Sunday, March 5, 2017

2017 SOLC Day Five: Standing on the horizon

Today is the day for which this blog is named.  At fifty-one years and nine months, ALS took my mother and created this horizon for me.

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? 


14 comments:

  1. Happy birthday. So many mixed emotions in your slice. Horizon 51 is full of possibilities for you. I wish you well.

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  2. What 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.
    The picture brought back some beautiful memories.
    Happy Birthday Chris.
    Love Ya, Dad.

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    1. Thanks, Dad. Yep, doing my best, but hoping I can do better.

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  3. Your 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��

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    1. You make me blush often, Mrs. Nash. I will take those hugs when I see you soon!

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  4. Wow. So beautifully put. I'm thinking about you today, and will definitely be again when I pass a similar milestone.

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    1. It's odd when we approach those milestones, isn't it? Gives one pause...hope yours finds you healthy and happy.

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  5. Happy Birthday! I love how you end with that question of what's next?
    So much ahead!

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    1. Thank you! I'd like to think I've only hit midlife!

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  6. Your 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!

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    1. I'm so glad my comments are spurring you on, Jen! This community is so supportive. It certainly makes sharing important memories easier to write.

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  7. Happy 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.

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    1. Thank 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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