Sunday, August 24, 2008

Charles & life --

That’s a very broad category.

One of my sons set up this blog for me – name, heading and all. With such an all-inclusive heading, I can go anywhere with my entries.

For openers – a status report.

Nine days ago – days that seem like an eternity – I was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).

Talk about a bomb shell! My emotions exploded with loud heaving sobs overflowing at my eyes with gushing streams of anguish.

It was – and is – difficult to find positives in the face of such negative news.

One positive is that I am in league with the noted Lou Gehrig – the disease is named for him. In fact, it is better known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.

On another positive note, the MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association: http://www.als-mda.org/) reports that multiplied millions of dollars are being poured into research. The Association and research are funded primarily by Jerry Lewis’ telethons. I might say that I have become one of “Jerry’s Kids” – a bittersweet thought for a man of 75 years.

The most notable positive is that God is still on His throne -- and He is forever faithful. He sent his Son that I might have life, and have it more abundantly (John 10:10).

This weblog will become an open journal of my thoughts as I deal with the disastrous diagnosis and search for the mercies of my faithful Lord.

If you like, you can check back on this blog occasionally to see where I am in my journey.

4 comments:

Father And Daughter Alliance said...

Our prayers are with you!

Lucy
National Center for Fathering

Lauren Stewart said...

Charles, my dad forwarded me your blog. No, I had not heard about the report from your doctor. Recently, someone told me about an interesting study, which I'll share. I don't know if it is true, but I believe it to be possible. Scientists, took DNA from people and took it hundreds of miles away. When those people were going through an emotional struggle, the DNA responded! This is being mentioned to illustrate the intricacies of our design! How beautifully this illustrates what scripture is referring to when it mentions how powerful our thoughts and words are. Much revelation will be coming to you as the veil of understanding is lifted in the days (and years!) to come! It will be exciting to read your posts as these thoughts penetrate your spirit.

Hey, I just had a great idea! You can post something that you have a craving for and I will do my best to either make or buy it and get your desire delivered to you when possible. Consider this to be your own personal 'food request' blog!

Take care of that lovely lady of yours. Give her a BIG hug and kiss for me!

Love,
Lauren Stewart

Unknown said...

Dear Charles,

I was sorry to learn of the seriousness of your illness. Initially I was at a loss to know how to respond in a helpful and appropriate way. Last evening I listened to Ted Kennedy give a speech at the Deomocratic Convention in Denver. Here is a man who is struggling with terminal brain cancer. As I listened to him give a passionate epeech on behalf of Barak Obama I realized in a fresh & vivid way the truth that life itself is risky. Even the rich and famous are vulnerable. None of us are exempt from the threat of illness and pain. The question is, how do we respond to the ominous onslaught of intimidating and alarming information?

I sense that your strong faith and personal relationship with the Lord is helping you to respond positively with calmness and assurance. We know that no matter where we are, no matter what the situation we find ourselves in, we can trust the Lord and know he will never leave us or forsake us.
What a blessed assurance this is! Barbara and I want to share with you in your struggle and to be there for you when we are needed.

Be assured of our interest and prayers.

(Rom. 8:28)

Ron

Unknown said...

Charles,

Bill and I will be praying with you and Margaret as you go through this. Just today someone wrote back to me your quote of so many years ago. "When you are walking with the Lord change is always in your favor." Those words have comforted me and so many over the years. May those very words (a Hodge paraphrase of Romans 8:28) comfort all of you. You are loved.

Camilla and Bill