First time to start my own post!

[Paka]

I lurk more than anything, but I feel so comfortable with the DU family, and appreciate that it is here for me. I mostly just keep up with news in general discussion and latest threads, but I'm in need of some hugs. My sister was just diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease and it has laid me low. If there are any words of wisdom out there, I could use them.

Thank you so much. Cat

[Turbineguy]

1. DU is a great place

for a hug and a kind word.

[Locut0s]

2. Welcome to the Lounge!...

Some very good people here and WAY less drama than GD and the other main groups of which I tend to stay out of.

I'm very sorry to hear about your sister, that's rough. Hugs and good vibes.

[Suich]

3. So sorry to hear about your sister, Cat.

I don't have any words of wisdom, but here's some hugs.

[Wounded Bear]

4. Sorry to hear that about your sis....

But welcome to the Lounge, where the beer is cold and the 's are warm.

Oh, I don't drink alcohol any more, but I love the hugs.

[TexasTowelie]

5. Good vibes and hugs to you and your sister.

The best advice I can offer is to live your life one day at a time and enjoy it because you never know what will happen next.

I hope that you keep on posting.

[steve2470]

6. hugs ! nt

[In_The_Wind]

7. The only words of wisdom I have is:return to the lounge for hugs and laughter.

I'm sorry about your sister.

[Paka]

9. Thank you everyone.

The hugs are warm and wonderful. I will be back to share better times with all. I'm still slightly in denial but I know that will pass and we will face the future with corrage.

[rurallib]

10. TV sells us this image of the perfect American family

truth be known I would guess most families must deal with some pretty tough blows sometime.
Somehow we survive because we reach down and do what is necessary.
Good luck - do what you can - I have never known anyone with ALS but I hear it is a tough ride.
Our best hope for your sister.

[LiberalEsto]

11. Oh how sad about your sister

We are here for one another in good times and bad.

Welcome!

[Phentex]

12. Welcome!

Sorry for your sister's news. The lounge lizards are good listeners whether you are feeling low or not. Keep us posted.

[ConcernedCanuk]

13. One of my closest friends has Lou Gehrig's disease.

.
.
.

He's gone through a lot of pain, and many operations over the last ten years or so,

but he's alive and well. He was depressed for awhile, but with his now improving heath, he's a happy man.

Now able to ride his motorcycle (which he loves), - walks a bit different - knees and hips rebuilt,

But he lives life to its fullest now.

Lou Gehrig's disease can be a long road to travel, but one can make it.

Nothing makes one appreciate living more than the threat of losing it.

He's living, not just surviving, and I'm glad for him.

It was a rough road for him, but he made it.

So can your sister.

Best wishes.



CC

ps: lost my only sister due to a car accident when she was only 44 almost 20 years ago

I miss her. I can relate to your concern. Stay strong.

[Aristus]

14. The Lounge is the best!

We're all here for each other. I hope you and your sister are well right now. When you need a shoulder, we're here...

[Bertha Venation]

15. Hi, Cat.

I'm very sorry to hear about your sister. I can't imagine what you're feeling.

I wish your sister comfort and healing and comfort for you, too.

[nolabear]

16. I'm so sorry, Paka. It's a bad one. Accept all the support you can get.

You'll be supporting her, I imagine, and the more you accept the more you can pass on.

Keep us posted.

[IdaBriggs]

17. So sorry!

I think there are some really good online support groups for specific issues like your sisters (and for the people who love/care about them like yourself).

Not trying to push you away from DU, but sometimes those groups have members who are more up-to-date about the latest innovations, therapies, etc.

It isn't much in the way of wisdom, but other than sympathy and a it is the best I've got.

Best to you both....

[Raffi Ella]

18. Hugs to you, Paka.

I'm so sorry about your sister.

[LostOne4Ever]

19. Welcome!

Sorry to hear about your sister. The only wisdom I can give is to never lose hope and to treasure your time with her and to treat each day as though it may be your last. Family is precious.

[Paka]

24. Great Tolkein quote.

I'm using it on the title page of my new book, "Planet Earth Vagabond."

[marzipanni]

20. I was looking to see if there are any new discoveries about Lou Gehrig's disease/ALS

and was interested to find that researchers in 2011 found what they think causes it, and that allows them to know what to focus on to find something that can help. There certainly is a great incentive to cure ALS, or improve the condition of those who have it, so I'm sure they're working hard.

I'll keep you and your sister in my thoughts.

[Paka]

21. I'm overwhelmed with all this great support.

for budget reasons I live in Chiang Mai, Thailand, so one of my problems right now is being so far away from her as she is in Eugene, Oregon. I'm scheduled for cataract surgery next month and after that I can make arrangements to go be with her. I have so little information about how advanced her symptoms are it's hard to know where to start.

Thank you everyone.

[MiddleFingerMom]

22. There are always people here for you if and when you need us.

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Strength and coping vibes going out to you and your sister.
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[hrmjustin]

23. I am sorry to hear about your sister. You are in my thoughts and prayers.