Living with ALS presents challenges and choices, ranging from how to safely get through a morning routine to deciding whether to live with mechanical ventilation or die. Shakespeare was right; To be or not to be, that is the question.... Continue Reading →
Unpublished blog posts sit abandoned in my draft folder. One is bitter; Another begs victim hood. That is not what I want to put out into the universe. So here I sit, gazing at my keyboard, trying again. I’ll just give it to you straight.
I was sprinkled a Methodist, confirmed a First Congregational, dunked an evangelical, and spent years in between with the Presbyterians and non-denominational folks. My life-long Christian tradition provided encouragement, comfort, community and opportunities to serve others. For this, I'm grateful.... Continue Reading →
I've been on this ALS journey for nearly five years. That alone makes me one of the lucky ones as half of those diagnosed die within two years. And, thanks to the VA, I have access to the equipment and... Continue Reading →
I'm an awkward physical mess and sometimes an emotional mess. Sadness catches in my throat and rolls down my cheeks without warning. Let's express and validate our sadness when needed. But let's not stay there.
The act of breathing in. The process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative. The supernatural work of the Holy Spirit. I received a pleasant surprise in the mail today. This picture of... Continue Reading →
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... Continue Reading →
Death is a constant in the ALS community. Yet this one hit me particularly hard. My dear friend and adopted sister won her battle with ALS on Wednesday, January 18th. I met Karen and her amazing family in May, 2014... Continue Reading →
I practice in my Christian tradition that: my mind is to be fixed on praiseworthy things Finally, my brothers and sisters, always think about what is true. Think about what is noble, right and pure. Think about what is lovely and... Continue Reading →
Shelly Hoover 
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