Those that follow my blog know that I’ve not added new postings this year. That is due to the amount of time, effort and energy it takes to be a caregiver to my husband who was diagnosed with ALS.
For those that are not that familiar with ALS, there is no sugar-coating it, it is a horrible, incurable, fatal disease. It is not known why or how people get it, and there is no treatment. Although there has recently been a new drug made available that is supposed to slow the progression somewhat, it is not a cure. But it may be helpful to those diagnosed early enough, to allow them a better quality of life a little bit longer. So that’s hopeful.
This past year has been a whirlwind of activity as we found we needed to move to a smaller, single floor home, close to work, so that I can easily get back and forth to meet his current care needs. That meant packing up my sewing room and storing away my quilting supplies and fabric, for now.
Luckily I have two creative passions, quilting and photography. When I do get a couple of hours to myself I’ve found getting out of the house with my camera has been very fulfilling; but quilting has taken a back seat. I plan to leave my blog up but wanted to let people know that I’m not sure when I will be quilting again and I may not have time to respond to posts. Please don’t take it personal if you write and do not get a quick, if any, response. Know that I still hope you enjoy what’s been posted and I plan to get back to quilting some time in the future.
Peace.
I was searching Pinterest for fairly simple quilt patterns and came upon one of your patterns. I was a little shocked when the initials ALS caught my eye. My husband passed away just 2 1/2 months ago of this terrible disease. I was searching for patterns because I plan to make 7 lap blanket sized quilts (one for each of our grandchildren) using fabric from his shirts. This project serves a two-fold purpose. Our grandchildren will have a token of remembrance and it’s keeping me busy so I don’t dwell on Jeff’s last few months of suffering. My faith in God has helped me get through these days. I hope you are finding peace.
Debbie Haley
Debbie,
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I also have a bin filled with my late husband’s t-shirts, which I will eventually make into a quilt. It will be 2 years on February 15th, since he passed. I now have a new routine but miss him every single day. It does give me peace to know that my husband is no longer suffering.
Your project sounds lovely! I’m sure your quilts will fill everyone’s hearts with joy.
Take care,
Denise
Que hermoso regalo felicitaciones
I’m so sorry your are going through this terrible illness with your husband. My father-in-law lived with ALS for 15 years…almost unheard of. I know your struggles and understand how terrible it is to watch someone you Love endure this. You are in my thoughts and prayers!
My heart goes out to you! My daughter-in-laws father died of ALS 5 years ago. He was 6’4″, a Civil Engineer for the U.s. Government, a wonderful and devoted husband, father, and son, a gentle giant. He noticed dexterity issues while trying to button a sweater at an October football game at his alma mater, Texas A&M. He was diagnosed within days. In a very short time, he required a cane, then a walker, then had to give up driving and take the commuter train from Dallas to Fort Worth before having to work from home. They had to remodel their home for his motorized wheel chair, acquire a handicap van, and he required round-the-clock care. It was my son’s and daughter-in-law’s senior year in college at TAMU. She gave up that fall semester to care for him since her mother and sister were school teachers. I did all the grocery shopping and meal prep – we all found our ways to pitch in. My son drove home every weekend to help. Like most little girls, Stephanie dreamed of the day her daddy would walk her down the aisle. For that to happen, we had exactly 91 days to throw a wedding togethe . Sadly, he died 5 days before their January 19th wedding – barely 3 months from those first dexterity issues with his fingers. ALS is a cruel and non-discriminating disease. My sincerest sympathies to you and your husband.
Thinking of you and your hubby! God bless you both.
Sending good thoughts your way. May you have the strength to survive this. You are not forgotten.
Thank you Melanie.
Thank you so much.
Best wishes to you and your husband as you both move through this. I wish you peace.