In July of 1995 I had a fall and hit my head. Soon after, I realized I was dragging my right foot. I saw Dr. Anderson, who sent me to have an x-ray of my spine. Several months went by and I had pins and needles around my mouth. I noticed my right leg was two inches smaller than my left. I had lots of tests, and was diagnosed to have had a stroke. It was really devastating. Then in July through September 1996, I went for physical therapy. I was walking very badly. The girl said I should be reevaluated, as I was getting worse instead of better. I eventually went to Doctor Jeff Dunn, who diagnosed me as having ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). It was October 2nd. He was very grave and had tears in his eyes. I had had some electrical tests before. He said it was as bad as it could possibly be. It is a terminal illness. ALS is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. It means all my muscles will eventually go.
I am of very good spirits. I have four wonderful children who all help as much as they can. I’ve had dozens of cards from people at Des Moines Gospel Chapel. It really is great to hear from them. The latest thing is that I broke three bones in my foot. So we had to cancel our trip to England. I don’t know if I will ever be able to go back. So far, this accident has devastated me. I have to be carried most places. I have three more weeks with the cast on.
We sold our house and it closed on the 30th of July, so we were in there five years. It was so beautiful, but for some reason we had to leave. All our belongings are in a storage shed. We are living with Julia. It is so nice of them to give us their bedroom. Julia and Chuck have just found a house with a wonderful view of the Sound. We hope to improve it and sell this one, then we can all start living again. We all wanted to stay down South because of the wonderful church, Des Moines Gospel Chapel where we go. Since I have been ill, we have had so much support.
Harry has been such a dear. No one could have a more loving husband. He is not really very strong after a liver transplant and a four-way bypass, but he really is a terrific help and a wonderful companion. We are waiting for the Lord’s return.
“Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” -Psalms 27:14
