During an interview for the SIU Alumni Magazine I was asked, “At what point did you accept the fact that you had ALS?” Accept it? I didn’t know how to answer. 

Later my Dad (the Doctor of Philosophy) explained to the reporter that one doesn’t really accept something tragic. Rather, one learns to cope either positively or negatively. Lightbulb! 

I think of friends who have lost a child or spouse. Acceptance may never happen. You can choose to continually work through the grief and cope in a way that allows life to continue. Ask my friend Donna who lost her son in a car accident; In spite of unimaginable grief, she honors Justin’s memory while counting to live her life to the fullest. 

I’m actually quite sick of ALS. Living with it. Talking about it. Writing about it. Advocating for it. 

I’m have no choice but to live with it until we find an effective treatment or cure. I could stop talking, writing, and advocating. But that is one of my positive coping strategies. I feel as though I’ve been so blessed in this journey, that I have a responsibility to be a voice for those who have lost theirs. 


What are you facing that is difficult to accept? Change your focus from acceptance to coping in a positive manner. There is alway always always something to be grateful for. 

I’m Forgiven and Free and coping the best I can