Prayer.

from Marilyn -

A very special thing happened to me today. So special, it needs to be shared.

There is a person I have known, in a friendly professional way, for a while. I have always admired them for what they do, how they do it, their kindness to me, their commitment to me, their commitment to their family. A really good person. There is a fine line between friendly professional and friend and I've never known exactly how to cross that line.

I've always heard that prayer is a powerful thing and today I believe it more than I did yesterday.

My friend said "May I make a confession to you"?  (I'll admit, my mind did a long nanosecond search for what this meant while I tried to get my neck muscles to make my head nod yes.) They said prayer was important to them, they prayed often, they liked to pray for people and to pray with people but after my ALS diagnosis, they were overwhelmed and have not been praying for me. Would it be okay if they did now.

As my children have often said, and I think they are right, I am a very spiritual person. My heart, my faith and my soul's direction have never had an organized name though. I believe - no matter who asks me. I am honored when someone offers to pray for me or tells me their children's church group has added me to their prayer list. I believe in the power of prayer and the power the universe must feel when someone offers that strength to me. 

My friend held my hand and prayed. It was a powerful and honest prayer. And a great gift.

 I am fortunate to have friends who give me so many gifts:
-flowers, and fun, and food, and time...
... and prayer.

We're still here!!

From Cat:

Man, we are WAY overdue on a blog update so for those of you still sticking with us... thanks!!

In the craziness that has been the start of summer, I neglected to post about the Raleigh ALS walk that happened way back in April! Whoops! While I have some other things on my mind right this moment, I would be remiss if I didn't record what an amazing day that was.

As best we could tell, we had close to 50 wonderful friends come out to walk with us, love us, and support us. We raised over $10,000 for ALS!!! $10,000!!! That just blows my mind.

Mom was overwhelmed by all of the love and support that was rained down on her all day.

I mean, just look at all of the love and joy in these pictures!! Who knew something as awful as ALS could still generate so much joy?

This is grace. This is comfort. This is hope.

I am grateful every day for the people in these pictures and the people who were walking with us in spirit.

ALS could have very easily ruined us by now. It is currently trying it's best to rob us of this joy and hope but, thanks to the support of amazing friends and family and a mom with a VERY healthy sense of humor, we are standing strong and saying, "Not today, ALS-hole... not today!!"

ALS-hole... now that's funny!