GOD's IN CONTROL

The above photo reminds me that God is in definately in control...

I'm thankful that God is in control because even though I have an incureable disease (by man's thinking) ALS, He gives me such joy and peace as well as courage to fight this disease. Some days, though, are harder and it gets difficult to continue having my strength taken away all the while my mind stays intact. Sometimes I feel trapped inside this shell of a body. Those are the days that I have to lean on the Lord the most. I am reminded, in his word that…“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me…” (Psalm 23:4).

All I have is you Lord I need to shake off this bitterness and self-pity and be determined to press forward. With you God on my side, no weapon formed against you shall prosper. As I keep an attitude of faith and expectancy I will trust you for healing and strength.

I wish every day was Sunday, because I feel so blessed and full of strength after church at Wellspring. I am so encouraged by the worship, Pastor Gary's message, and a wonderful body of Christ that encourages me. The most amazing part though, is the presence of our Holy God. Sometimes I get lost and just want to stay right there… it's such a safe feeling.

A friend of mine, Drew S. from Connecticut, has this video on his site. (See below)
It gives you a better idea of what's to come with this disease. His friend Steve has a dream to build these centers/houses equipped especially for ALS patients. Maybe we will try to build one here in Grand Rapids, wouldn't that be great.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFmgQLG9X_o


If you could pray about some upcoming things:

Tomorrow I have to go to the ALS/MDA clinic for my six month checkup. They will see if there is a big change from when I went in September. They check my strength to see how much atrophy, and loss of strength that I have encountered since the last time I was in. They will also check my breathing to see how strong it is. Our prayer is that we would get a good report on my lungs and my breathing.
Pray for Lori, as she sometimes gets burned out and is finishing up taxes, planning a garage sale to help pay for the Born Clinic bills that we have accumulated before I received Social Security assistance, being a mom, being a caretaker for me, and so much more that it is easy for her to get stressed out.
Prayers for Gods healing and strength on my body.
Prayers for our kids to be able to handle and understand the upcoming changes of this disease.

Thanks so much for your love.

Your brother in Christ,
Eric

Last week was very busy. We had many appointments, but it was a good week. On Friday, we went to the VA clinic in Grand Rapids and met with the benefits coordinator after waiting 2 1/2 hours (first come, first serve). Some of you may not know that Eric is a veteran of the Persian Gulf War. He went to Saudi 3 months after we met and we were already in love. Praise the Lord that that war was over very quickly. He left in January and returned in April of 1991. Since Gulf war veterans have gotten ALS at a ration of 2 to 1 diagnosises, Eric's ALS has been deemed a service related disability. Because of this rating and his service in the Gulf war, Eric has certain benefits through the VA he would not otherwise have. We have applied for an adaptive housing grant and an adaptive vehicle grant. While these won't cover the cost of these things, we are so grateful to have them available and God will supply the rest. I am so thankful for Eric's service to this country and so proud of him for signing up in 1987 at the age of 17 to serve his country. He stayed in the military until 1994 and was honorably discharged. He even talked about resigning up after we had kids, and I selfishly said we need you here! This was when everyone was being deployed to Iraq as they still are now. Sometimes I think to myself, had Eric not been in the military, he may not have ALS. Then I remind myself that God is in control of everything in our lives. A good friend reminded me that God used a decision and a service in Eric's past to provide for Eric's future. When I think of a veteran, I think of my Grandpa telling me stories of World War II and someone who served in Vietnam who is a grandpa to someone. Now, the reality is veterans are younger than me because we are at war and my friend's children are going to war as Eric did in 1991. I know Eric is so loyal to our country and he supports our troops as do I. I didn't mean to go into all that, but I am so proud of my husband and grateful for God's provision to our family. Please pray for these grants to go through and to be expidited through the system and for the wisdom we need for decisions to come such as building or purchasing a zero step home and getting a vehicle and the timing of it all. Thank you again for your prayers. We have been experiencing God's joy and love through this all and couldn't do it without your prayers, support and love!

Love Lori

Kitchen Makeover

The other day Eric and I were looking at dishwashers because the dishes were coming out as dirty as they went in and it was the original dishwasher that came with the house. We found a scratch and dent Kitchenaid dishwasher and asked some friends if they could install it since the floor had been raised by the tile and it was a tight fit. They decided to redo the countertop with laminate instead of remove the tiles so..... Tuesday night while we went out to see the play Annie that friends were in, Dan B, Tom M and Mark V came over and went to town! We came home and within 5 hours they had installed the dishwasher, replaced the kitchen faucet that leaked and installed a beautiful countertop!! Amazing... It looks like a whole new kitchen to us. We are so grateful for all of the hard work that was done for us that night.

Other than that, it has been a pretty uneventful week around here. We finalized our arrangements for the Grand Canyon and I am coming into the home stretch for tax season! Hooray!! I pray that you are all having a good week and enjoying our new snow again. Will it ever stop? May God Bless you and keep you in His grip!

Lori

TRULY BLESSED

Easter this year had more meaning than previous years growing up. One thing is I feel closer to my family than ever before. This weekend we went to my mom and dad's in St. John's where I grew up. We had so much food that we didn't need to eat dinner. The grandkids had an opportunity to search for their Easter baskets. I had a chance to talk to my parents alone about things that were coming up and decisions that we would need to make. It was really good talking to them, and they gave me some good sound advice. I know my brother is having a hard time with this, but I've had a hard time talking to him, because I don't want him to hurt anymore. We had a chance to talk a little bit down in the basement and I can tell that things are busy in his life right now. I hope he knows how much I love him and that God has everything under control. And we will be all right. Later in the day. My mom and I had an opportunity to go through old pictures together. We laughed at all the memories that were made. It's hard to believe that my sister once had pigtails and my brother was that small… one thing that occurred to me is how blessed I am. What many people don't know is that I am adopted. My mother was only 17 when she had me and she couldn't afford to keep me. So she put me up for adoption, hoping and praying that I would have a better life. In walks my mom and dad, and they picked me out of the rest of the kids at the orphanage. am blessed to have been chosen by my parents I am blessed to have been chosen by God to be able to have a relationship with him. I am blessed to have met, fall in love with, be in love with, been married to, my best friend; Lori. I am blessed to have two wonderful children that I adore and love with all my heart. I am blessed to have wonderful parents and family on both sides that love me and care about me. I am blessed to have the most wonderful church family that takes care of me, encourages me, loves me, respects me, and are there walking and praying on my behalf every day. I am blessed by having so many friends that would care enough to call just to say hi. I am blessed to be able to see a brilliant sunrise, smell a hot apple pie, hear children playing, feel the loving embrace of a friend, think about heaven, taste freshly baked chocolate chip cookies… and so many more things that God gives me each day. We went to Lori's sister's house on Sunday after an amazing church service at wellspring church. It was such a powerful service God’s presence was definitely moving and transforming. Seven adults accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. We give God praise for changed lives. We had a huge dinner feast. There was enough food for two families. And I can't forget about the deserts someone in the neighborhood and made a chocolate bunny cake. My kids dared me to kiss the bunny. So I did. The kids had fun searching for hidden Easter eggs filled with candy. Well, I fell asleep on the couch. It was a great day. Please pray for Lori's sister as she has been battling cancer for over a year now. She has decided to stop the chemo treatments. The side effects are just too overwhelming. She and Brian are at total peace with this decision.

Thank you so much for all your prayers, may God bless you and keep you.

Love Eric

“Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty” (Zechariah 4:6).

In this day and age, we are equipped with so many wonderful resources in the natural: technology, education, abilities. It’s easy to rely on our own natural strength for so many things. We have to remember that this natural world is only temporary, but the spiritual realm is eternal. We aren’t limited to the earth’s resources; we have unlimited spiritual resources by the Spirit of God. There are things in life that can’t happen by human thinking and reasoning. There are things that won’t be solved by natural power and might. But God is not limited by the resources of this world. When you open the door of faith in your heart, God will move through you in powerful ways by His Spirit. By His Spirit, you can overcome temptation. By His Spirit, you can receive healing. By His Spirit, you can fulfill every dream and desire in your heart. No matter what challenges or obstacles you may be facing today, know that you can live in complete victory by His Spirit! Father in heaven, thank You for giving me access to all Your spiritual blessings by Your Spirit today. I choose to rely on You and trust that You are working in my life. I praise and bless You, knowing that You are leading me in victory in every area of my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Why do we live in Michigan?

Well, it never fails that all the snow melts and we all get Spring fever and then we get slammed with some more snow. And the second day of Spring on Easter weekend none the less! These are the times when I wonder why we live in Michigan and then I remember all of our family and friends live here too! How could we leave? I got an email from our timeshare program offering a great 3 night deal in Orlando where we just stayed and free Sea World/Aquatica tickets and I was actually on line looking up cheap tickets to Orlando in March or April then I came to my senses.
We are actually in the middle of planning our Grand Canyon /Las Vegas trip with my sister Kristi and her husband Brian in late April which we are very excited about. It will be a chance for us to see the Grand Canyon and all of God's creation out there and see Hoover Dam and many other amazing things and spend time with Brian and Kristi in a warmer climate without our children. We love our kids, but are looking forward to some adult time together and relaxation. We have never been to Vegas before and don't worry about us, we have no interest in gambling or any of the things Vegas is known for. We hope to just relax by a pool and maybe visit a spa or just walk around. If anyone has any tips for visiting the Grand Canyon or Las Vegas, please e-mail us or post a comment.
We wish you all a glorious Easter Sunday as we all remember Christ's sacrifice on the cross, but most of all His Ressurection!!! He Lives!! May you all have safe travel and time with your friends and families as you reflect on His great Love!!

Please pray for my sister, Kristi as she and Brian have decided to stop her chemo treatments. She has peace from God that the cancer is gone and that her CA125 levels will continue to drop without the chemo treatments and is experiencing strong side effects from them. Please pray for her continued peace and complete restoration of her body.
In Him who gives us strength,
Lori

A weaker day

It is late, but I wanted to ask you for some prayers for Eric tonight. He has been very fatigued today. This morning was pretty uneventful. Eric and I actually sat down and watched a movie with Maddie per her request. We went to the Born Clinic and then directly to his Deep tissue Phrimmer massage he does once a week. This is supposed to loosen the bloodflow in his body from the inside out. All I know is it helps Eric not feel so tight in his joints so we keep going. He does a full massage about once a month and today was one of them. Bruce who does them said his legs are feeling very tight which was really hard for Eric to hear I know because he is so worried about ALS spreading into his legs. One day a few weeks ago, Eric was laying on the bed in shorts watching the fasiculations shoot down his legs. These are messages your brain is trying to send to the nerves that are hitting a road block so they keep shooting and not connecting (the best way I know to describe it). His arms have done that for so long and I used to get so mad at them as I lay my head on his shoulder and feel them knowing that they are one of the many signs of this disease. Dr Dobson said his neurologist said to him that you could be a "super twitcher" or you could have ALS. We all have mild twitches like this that you may have seen before.
Maddie had her Cheer class at the Y tonight and we had to scramble Eric a ride home from his appt (Thank you Mitch) and after that we hit Logans for their Mon-Tues night special (cheaper than eating at McDonalds and so much better) Eric had an awful time trying to eat tonight and was frustrated but tried to hide it. I just thought to myself how hard this must be daily to not be able to do things for himself like feed himself and I thought I would have a break down daily and just scream! I want to protect our kids so much from seeing how frustrating and debilating this disease is, yet I don't think that will always be possible and I am so grateful on how Eric chooses to handle himself most of the time. I thought tonight that maybe we should just try to do take out when we eat out. I feel like we should have a sign on our table that says to the wait staff and everyone around us that says Eric has ALS so they don't look at him funny when they try to hand him his plate and he doesn't grab it or I cut his meat and feed him.
When I was tucking Maddie in tonight she was talking about going to Kidnergarten and how Zach was almost in Jr High and I said stop growing up!! She said who would take care of her because Daddy will die first and my heart just sank. We have never talked to Maddie about Eric dying from ALS. We have told her very little except that Daddy's hands don't work right. I asked her why she thought that or did someone tell her that and she said I figured it out because his hands don't work right. I talked to Eric about it tonight and he said maybe she is just picking up on conversations we have had as kids are always more perceptive than you know. I just know it breaks our hearts to think of how this is affecting our kids.
Well, enough depressing talk. This must mean that tomorrow will be a good day because we always can come up under what we go through and rise above it again through Christ. We are believing God for a mighty work in Eric and praying daily for his healing. Please continue to lift us up in your prayers and dont' ever feel like you can't share your burdens with us as well. We often hear, I have this problem and then I look at your family and I feel like it is nothing like what you are going through and I should count my blessings. I often wonder what is it they are going through and is anything too small for God? I don't think He wants you to be bogged down with small stuff or be complaining, but He does want us to lift our burdens to Him no matter how small. Let's keep praying for each other and seeking His Kingdom.
In His Grip,
Lori and Eric

SHARING GOD'S HOPE

Last night, Eric had an opportunity to speak to the ALS support group in Kalamazoo. Denise George is the Patient Service Coordinator for the ALS association and she brought us dinner last night and Matt and Stephanie Kuczinski watched Zach (Maddie was still at Grandma's) and we were off to Kalamazoo. Denise has been wonderful to us from the first day she visited our home after Eric was diagnosed and we really enjoy her company. Eric was the guest speaker and he shared his story of life with ALS and how difficult things have become. He shared that we all have hope in Christ and we can choose how we respond each day and he chooses to have joy. It was a great group and it was nice to have interaction with the people there rather than just speak and leave. We met a gentleman who has had ALS for many years named John who was very appreciative of us coming out. God has redirected our path in life and we are always reminded of this as we meet new people who we would have never met had we been coasting along the path we were on prior to ALS. There was a man there who lost his wife 3 weeks ago to ALS, and a couple who doesn't believe in God and it just felt great to share with them our faith and how we get through the tough times. We laughed and cried with these people. Eric did a great job being encouraging and sharing from his heart! Eric made us take a picture with Denise (above) when we got home to remember our trip to Kzoo. Today Maddie came home and had her kidnergarten screening which she loved! We can hardly believe she will start school next fall! She can't wait to ride the bus!

Love Lori

Father, because of your word I am an overcomer. I overcome the world, the flesh, and the Devil, by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony.

I John 4:4 ; revelation 12:11.

A lot of time people think that when they have a need, that if God wanted to, He could just automatically meet it. But Jesus didn’t say, according to your need be it unto you; He said, according to your faith. That’s why it’s so important to have an attitude of expectancy every single day. If we want God to move in our lives, we have to approach every day filled with faith and hope. The scripture tells us in Romans that “faith comes by hearing the Word of God.” The more you have the Word of God in your life, the more your faith will grow and the more you will see Him working in your life. God longs to bless you, and He’s given you everything you need to be successful in life. Remember, all things are possible to those who believe! Believe in His goodness today and take a step of faith toward the life of blessing God has prepared for you!

An Encouraging Day

We had to end the day by letting you all know what a great day we had today. We have been blessed in many ways today. First, Eric's mom has had Madison since Sunday and it has helped me tremendously to catch up on tax returns that have been piling up. Second, my good friend Heather called this morning and said I am bringing you dinner and then cleaning your house and you can't say no. She went to town with my house and found dirt I didn't even know existed in a major Spring cleaning. It looks and smells great. It was hard to sit at my computer as she did circles around me cleaning, but many thanks!! I also want to express my thanks to Sherri for the help that has been set up for meals once a week and all the hands that will prepare them and for Tanya and Michelle who have been cleaning every other week to help me keep my sanity. I know there are people I have not mentioned or expressed my thanks, please know we are so grateful for help, support prayers and encouragement.
Eric had a great day today and said he felt covered in prayer. He had extra energy today and felt at peace and encouraged. A few friends from church came over tonight to watch the Red Wings and they won which always makes for a good night! Thank you for lifting us up when we need it and for joining us in this journey. We are blessed!
In Him who gives us strength,
Lori and Eric

STAYING BUSY!

While it's hard to believe it's been since Friday since we updated the blog. A lot has happened. Saturday I was on my own all day as Lori took Zach to Chicago with his class on their annual Chicago trip that they have done the last several years. It is amazing how plans don't always work out as you hope but God allows other things to happen for a much bigger plan! I was able to have breakfast with a couple friends that recently got married and I haven't been able to see lately. They were very gracious, loving, and kind to me. When they brought me home another friend of mine,Dan B. was at my house looking for me. We decided to go to Home Depot and pick up some wood to build a workbench and shelves in my garage. My buddy Matt H. came over to help. They got it all framed and put together, just needs to be finished. Thanks guys for all your hard work. Lori's dad came over and took Maddy and I out to eat and I think he got to see how much my wife does for me. This disease takes away my abilities to use my arms and hands, but nothing can take away my spirit!

I want to take a minute, and brag on my wife. I am truly blessed to have the most wonderful, caring, compassionate, understanding, selfless wife, a man could have! She endures so much and maintains this household, being my caregiver, being a friend to others, being a mother to her two children, and trying to keep everything flowing. I realize it isn't an easy task by any stretch... There are only 24 hours in a day and know she wishes there were a few more. In all fairness, she gets burned out from time to time.

Sunday was incredible day at our church, wellspring church, pastor Gary talked about blessings and curses. One thing that I was inspired was I wanted to speak more blessings over my family and friends. My parents came into town to have lunch with us. I have to give God praises because through this valley my parents are finally going to church. I have been praying that my family; parents, brother and sister, would come to know the Lord in a personal relationship with the Almighty King! It was great visiting my folks. My cousin Lindsey also made the trip over, which was nice seems we don't see each other all that often. My mom and I had a moment where we held each other and just cried. It's hard sometimes knowing that you're dying and there is nothing we can do but pray to God for his healing. My parents took Madison with them till Thursday gives Lori a break to get the many tax returns done that she has left to do. It also gives grandma and grandpa time with their granddaughter.

Today, Monday was catching up with e-mails, Lori is busy doing laundry, cleaning, organizing, doing dishes, working with taxes, and phone calls for doctors appointments, and so much more. We had an appointment with a doctor at the born clinic tonight. It's been since December since I talk to her. We brought our list of questions, and try to understand if we were on the right tract and doing all that we could to slow down this disease. There were a few things that she recommended that we need to do and they were a few adjustments that we need to make. In regards to suppl up ements that I'm on.

We appreciate your prayers and support as we go through this valley together. My hope is that you would see Jesus walking with me through the storm.

I wanted to read a few verses that I was inspired by today:

Jesus took my infirmities, and bore my sicknesses. Therefore, I refuse to allow sickness to dominate my body. The life of God flows within me, bringing healing to every fiber of my being. Matthew 8:17, John 6:63.

I present my body to God for it is the temple of the living God. God dwells in me and his life permeates my spirit, soul, and body so that I am filled with the fullness of God daily. Romans 12:1,3; John 14:20.

May God bless you this week!

Eric

Hope for all PALS

February 28, 2008

New ALS Gene Paves the Way for Better Understanding, New Treatments
By Richard Robinson, Science Writer

The discovery of a new gene that causes some forms of ALS will enable the development of new model systems to understand the disease and open the way for development of new treatments. The discovery, to be published today in the journal Science, links mutations in the TDP-43 gene to cases of both familial and sporadic ALS.
The research was led by Professor Christopher Shaw, M.D., at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience, King’s College London, United Kingdom, in collaboration with Jemeen Sreedharan, MRCP and Vineeta Tripathi, Ph.D., Department of Clinical Neuroscience, King’s College London, United Kingdom, and Ian Blair, Ph.D., and Garth Nicholson, Ph.D., Northcott Neuroscience Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, Concord, NSW, Australia.
These investigators have been funded by The ALS Association over the past years in their efforts to identify new genes linked to ALS.
“These exciting findings open up new avenues for ALS research, enabling us to develop new models for testing therapies. This is a much-needed resource for drug discovery in ALS, which has to date focused largely on mutations in superoxide dismutase 1,” commented Lucie Bruijn, Ph.D., science director and vice president of The ALS Association.
TDP-43 (TAR DNA binding protein 43) has been previously identified (see previous article) as a major component of the “inclusions,” or protein clumps, found in the motor neurons of ALS patients. Motor neurons die off in ALS. Until now, however, it was unknown whether TDP-43 contributed to the disease, or was an innocent bystander. The normal function of TDP-43 is unknown.
The researchers found single base changes (mutations) in the TDP-43 gene (formally known as TARDBP) in 5 affected members of 1 family, versus none of the unaffected members. They also found mutations in 2 ALS patients with no family history of the disease (sporadic ALS). No mutations were found in 1,262 unaffected controls, or in 523 other ALS cases. In all, 3 mutations were found, all affecting one region of the protein. In the familial case, the mutation was inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion (1 mutant copy was sufficient to cause the disease).
The discovery confirms that in at least some cases of ALS, TDP-43 is playing a direct role in causing the disease.
When the researchers placed the mutant gene into chick embryos, they observed abnormalities in limb development and premature cell death, although the relation of these changes to the ALS disease process is still unclear. Further work to understand the protein’s functions will lead to clues that will aid in therapy development.
“The identification of TARDBP gene mutations in ALS places TDP-43 at center stage as a potential cause of motor neuron degeneration. Critically, these mutations will give scientists around the world a new tool to explore the disease process and hopefully accelerate drug discovery,” Dr. Shaw said.
A second study, published online by the journal Annals of Neurology, identifies TDP-43 mutations in another ALS family. TDP-43 was first found in ALS inclusions in 2006. While TDP-43 mutations appear to be a rare cause of ALS, their discovery should lead to a deeper understanding of the protein’s role in the majority of ALS cases.


http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2008/s2175916.htm]

A rough day-only if you let be rough...

Well Tuesday started out as a pretty good day. I woke up the sun was shining, gave my wife and kids a hug, took a shower, got dressed, and then Lori and I took off for Battle Creek to the VA clinic. We had an evaluation scheduled for me with the doctors down there. I didn't really understand why but anyway a way we went we got there about a half an hour early, which is good for us, they were at lunch so we had to wait. After about 15 minutes after one o'clock, I asked them if there was a problem or if they're running behind because it didn't look like they were that busy. I gave them my name and social security number, and they looked it up in the computer. Then all of a sudden, they were like busy ants scurrying about in a couple minutes later I was in the exam room. The Chinese doctor that I saw was very meticulous but lacked compassion. It was very difficult for us to hear the words again and again, and the lack of hope that we heard in his voice. After that I got dressed and headed downstairs with the social worker. We received a lot of good news of all coverages and different things, but we also did an advance directive which was very difficult for Lori and I. We had to stop sometimes because tears came pouring down! It wasn't that Lori and I haven't been very realistic about this disease may be we suppressed the thoughts of life ending for me, whatever the case we had a hard time talking about the options in the later stages of this disease. On the way home. Lori and I talked and laughed a lot, but at one point, Lori started crying and said, "who is going to make me laugh when you're gone?" Honestly, I did not know what to say, but I just told her that everything was going to be okay.

When we got back to Grand Rapids we met with our close friend Mitch Barr, he had agreed to take me to the Detroit Pistons game. I'd gotten the two tickets from a good friend and neighbor Dave Maranka-his parents had the tickets from a church auction and they couldn't use them, so they've thought of us and asked me if I would like them... Of course! Thank you Dave for thinking of me, we had an awesome time! They had box suite seats it was incredible they had their own bathroom, tons of free food, pop, water, veggie trays, lounge area with TV, and the kitchenette. It was very private and the seats were great. The game got over with at 10 p.m. with the Pistons beating the supersonics 100-97. It was snowing and blowing really bad, it took us almost 2 hours just to get out of Auburn Hills. We didn't get home until 2;30 this morning! We were only able to drive 30 miles an hour until we got to Lansing due to the whiteout conditions and poor visibility. It was worth it I had a great time with my friend making a great memory and having time to talk and pray about the future!

I want to thank all of you who pray and continuously go before the Lord on my behalf to ask him for healing, strength, and long prosperous days of life on this earth!

I love you!

Eric

We're all healthy

Hi again,
It has been hard to keep the blog updated as often as we like. Sometimes it is just busy around here, sometimes we are too tired and sometimes there is just not too much new to share. Maddie's sickness was shortlived and she was feeling better by the next day and none of the rest of us got sick so that is a praise. Tax returns have been flowing in for me so that keeps me very busy right now. It was great to be back at church today. We have been traveling whenever we can lately which has been great, but we do miss our church, family and friends when we are away. The message was great today on unity and to let go of petty things and come together in unity. Spend your time using your gifts for God. A couple of verses that stuck out are: Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3 We want to teach our kids this so much but need to lead by example. The other verse is "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." Galations 6:10. and one more to commit to memory is "The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" John 10:10. Isn't it good to know that as much as satan wants to destroy us, God wants us to have an abundant, full life!!
Eric and I have decided that it was getting too hard to work outside of the house for a full day since Eric was home by himself with noone to assist him with eating and other things he needs. I have gave my notice at my job in Holland which should help alleviate stress and feeling pulled in too many directions. I am training someone already to do my work there so I should be done soon. Last Friday when I went in to work, I had left Eric lunch in the fridge and he dropped it all on the floor because he couldn't get it out of the fridge. I just feel that I need to be here for Eric. I try not to do everything for him, but it is a huge reminder of his limitations when he has no one to help him. We are blessed to be able to have me home without a huge financial stain. We have our appointment in Battle Creek on Tuesday for special adaptive equipment and ways to help Eric be more independant if at all possible. He has been having really bad charley horses in his legs at night that keep him up. We have to ask the doctor if there is anything he can do about that. Sometimes it is hard to know what to share and what not to share, however we want to be informative about the disease and real about what life is like now.
Thank you for all of your prayers and words of encouragement,
Love Lori and Eric