Hi All,
There's a new development that I thought worth posting. A lot of what I've written is about things that have not worked for us, but have not really talked about anything we are currently trying or have heard about. There is a lot of chatter about Brocco Sprouts (R) which is as it would seem, sprouts of broccoli, but these are some kind of special sprouts that have a high level of a potent anti-oxidant called SGS which is thought to help protect and strengthen cells. I'm attaching a link to the discussion in the ALS-TDI forum that discusses this development. If you are affected by ALS, it is worth a read. There are several links posted on that discussion that lead to more info about SGS and BroccoSprouts (R). An interesting factoid is that 1 oz. of these sprouts contains as much SGS as a 1 1/4 pounds of cooked mature broccoli. That is a 20/1 ratio. Nice "bounce for the ounce." (cue "More Bounce to the Ounce" by ZAPP
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQfZRRRo_8A&feature=related)
As I've said before, any glimmer of hope is always welcome.
http://www.als.net/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3724
Holla,
B.
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Bill,
ReplyDeleteI've been following your blogs for a few months now and today I experienced an "aha" moment that helped me clarify some of the thoughts and feelings your family's story has stirred up for me. It made me want to tell you that your words hit home and are making a positive impact and say thank you for sharing.
This is a bit uncomfortable for me, because I've never been sure what to say to people in the midst of "real" issues. I mean, I've known people that have experienced tragic events. But an "event" is clearly different from what you and Heather are going through. The sheer randomness of it -- something that could strike out of the blue like that and persist so insidiously. It's awful and I wouldn't wish it on anyone. So, saying "I'm sorry" seems inadequate, no matter how heartfelt.
Even though our lives haven't been intertwined since college, they've followed paths that are parallel enough to make your experience relevant to my life. And, as you've observed, when you're in the middle of living your life, it's the rare man that can step outside of it all and appreciate what he's got. But, you've been pushed outside of the normal experience and have (somehow) had the grace and eloquence to recognize and convey ideas that every husband and father should consider/study/live. Thanks for seeing, thanks for sharing.
So, what moved me so much that I finally got off my ass to say "Bill, you are a helluva guy! I feel for you and admire your perseverance and the strength you're showing in caring for your family." ?? Of all things, it was a movie about short, pointy eared farmers with hairy feet.
Earlier today, I was watching "The Return of the King" and Samwise Gamgee -- the best friend anyone could ever ask for -- was doing his best to help Frodo in his quest to deal with a debilitating burden (the Ring). Towards the end of the story, Frodo is overcome with fatigue after fighting through three different movies with evil the Ring has plagued him with so long. Frodo has collapsed at the base of a volcano and doesn't have the strength to go on when Sam (who has been beaten down himself) tells Frodo, "I can't carry it for you. But, I *can* carry you."
As I watched that, all I could think about was you and Heather. I can't convey how powerfully the metaphor washed over me. The movie was gone and there the two of you were battling Heather's symptoms and fighting through obstacles. Sam picked Frodo up and carried him up the mountain. The going wasn't easy, but in the end they won. That's the ending I want for you too.
Tim
Tim,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment. Really appreciate the support your wishes for the "happy ending."
I know I always put H in for Heidi's name, but Heather is H's sister! LOL. No biggie, I just got a chuckle out of it. Thanks again. B.