I was all set to write a fun post about Christmas and all the fun I am actually starting to have as we get more and more in the Christmas spirit around this house, all set, until Friday evening.
I was sent an email from my friend Amy. She is in Boston, MA for an appointment with a specialist to try and discover why she has had weakness in her arms and hands and why no one can figure out just what the diagnosis should be. I honestly have never literally "hit my knees" upon hearing news, but I did tonight. I was totally unprepared to read the words that I read, I am just her friend, I cannot imagine what she, her husband, parents, brothers and all others who are close to her are dealing with tonight. Her diagnosis is ALS, or most commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. She is 33 and the mother of two boys under 4 years old. I am just floored.
She and I have served together for the past year on our church's Women's Fellowship Committee, we have been in a small group together, we have children the same age so we have done our share of nursery duty together. She is one of the strongest women I know, and even more so through this trial, leading up to this point, she has been a godly example to follow. She knows who she is, where she is and where she is ultimately going...I stand in awe of her peace and confidence in our Lord, even in the midst of this struggle and news today. I am proud to call her my friend.
I am not writing this blog to just state the facts of my friend and her situation. I am begging all of you who read these words to please take a minute and lift her and her family up in prayer. Amy believes, as do I, that God can heal her. He may choose to, He may choose to slow the progression of this horrid disease, or He may not. No matter what, we know He is in control and has only the best in store for her. Please pray most specifically for His will to be done and for His strength to overshadow her.
The verse above jumped into my head when I had a minute to regain myself after reading the news. I have experience with ALS, my grandfather suffered with it and I remember the toll it took on him. I remember seeing the strong man that I knew, become weak and frail and needing help for even the simplest of tasks. For my friend Amy, I pray she will cling to the fact that though ALS may threaten to make her weak, Christ will make her strong. Amy is a Clemson Tiger, like no one else I know... I know that she will fight this disease and diagnosis with the tenacity of a tiger as well. So, for my friend Amy, GO TIGERS!! This orange post is just for you!
I am broken hearted for my friend. I am praying for her and thankful for all of you who I know will be praying for her as well.
Living Happily in the Moment!
Beverly
5 comments:
Prayers and peace will be lifted up for your Amy this and every day. Jenni
What a beautiful post. I can tell how much this woman means to you.
We will lift her in prayer when we see orange :)
I am so sorry to hear about your friend's diagnosis. I have to wonder if they are absolutely sure of the diagnosis.
Almost four years ago I was given the same diagnosis by a top specialist in our city and it was wrong. After more testing- and a muscle biopsy, I was then diagnosed with Inclusion Body Myositis- a slowly progressive muscle weakening of the arms, hands, and legs-- but not terminal- just weakening.
My neurologist told me that there are several diseases that mimic
ALS and did more testing before she would confirm the first diagnosis. In my research, I have heard of many wrong diagnoses.
I will pray for your friend and her family. I know first-hand how devastating this is news is -and I also know the power of prayer and the love and healing power of God.
God bless you too.
Linda C
It's okay to leave it up. I hope it helps. I'll be praying.
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