"Those who tell you something cannot be done have never done anything that required faith in God." Jen Backus

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Ready to share



I'm starting a blog to update the world on my husband. I may talk about myself and the kids though as well. I have to promise myself I will not obsess with making it cute and sounding intelligent, as I have never been very good at either. Mark has experienced some weakness and muscle loss in his left hand that has now spread throughout his arm and shoulder. He has been to many doctors and has been given several possibilities. He finally went all the way up the chain of doctor referrals and ended up visiting the Barrows Neurological Institute about a month ago. There he saw a team of doctors and therapists who will continue to monitor and work with him. And in that time I have been so impressed at the sheer number of people calling and visiting and sending notes- all offering their help, support, prayers, and love. For this we are truly thankful. I always knew he was a nice guy, but it turns out I'm just one of many whose lives he has touched in a profound and wonderful way. We've been given the opportunity to stop and re-evaluate our lives and the state of our little family. I have to keep reminding myself that the Lord gives us trials to bring us closer to him. I know if we didn't need this, it would be taken from us and we would not be asked to bear it. But there is something for us to learn, and lately I have been feeling like this is just the beginning of a journey, and life really does go on. The boys still need their routines, we still need a date night now and then, and I still need to get away and get my hair done once in a while.
The medical establishment gives very little hope of recovery from a disease like ALS. Well, I have never had much faith in the medical establishment anyway. We are doing a lot of our own research right now and finding a lot of possibilities. I'll write about them specifically in later posts. There is a lot we are doing, and it would take time to write about each one. Right now Mark is in the backyard playing frisbee with the boys and I need to prepare his evening supplements and put the baby to bed. More to come later...

6 comments:

Unknown said...

I'm so glad you're doing your blog again!! Great picture.

Unknown said...

The green background looked really great, but I think I like this blue with the stars better. That's the great thing about the backgrounds, they're so easy to change. :-)

tracy gumm said...

THe blog looks great! What a great way to keep us all updated on the goings on. I always miss you at Carla's but see the boys there....man they are cute....and getting SO BIG! love you both and pray for you every night. tracy gumm

Rasheta Family said...

I am glad you are starting a blog. I will keep up with it. Mark is a great guy. We agree!! We need to get together sometime. And you can give me pointers on how to handle a crazy boy!!
Nik and Anissa

ashley said...

You are beautiful...as is your family! You are such a sweet kind person and I know you are a huge blessing to your kids and your husband at this time. Much love!

Peggy Merrell said...

Hi Liz and Mark,
We are so happy to know you have a blog, so we can keep current with your family! Of course you know I see Carla every day at the gymn and she keeps me pretty well posted. Mark and the boys stopped by the other day, and I wasn't here! Darn! Dean was so happy that he was here, though, and that he had a chance to see Mark for himself, and be reassured that Mark is giving it everything he's got to fight this disease! And what a blessing that he has such a proactive, motivated, sweet wife in you Liz! We love you guys and pray for you!