My latest ALS progression has me looking like Dr. Spock. I noticed that I can’t close the gap between my middle and ring fingers — Live Long and Prosper!
This got me thinking about what it means to live long and prosper. What does that look like?
In the Broadway Musical Hamilton, George Washington tells an eager young Hamilton, “Dying is easy, young man. Living is harder.” When I see people living in the advanced stages of ALS, I would have to agree with General Washington. Living is harder.
Yet, my plan is to live — live long and prosper. But how when faced with debilitating loss? This has been working for me so far:
- grieve the loss
- adjust with technology or assistance
- grieve the loss
- adapt to the new normal
- return to gratitude
- repeat
What loss or disappointment are you facing today? I won’t tell you to get over it. It’s not that easy. I will encourage you to grieve, adjust, grieve, and adapt. Whatever that looks like for you.
Oh, and don’t forget to laugh! Here’s a picture of my new foot tattoo.
I’m Forgiven and Free, living long, and prospering
Shelly Hoover 
April 3, 2017 at 12:29 am
You are still my role model and should be for anyone. Keep the faith and the effort and, most of all, the positive attitude!
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April 3, 2017 at 12:53 am
Shelly those are wise words to live by for anyone dealing with pain and loss…which is most of us at some level. Coming from you they take on power, courage, and significance beyond the ordinary …because your epic struggle lets others peer into the battle you are engaged in and percieve how valuable life is. You spread hope and joy my friend …we cry and laugh and fear along with you. Thank you for sharing❤️
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April 3, 2017 at 1:00 am
Another good one, Shelly. Grieve, adjust, grieve, adapt, and then especially, return to gratitude! gr
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April 3, 2017 at 2:52 am
Shelly,
Oh my gosh your foot tattoo is hysterical. I am reading pieces of your post to my boyfriend, whom I have kept abreast of your progress over a few years. I just showed him your foot tattoo and he said “I think how she is handling this is remarkable. I think it provides comfort to her family which, in turn, provides comfort to her.” I tell you this to let you know you are reaching people who have never met you. I won’t describe them as people who don’t know you because you have been so generous in sharing yourself that you are known.
I like your questions re how does one live life and prosper. I like your way of processing pain, loss. I like your questions to me, and others, inviting me to explore how I handle loss. Thank you for using your experience to enable others to learn and grow.
Peace,
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April 4, 2017 at 2:53 am
I don’t use the word amazing often but you are an amazing woman. Thank you so much for sharing your life and your courage. I too need to learn to grieve and adjust as my sister’s ALS progresses and at times I don’t want to feel the pain. God bless you Shelly and thanks again.
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April 4, 2017 at 5:03 pm
You continue to add humor, kindness and inspiration to life!
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April 5, 2017 at 1:47 am
Love you, Shelly Hoover!
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April 5, 2017 at 1:48 am
Don’t know where the “awaiting moderation” comment came from – just appeared as I posted. Oh well – hope it brought you a laugh! “-)
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