Choose happy.

It’s all about perspective. Things could be worse.

The summer of 2019, while doing routine things, I noticed weakness in my left hand. Being a full time working mom (and of course a rockstar wife, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, niece and friend) completely exhausted and overwhelmed with the never ending list of to-dos — I reluctantly listened to my coworkers and scheduled an appointment with an orthopedic hand surgeon, hoping I wouldn’t need carpal tunnel surgery. Who has time for that?

What I’d do to have carpal tunnel surgery...

In three months life drastically changed. The nerves and weakness in my hand isn’t because of a narrowed carpal tunnel. The endless back pain and deep muscle aches aren’t from breaking my back in 2004. The muscle twitching and jelly legs aren’t from working out. I have ALS — amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, this progressive neurodegenerative disease is non-curable and causes your nerves to misfire and muscles to die off. The speed of progression varies in each person. It could take months or years. But the outcome is the same. ALS paralyzes the body, resulting in the inability to speak, walk, eat and breathe. It leaves the brain and eyes untouched. So we are aware of what’s going on, but can’t control it. What we can control is our outlook.

I could be doing this alone. Instead I am blessed with the support of my family, friends, co-workers and a super-smart network of doctors, nurses, therapists, healthcare administrators and others. Truth is, you’re all my tribe. You’re the people I choose to have in my life, and I am forever grateful for your love.

Life is short and cruel at times, but... I choose happy. I’d love for you to join me.




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