“Blogaversary” Chapter 49

It’s our anniversary, our anniversary, anniversary! 🎵🎶🎵

One year ago I started this blog, but it was not as simple as it may seem. To write a blog you need a theme, weekly content, a website and followers.  Last May I was given my diagnosis and knew I had to do something to help others understand ALS.  About a month later after informing family and friends, I felt a message from God telling me to share my story and teach others.

So it began one day when sitting in my backyard and I posted this video to my Facebook.

I then started posting updates and had several people asking if I was going to write a book.  Never writing anything before and not sure who would want to read it, I thanked them and just continued with Facebook. It was not until sitting at home with Laura and my brother in Christ Mike when we discussed a blog. I said “who was going to want to read it?" Thats when Laura looked at me and said, “If you build it they will come." Actually she said, “do for your children." These four words have driven me for the last 28 years. There is nothing I won’t do for them.

After reaching out to friends, Katie, a great friend, offered to develop the page. I had a theme, weekly content, and now a website. The only thing left was you. On 11 September I told the world (103 views) that I had ALS and I was going to live with it... not wait to die from ALS.

I shared with you my emotions and how you CAN have peace when facing death. I introduced my village and how important it is to have a support team.  I addressed why it’s important to not have to write your obituary, but to live your life and show people your love now.

Together, with friends, we raised over $35,000 supporting ALS events.  I spoke about the importance of giving back through volunteering and serving others. The importance of patient advocacy and having others speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Over the year, I celebrated my birthday and those of my families, as well as my daughter's wedding and the addition of my son in law. All of my daughters moved close to home and my son found a beautiful girlfriend.  Gabriel and Corina found better jobs and Chantelle and Dominique were both promoted.

Finally, I want to thank all of my guests writers, friends, and family who have spent time visiting and sharing their time and all of you for your support. Some post have engaged almost 800 readers, and others 100.  As long as I have one person reading my posts, I will continue to write my blog.

Hopefully I've inspired you this year, made you laugh, cry, smile, and look around a little more in order to be a better you.  As I continue writing this blog for many more years, I hope to continue to come up with heart-filled topics, updates on my journey, and raise more awareness towards making ALS a survivable disease.

I have found that I am a pretty good writer, and yes, Laura, “they did come." I even wrote some poems, which came as a surprise, even to me. I am always looking for guest writers and encourage you to share your stories.  Last but not least, let’s all remember to "FCK ALS" and every other disease in your life. Let's celebrate the positives in our lives.

Love and blessings.