Wednesday, October 10, 2012

One Year

He squeezed the small muscle between my thumb and index finger, and I knew I was in trouble.

She knew I was in trouble when a close view of my back showed numerous muscles twitching.

Still, we expected a lot of blood tests before any diagnosis...

"We'll conduct a wide range of blood work and tests, but I can say with some certainty that you have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis."
He was Dr. Rothstein, and she was Amanda.

A year ago on this date, doctors at Johns Hopkins confirmed my diagnosis.

An emotional few days followed. The remainder of that day was spent making calls to my family and making the long journey home.

It was late by the time we got back to Lexington.

The past year has been hectic, to say the least: Neil and Jill's wedding, VMI alumni soccer, friends helping with firewood, taking Amanda to Ring Figure, The Conway Cup, a trip to Scotland, a trip to Ft. Benning to play in an Abrams Tank, skydiving, driving a Bugatti Veyron, getting a service dog, a  trip to Myrtle Beach, celebrating 10 years of marriage with Amanda in Aruba, a trip to Topsail Beach, another trip to Scotland...

...and now retirement: October 31st will be my last day of work.

9 comments:

  1. Can't believe it's been a year already. Be proud of how you have handled this so far...we certainly are.

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  2. Your courage this year has been amazing and we will continue to pray for you. This is truly a bad memory day but it is day that has made you, Amanda & your precious kids & your family & friends even more close and united even stronger. Bless you and your family.

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  3. I think retirement is the right next step. Every moment matters and you've fully embraced that. Your inspire those of us who get mired in the mundane when we have so much to be thankful for. We are thankful for you and for your courage. I still remember the night on the soccer field years ago before all this when you told me about another important doctor visit when you were told "If you and Amanda want to have kids you should start now." I am so glad you took that advice. The kids will remember every swim lesson, every hug, and every smile. Keep filling their hearts.

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    1. I'm trying...I still have the mundane, it's just different

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  4. I hope the retirement is a good thing so you can enjoy yourself and not a sign that you cannot continue work. Although we met only briefly, it was the most inspiring meeting of my life.

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  5. My heart sank when I read the last phrase of your post. But not out of sadness for you, out of sadness for y/our office. I know they will be devastated when you leave. And who ever will eat all of the candy?!

    On the bright side, I think this means you and Amanda and the girls should plan a trip to DC!

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    Replies
    1. Good plan, Jenny! It would be great to see you, AND I could bore Tony to death in a museum!

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