the ex has ALS

[flatbutt]

Man what a gut punch. She showed up at Thanksgiving dinner using a walker and barely able to speak above a whisper. She told our kids three weeks ago about the diagnosis but she must have known for awhile because her condition now is so poor. No way it progressed that quickly.

My kids are just gutted by this. First their half sister is born with ataxic CP, then I get my SCI now this. Yeah you're supposed to bury your parents but she is only 59 yo.

I am glad that she and I buried the hatchet years ago. More so since I can be there for my son and daughter. Still trying to sort out my feelings. But I know this...I'm not deferring any chance for moments of joy.

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by flatbutt

But I know this...I'm not deferring any chance for moments of joy.

There it is, in context, the best line ever.

Be happy, Flat, you are a must read for me here.

Best.

[Macroni]

Sorry to hear. A buddy of mine had the exact circumstance with his ex. He stepped it up big time all the way through for his family.

[pwd72s]

Not something I'd wish on anybody.

[john70t]

Originally Posted by flatbutt

No way it progressed that quickly.

Yes it did. It's the glass coffin.

I had a meeting with someone afflicted and she was vibrant and alive. Her hands were a little curled but mostly functional and she could semi-type and use a phone. After and hour she said 'we are done today' and quickly passed out. Her energy level reached a cliffside and that was it. Drinking was a problem early on and thicker substances were better.
A few weeks later, she was almost fully paralyzed.

I'm guessing a lot of these neurological diseases including the dementias will be traced back to environmental sources:
Heavy metal pollution, constant electrical fields, vaccines, farming hormones/antibiotics/etc, or most likely the genetic poisons Monsanto is designing directly into their monolithic grain crops.
Statistics will find them dis-associated to pure genealogy.

[Evans, Marv]

Sad story about a H.S. friend who has Parkinson's and now in a facility along with his wife. He was State champ for wrestling in his weight class in H.S. & went on to achieve a high position with Bechtel. She was a cheer leader in H.S. The wife suffered an allergy related episode years ago leaving her impaired because of lack of oxygen. He is now reported to be mostly unresponsive. Apparently he tried to suffocate his wife with a pillow some time back, no doubt trying to prevent her having a poor end to her life.

[Gretch]

Neighbor and his wife separated a few years ago.......... she had gotten mean spirited and bitter, full of hate for him, despite a great life, several homes, high end cars, vacations, plenty of discretionary cash and two really great kids in college.

She moved out to a flat of her own in the big city.............. expensive.

6 months later she is diagnosed with brain cancer........ has surgery, loses a ot of command and control functions, voluntary and involuntary.

He takes her back, nurses her back to stable health and per his latest report, though still sight impaired on one side, is "thriving".

What a roller coaster..............

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by flatbutt

But I know this...I'm not deferring any chance for moments of joy.

What a great philosophy for life. I am sorry about your troubles, and I thank you for that reminder of what's important in life.

[Bob Kontak]

I am so sorry for your ex.

I don't even have kids with my third. But she is closer to me than one and two. Was at hospital two years ago after her Mom stroked out and they pulled the plug. Bawled like a baby. Long divorced.

So sorry. At least it was fast for me/her. Hang in there, brother.

[LEAKYSEALS951]

I found out my ex wife had a brain tumor. I know I shared it here, but her surgery ironically erased many memories of her current husband and she still remembered me.

Weird? yes. But it really puts things in perspective. Fortunately she is still here and we are good friends.

[wildthing]

Sorry to hear this. I read "Until I Say Goodbye" and I think the advice was to have the kids tested. Might not always be the cause but best to be safe...

[Jeff Alton]

Originally Posted by pwd72s

Not something I'd wish on anybody.

This ^^^

My mom had early onset when she passed. Most terrible disease...

[unclebilly]

A friend’s older brother had ALS. He was a Porsche fan but never owned one, though he certainly could have afforded to buy a new Turbo for cash. Before things got too debilitating, I loaned them my Slantnose Turbo for a summer evening. My friend drove, his brother was already unable to drive at this point.

They rode it hard and had a great time.

I have no regrets loaning it to them, it was a major highlight for both of them.

[flatbutt]

Well it's been a year and today my kids had to put their Mom into hospice care.


This is her back when we skied the ADK high peaks





and when the story started






this is going to be a tough holiday for my son and daughter.

[billybek]

Love the ski/backpack photo.
Sorry to hear of her difficulties.

[JavaBrewer]

Originally Posted by flatbutt

Well it's been a year and today my kids had to put their Mom into hospice care.


This is her back when we skied the ADK high peaks





and when the story started






this is going to be a tough holiday for my son and daughter.

We were all young once. Thanks for sharing and best wishes to your family. Nobody said it would be easy and guarantee for most it wont be.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

So sorry to hear. Best wishes to you, her and your family. I hope that she’s comfortable and at peace. I don’t know what else to say. Please stay strong and reach out to friends here or elsewhere as needed. Sending positive vibes your way!

[KFC911]

Just to pile on....tough to read, but I share everyone's perspective of you. The last line of your post is indeed epic. Take care flatt...

[jhynesrockmtn]

All the best to you and your family. It's great that you can deal with this as a family and you all got along well. My ex and I have been divorced for 10+ years now and have a good relationship. Our kids really appreciate it. Good for you for making them a priority.

[red-beard]

I'm glad you and your ex are in a good place for the kids and for her sake under the circumstances.