Jen! This community is so supportive. It certainly makes sharing important memories easier to write.
DeleteHappy Birthday with a question we might all ask ourselves, but you have a more poignant reason. I'm sorry about your mother, know that you will find ways to honor this future you've been given.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda. This will be a year of reckoning for me, I think, to improve on those areas I now find lacking.
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