The other ugly side of ALS

I've been thinking about writing this for alot longer than I care to admit. My wife of 14 years left me, at my request, back in May. Without getting into too much detail, and out of respect for what we once had, the bottom line was that she just wasn't meant to be a caregiver...or not mine anyway. I've always said that she began mourning my death from the very day I was diagnosed. There were some very worthy attempts at working it out, staying together, but even those were masked by the ugly underbelly of ALS that I think most do not see. I'd just like to let others know that you do not have to lie there and be neglected, mistreated or abused! This situation took six years to culminate in my case, as my progression has been somewhat slow, but the more dependent I became, the more it became obvious.

I'm blessed that my situation has opened other doors for me, that others can see me first, instead of just as a PALS, made to feel a burden. Don't let the disease define you, but tell your body how to define the disease, and take one day at a time, or one hour, or minute...whatever gets you through it.

On a lighter note, please drop by my web site, www.stevewhitenc.com and let me know you've been there by signing my guestbook.

Sincere thanks!