ALS Walk

The ALS Walk to D'Feet Lou Gehrig's Disease took place yesterday Oct 19, 2008 at Mission Bay D'Anza Cove. It was terrific. A lot of people showed up, and I had about 21 people on my walk team "Chuck's Volunteers." It was a terrific 3K walk... I walked as much as I could, and rode a wheelchair the other time. My team was very supportive,and I think they had a good time also. Rick and Peter did a tremendous job of helping me raise money for the cause. The twins, Kaycie and Kellie were there, as well as Amy and her family, Norvell, Virgie and her husband, Irene, Rick and Eileen and his coworkers, Peter and Leslie and Beth and Pat. It was truly tremendous. I was tired but so very happy. Atring kept telling me to conserve my strength. But why not use it now in an activity I truly enjoy.
Thanks to all. A truly memorable event.

Helpless

Atring and I took the train from San Diego to LA on Thursday. We had a good time. A lot more relaxing than driving the car in LA traffic. But it was riding the train that I realized some things. I am so afraid of being dependent and a burden on others. Atring is always feeding me via the tube, and looking after me. I am loosing my ability to walk slowly but surely, and I am loosing the tactile feeling in my hands slowly. I am increasingly unable to eat...every bite is an adventure. I love the taste of the food, but getting it down without choking is very difficult.

I do not want to be helpless... I have been so independent my whole life. Doing what I want to do, being the one who was there to help others. Now...I am unable though very willing to do so. We go to church every Sunday, and I sit there and pray as always for my family and friends....bu now I also ask for strength to get me through this ordeal.

On a happy note, while I was at Pete's place, Nathan came over and prepared a fantastic dinner of pork chops and sauerkraut, garlic mashed potatoes, and fried squash. Simply delicious. He is a great chef!