As you or may not know, the past month has been a difficult one for me. My progression appears to be more rapid than the norm and my weakness especially in my arms is significant (I will pay for this post with tremors and spasms in my forearms and hands).

But in this difficulty, I have found a new love and thankfulness for my family. First and foremost my wife who puts up with my frustration. If there is something that I need, a glass of milk, help getting off the couch, a form that needs to be filled out legibly...she is there. She also reminds me that my importance to her and our children is not in going to work or pitching a ball, but in being here. In laughing and loving, in telling stories and saying prayers.

My children are also a huge blessing. As my strength has gone, so has my ability to drive more than a couple of blocks, turning the steering wheel is exhuasting for me. My sixteen year old daughter has become my backup chaufer. If my wife is busy, my daughter will take me to the store, to church, or wherever I need or want to go. My 14 year old will carry laptops for me and all of my children will carry things upstairs for me. Will be my footmen when we go somewhere as a family and have to drive the 12 passenger van (I have to use a stool to get in). No one in my family has ever complained or acted put off to help me.

I am so blessed to have such a wonderful wife and children. I thank God for my blessings and the life I have been given.

Indiana Jim, sounds to me like your family is very lucky to have you! You and your wife obviously have given your children a great example to follow. I agree with your wife when she you are important to her and your children by being there to share your stories, love and support with them.