I know you understand, however I feel the responsibility to reciprocate the communicaton as I'm sure many of you are interested in some information about Stacy and about our life at the moment.
My intention was to write a recap of events since our last post however that task now seems too involved so I guess I'll just dump a bunch of stuff down here and that will do.
Life was cruising along in the middle of 2012. We were spending a lot of time at home however short trips out were possible and worth the significant effort required. Whilst difficult Stacy and I were able to navigate our days indipendantly. Eating, communicating, pain medication, moving around the house, a bit of online shopping and two energetic sausage hounds filled our days but were within our capacity. At the time it was brutally difficult and monotonous however looking back now it seems like an in control and somewhat acceptable time.
In September Stacy contracted a throat infection. Things changed radically. Stacy fought off the infection with the help of antibiotics however all of her systems were heavily affected; eating, talking, breathing, siting up in a chair and even drinking all became either not possible or very hard. Debi flew out on really short notice and with the help of our GP, daily nurse visits and a big effort from the golden girl herself we battled back to close to our version of normal.
Three weeks ago Stacy's inconsistent swallow contributed to an infection of the upper respiratory tract. I expect it's too hard to imagine what that was like and I'm afraid my description will fail in the attempt to make it clear.
Stacy started eating again three days ago and she continues to scrape and claw at the challenges that fill the day. It is a heartening demonstration of the tenacity of life, I'm finding it uplifting as well as exhausting.
That's it for now. Thanks for the love.
Mike
Stacy and Mike-
ReplyDeleteThere are so many quotes out there abut courage and strength through tough times, but it seems a little futile to put those in a comment to you...you who live out the pure definition of those words with your daily life. Your story that circles the globe in its impact is one for the books and not easily forgotten. Although I may not win any awards with my consistency of email sending to you, know that you are loved and prayed for on a very consistent basis. Dan and I speak of you often and wish we could visit on a daily basis.:) Much love to both of you. Hugs and kisses all around.
Brianna
Miss and love you two!
ReplyDeleteThe right words fail me you. I appreciate it's not an easy update to write so thanks so sincerely for the contact. Stace is the epitome of strength of spirit as you are love and support.
ReplyDeleteMuch love to you both and your extended family, as always never far away.
Janexx
Thanks for the update! Think of you always & admire your courage & strength. Glad you have each other & the puppies! Hope no more infections and lots of joy & laughter instead.
ReplyDeleteLots of love,
Daria & Marty xo xo
Love to love you both! MWAH! ~Kelly
ReplyDeleteMike,
ReplyDeleteThough we've never met, I thought you might be encouraged knowing that your dedication to your wife is affecting people you don't even know and may never meet. You've shown us men what it really means to be a husband. Your love for Stacy is a seed that has been planted in many lives, and God will make them blossom to produce many more men with the courage to be husbands like you.
Stacy,
This is your friend Ben. Here I am compelled to write you, yet stumbiling for words. Pictures of old times would be better. Like the one I have of you with a lapful of spaghetti (one of my personal favorites). Seems like so long ago now. All my memories of you are filled with smiles and laughter. Truly, you are, and have always been, a joy added to so many of our lives. I'd like to leave you with a scripture that makes me think of you:
"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise..." Pr 31:30-31
Ben Taylor
Much love Stacy and Mike. My thoughts are with you.
ReplyDeleteAlvin
There is no better example of true love. Your dedication to Stacy is amazing. Thank you for the update.
ReplyDeleteJessica Saunders Shawn
Thoughts of love go out to you, Mike,and Dave...praying so hard every day to heal your beautiful body back to the bubbly loveable gal you've always been . You are always in my thoughts and so much in my heart ! We are all with you in spirit...words can't express the feeling within. Love you so much Gammy Enie
ReplyDeleteMike and Stacey ~ so heart touching. Your ability to adapt and be strong in the face of ALS is amazing. I know there are other couples who face ALS and your words, experiences would serve as inspiration and relief to those, knowing they aren't alone. May you both be bathed in healing light every minute of every day <3
ReplyDeleteTears for the pain & heartache you two face every day. Meanwhile, tears of joy, admiration, love & (an overused word these days, but not in your case) INSPIRATION. STACY & MIKE: you two show what this world does not have enough of: bravery, endurance, facing obstacles head on and unconditional love. TEAM STACY FOREVER!!!!!!!! Miss you and wish I could hop on a plane right now. All my love, Cin
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the update on your lives. I think about you often, and love to remember our time in New York. Lots of love to you!
ReplyDelete