I don't think "fallen" is the correct word. What about pushed? Thrown? Impelled? I think those works would be more accurate. I didn't fall - I was SHOVED off that wagon! And who (or what) was doing the shoving? - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
In July of 2013, my brother-in-law, Perry, was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. On January 29, 2014, we lost him. In those seven short months our lives were changed forever.
My husband was an amazing caregiver to Perry as he dealt with this incurable disease. I watched him manage medications, learn the complex equipment needed to keep Perry comfortable, and provide endless hours of support and camaraderie.
And what did I do during those nights that Shawn was caring for his brother? Well, I stayed home - worried - ate junk food - and fell (plunged? jumped? dove?) from that proverbial fitness wagon. These new changes in my life, understandably, directed my focus and consumed my energy.
Yesterday our family and friends gathered for the MDA Muscle Walk. We walked together as "Team Perry." And as we laughed and remembered, I was reminded of something. I was reminded of why I climbed on that crazy fitness wagon to begin with - because WE ALL have just one life to live. Because we need to make the most of EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.
So HERE I AM - I'm swinging one leg back up on that wagon (crawling! climbing! ascending!) - with Perry in my heart and along for the ride. Let's go!
"Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place and I don't care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard you're hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done!" ROCKY
