New Year ~ New Journey

Pansies on Christmas Day

That day now seems like a million lifetimes ago.

So far, I'm not liking 2026 at all.

Since the year began there have been many appointments with a neurology specialist to further investigate the symptoms that Brett experienced all of last year.

Many questions were asked and many tests were performed.

The conclusion is that he has ALS (aka: Lou Gehrig's Disease).

Yesterday we met with the Doctor who spent a long time explaining what to expect with this disease and answering our questions.

After that we met with the nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist and nutritionist.  Apparently, it takes a large team to manage the symptoms of this disease.  All were very compassionate and informative.  Still, we left feeling completely overwhelmed.  

We learned that there are only two drugs for this disease.

Neither cure, rather they hopefully slow the progression.  One is extremely expensive.  We will go through a process to see if we can receive it more affordably.  The doctor is a specialist in ALS and has been at it for many years.  He said he was sorry that he didn't have more to offer and told us that they need better drugs.

I've put off this post for awhile.

I'd much rather be chatting about happy things ~ normal things ~ boring things.  Basically, anything but this.  

But, this is now our reality.  A new journey.

As I struggle to find my footing, I can see how blogland will be a welcome distraction... just like it has always been for me.  I hope it will also be a way for me to continue to look for the bright spots even on the hardest days.

Ordinarily the first place I head when life threatens to overwhelm me is the garden.  The January garden didn't seem like a very hopeful place to offer me the comfort I was seeking.  But, there in the furthest corner was this teeny, tiny daffodil.  I wouldn't have even seen it had I not ventured outside.  Although it doesn't look like much, I knew it needed to come in with me.  The following day I was sitting near it talking on the phone and noticed the room smelled just like springtime.  I soon learned the source was that tiny daffodil.

I took that as a hopeful sign.  While it certainly didn't solve the problems we are facing, it reminded me of the seasons of life.

Nature has a way of doing that for me.

Now, here in the southern USA, we are bracing for a large winter storm.  Here they are predicting ice/sleet Saturday afternoon through Sunday.  That is always a huge concern for power outages.  I am really hoping that will not be the case.

I mentioned how I already dislike 2026.

In addition to Brett's health, we have a large infestation of mice in the garage and I have been dealing with jaw pain after a dental procedure.  My fingers are crossed that that issue is finally resolving itself.  At this point I don't think I could handle a prolonged power outage.

If you are in the path of this storm, I hope you stay safe and I also hope your new year is off to a good start.