How I’m doing……

One thing I’ve failed to address in the blogs thus far is how I’m doing. Since most of you haven’t seen me in years, and in many cases, decades, you may have assumed that I’m quickly declining and planning the final party. You’ve probably seen Steve Gleason on the ESPYs or Steve McMichael on the Pro Football Hall of Fame ceremony… and that’s not me… at least not yet. I’m still going 100 mph with my hair on fire (well, the hair burned off many years ago), and am as big a pain as ever to Amy.

Last summer we took our annual bike trip to South Dakota and spent a couple of weeks staying at our beloved little rental cabin, riding the Harleys through our favorite winding roads, hiking our favorite trails, jumping over a couple of rattlesnakes, and spending a lot of time together on the deck looking out on Spring Creek Canyon. It was the first trip on bikes since my diagnosis and despite a bit of cramping, I was able to ride without too many issues. (Although I’m pretty sure there are some curves out there that my doctors wouldn’t approve of.)

Almost forgot to mention that our vacation started by being evacuated from a forest fire. This photo below was taken about three miles northwest of our cabin. It’s dense forest with ponderosa pines. There had been no rain in weeks, 12% humidity, no chance of rain, and the winds were supposed to change from the south to the north sending the fire right for us. I sent a text to my men’s group from church asking for prayers, and also called our insurance agent to make sure everything was covered.

That night it started to rain. The next morning, the forest service broadcast a statement stating it must have been a miracle as it rained all the next day and helped battle the fire. Vacation saved.

Having survived the forest fire, with a little help from our friends, the vacation continued. This little cabin is our Heaven on earth, a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives. It’s tucked back in the forest, southwest of Rapid City, with a deck that looks down on Spring Creek Canyon, and a 300-foot drop. We did have a few problems with security – they can be very judgmental about who’s allowed in:

The vacation ended with a spectacular hot air balloon parade that came down the canyon above and below our deck, thus putting a great exclamation point on an unbelievably blessed block of time away. (Special note: when you hurry out to the deck to take pictures, remember to put on your pants!)

To summarize today’s post: I’m doing great! I have yet to tell anyone about my condition who hasn’t been completely stunned. If I walked up to you on the street, you would have no idea I have ALS. There is a loss of strength and coordination in my left hand, and I have fasciculations throughout all my muscles, but they aren’t really visible to you (which means if you want to try a little one-on-one basketball against me, just push me left… you may stand a chance KP!).

I’ve started to hear from many others suffering from, and caring for, those with Lou Gehrig’s disease. This is making me realize how unbelievably blessed I am to have the love and prayers of so many people. I believe I am doing as well as I am because of your support. Going forward, please remember to pray for all those going through life afflicted with ALS. I’ve made it my mission to include in my prayers all who have reached out to me, asking for peace, patience, purpose, and courage.

Since I’ve written about an active but peaceful vacation, I’d like to share a prayer I found on GodTube asking for just that:

A prayer for peace.

Gracious Lord, my heart can become easily overwhelmed by the busyness of my life. Please forgive me when the tasks of the day, and the demands of my schedule, crowd out the space needed to be still in your presence. I know you promise that I can do all things through you who strengthen me, but I can become so easily flustered as I try to muscle my way through life in my own effort.

I pray that you increase within me the capacity for patience. Lead me into times where I am called to rely not on my own strength but yours. Move me into places where I am called only to stop, to rest, to breathe, or to listen. Help me be still and know you here, now.

More than anything, Jesus, help me observe the hours and the minutes of my day as firmly in your schedule. Give me the strength to step outside of my plans for this moment so that I can enter more deeply into your will. You are Lord of this time, and I lay before you as your servant.

I pray all of this in the name of Jesus Christ my Lord

Amen.

And, a song for today, since I’ve been writing about prayer… here’s Luke Bryan singing “Pray About Everything.”

And just because I love this song so much, here’s Crowder with “Somebody Prayed.”

Thank you for sharing your time with me by reading my blog. Please feel free to pass this along to anyone who may need an injection of joy into their lives.

God bless, always.

Coach